USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Wenham > Wenham town records, 1687-1706 > Part 5
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9
andso far as they can acquit from any forfeiture that might be due to the poor of said town, for his former neglect in not making up and isueing his accounts with the selectmen according to law, and the town treasurer isordered not to prosecute him for any such forfeiture in case the 4shillings and6pence be duly paid.
At a town meeting of the freeholders and inhabitants of Wenham assembled, Nov 4th 1701 - for to make choice of jurors for the next superior court of judicature to be holden at Salem, Robert Symonds Senr. was chosen to serve on the grand jury and Samuel Kimball Senr. and John Dodge to serve on the jury of trials.
At ameeting of the selecmen Nov 4th 1701, Then a war- rant was granted to the constable of Wenham to warn and give notice to all the free holders and inhabitants of this town being commoners to assemble and meet together at the meeting house on tuesday the eighteenth day of this instant nov. at nine of the clock in the forenoon to consider of and agree and act what then shall be thought most nessary and convenient to be done in order to the preservation of the wood and timber on the common land or any part of it either by dividing or any other way that the commoners shall then think may be best for the public Interest of the town, and to make due return of their warrant.
At a town meeting of the free holders and inhabitants of Wenham being Commoners, assembled Nov. 18th 1701 appointed on the 18th day of this Instant. Lieut. William Fisk was chosen Moderator.
52
WENHAM TOWN RECORDS
Voted that whereas at the general town meeting of the free holders and inhabitants of this town assembled March the 11th 1700 and 1701. The town did by their votes leave it to the selectmen to take care about providing a school, for the learning of children to read and write for the year ensueing and that the scholars should pay for their learning it is now ordered that in case what the sholars shall pay for their learning shall not appear to be sufficient satisfaction for the master that shall keep such school, the selectmen are empowered on the towns behalf to make such further satisfaction to said school- master as in equity and justice may be thought convenient. Voted - That whereas we are informed that our town is presented for want of a school master that there shall be two men chosen to answer said presentment, on the towns behalf. Capt, Thomas Fisk and William Fairfield are chosen and appointed to attend to and answer said presentment,
And by virtue of a warrant from the clerk of the sessions of the peace requiring jurors to be chosen for the next court to be holden at Salem. Charles Gott Jun. was chosen grand juryman for the year ensueing.
Thomas Killam and Thomas White chosen to serve on the jury of trials at the next inferior court of Common pleas to be holden at Salem on the last tuesday of Decem- ber next.
At a meeting of the Selectmen Dec. 4th 1701.
Wheras the Selectmen did at their meeting the ninth day of September 1700 appoint Capt. Thomas Fisk to keep a school in the town for the year ensueing, which he did then agree to accept of according to terms then agreed on between them. which time being expired before we were sensible of it andthe town having by their rate left it to the selectmen to take care about providing for a school for the year ensueing, we have now agreed with said Capt. Fisk that he shall continue in said place ac- . cording as he was for merly agreed withall. Ordered that the town treasurer, do pay to Robert Symonds Sen. out of the town treasury eight shillings it being for Irons for the pound gate, and hanging said gate
53
WENHAM TOWN RECORDS
At a meeting of the Selectmen Dec. 1701.
Then agreed that there shall be a town meeting at the meeting house on Monday 29th day of this instant Dece. at nine of the clock in the forenoon, for making some prudential orders, for the preservation of the wood and timber on our towns Commonland, and to consider of and agree about any other towns business that may then come unto consideration, and accordingly a warrant was granted, to the constables, signed by the town Clerk for the warning of said meeting.
At a town meeting of the freeholders and inhabitants of Wenham assembled Dec the 29 1701 according to the warrant of the selectmen, the 26th day of this Instant Dec. for to make prudential orders for the preservation of the wood and timber on the towns common land.
Ensign Waltor Fairfield Chosen Moderator. Voted that there shall not be any wood or timber carried out of our town from any part of our common land directly or indi- rectly, wrought up or not wrought up, on the penalty of twenty shillings for each tree so carried away.
Voted - that there be no sort of green wood or timber, fallen on any part of our common land under one foot through, at the stump where it is fallen, upon penalty of twenty shillings a tree, for each tree so fallen. Voted --
that there shall be no pine, Hemlock or Oak tree.or trees fallen on any part of our common land, under six- teen inches at the stump wher it is fallen and whom so ever falleth any timber or wood what so ever shall cut up and carry away. from off of the common the whole tree body and limbs. except it be pine or hemlock, and if any person shall not withstanding andof the sorts above said under that bigness, he shall pay twenty shillings for each tree so fallen
Voted - that whomsoever falleth any wood or timber on any part of the common land, shall that same day that they falleth cut it up fit to be carted or sledded, off the common, and if not cut up that day then to be free to any one, as his own. And if any layeth above seven days, after it is cut up, it shall be free to anyone to take as his
54
WENHAM TOWN RECORDS
own, and whatsoever wood or timber that is now fallen down on any part of the common land and is not cut up as aforesaid, within four days after this day it shall be free for any to cut up as his own. And ifany such wood or timber layeth cut up above seven days after there be- ing any coming at it, with a cart or sled to carry it away it sahall be free for any to take as his own, provided he that shall take either tree or wood by virtue of this order, shall be a commoner in our town. and the several penal- ties for the breach of the aforesaid orders or any of them, shall be to the use of the town, and to be recorded by the town treasurer by due process of law.
voted - that it be ordered and agreed, that whom soever of the commoners in our town shall employ any out of town man or inhabitant of any other town, to cut wood and timber, on the said common, or to carry of wood or timber off of such common shall pay twenty shillings aday for each dav, he shall employ any said person as aforesaid, to be to the towns use, and to be recorded to the town treasurer by due process of law. and what per- son or persons so ever shall inform our town treasurer of the breach of any of the orders, above written and pro- duce sufficient evidence to prove the same shall be paid for his pains outof the town treaurery five shillings for each tree so fallen or carried away, or any offense against or breach of these orders.
At a meeting of the selectmen, Dec 29th 1701.
Ordered that the town treasurer do pay to Capt. Fisk and William Fairfield, on the towns account twenty shillings, they being chosen and appointed by the town to answer a presentment, which is said to be made against the town for want of a school master.
At a meeting of the Selectmen Jan 26 1701 and 2.
A tax was made on the poles and estates in and belonging to our town of Wenham in two distincts listsfor our pro- portion to the country charges, as per warrant received from the clerk of the sessions of peace, which lists were committed to the two Constables with a warrant on each list for the collecting of the same and paying of it in by the first day of April next ensueing, the date hereof in
55
WENHAM TOWN RECORDS
money or equal. Constable John Browns list amounted to four pounds. two shilligs and two pence and he was ordered to make payment to John Appleton Esq. County treasurer or his successor in that office, three pound fif- teen shilling and two D. and to the town treasurer, three shillings, the remainder of said list being four shillings is allowed you for carrying a vagabond person to Ipswich and collecting this list. Constable Samuel Killam List amounted to three pounds, eleven shillings and eleven pence, and he was ordered to make payment to John Appleton Esq, County treasurer or his successor in that office, three pounds, seven shillings and three pence.
the remainder of said list being four shillings and 8 pence is allowed you for warning the last town meetting, and collecting this list.
Ordered that John Newman be allowed out of the town treasury, for drawing the list of assessment herewith. At a meeting of the selectmen Feb. 16th 1701 and 2 a war- rant was granted to the constable to warn a town meeting of the freeholders andother inhabitants of this town quali- fied to vote in town affairs, to assemble and meet together at the meeting house, on the first tuesday on the month of march next ensueing at eight of the clock in the fore- noon, to make choice of town officers for the year ensue- ing and for the doeing of any other business that may be then thought necessary and to make return of this war- rant to the selectmen.
Allso reconed and accounted with Capt. Fisk and William Fairfield for the twenty shillings they received of the town treasurer, being employed to go to Salem on the towns account and they had laid out and expended for the towns use with their time fifteen Shillings. the other five shillingswas discounted with them for carting stones to the meeting house for paving. Ordered that there be paid to Ensign John Porter three shillings out of the town treasury, for carting of gravel to the meeting house. Ordered that there be paid to Lieut. Thomas Fisk three shilligs and five pence out of the town treasury infull of what is remaining due to him for Selectmens expenses to this time.
56
WENHAM TOWN RECORDS
At a general Town meeting of the free holders and in- habitants of Wenham, assembled March 3rd - 1701-2. Thomas Fisk Sen. Chosen Moderator, Ensign Walter Fairfield, Ensign John Porter, James Freind, Thomas Patch and Thomas Fisk Sen. chosen selectmen for the year ensueing.
Thomas Fisk chosen Town Clerk for the year ensueing and sworn by the selectmen the same day.
John Batcchelder Chosen Constable for the west end of the town and Zacheus Goldsmith, for the East end of the town for the ensueing year.
John Berry Chosen for surveyors of the Highways for the west end of the town and Nathaniel Waldron, Sur- veyor for the east end of the town for the year ensueing. Thomas Edwards and Ebenezar Batchelder chosen for Tithing men, for the year ensueing.
William Fairfield, John Gott, and Benjamin Edwards chosen for fence viewers for the year ensueing. Benja- min Edwards appointed for a leather Sealer. Ensign Fairfield chosen to seal weights and measures. Thomas Fisk Jun. Chosen for town treasurer. It being put to the vote wether, Mr. Newman shall be allowed any more for his Clerkship than what has been already allowed him and it was voted in the negative. Twas voted that Mr. Newman shall have fifteen shillings of the towns money, which he has in his hands as town treasurer, in consideration of his trouble in his treasury, for the last year past. Twas Voted that Mr. Newman, James Freind - Fairfield, and Thomas Kimball shall be allowed two pounds, nine shillings and eleven pence which is in Mr. Newmans hand as town treasurer, in consideration two pounds twelve shillings and seven pence which they were damaged in the prosecuting of a Complaint on the town's behalf, before Mr. Hawthorne, against John Coy about the fault in his colectorship.
Upon a complaint made to the town, by Mr. Tilton that there is arrears of payment still due to him, building the meeting house. it is left to the Selectmen to examin and find out what hath been paid, and use means that those who are behind in paying their dues may make
57
WENHAM TOWN RECORDS
payment, that so the carpenter may have his due. the question being put, whether the town will allow of those three pews newly set up before Mr. Porters pew in our meeting house - it was voted on the negative, and it was allso votedthat the said three pews shall be removed, and the town seats repaired and made up in the same form which the town made them at first.
Voted - that Walter Fairfield, John Porter and Thomas Patch, Richard Dodge James Freind, - Fairfield, and Thomas Fisk Sen. are appointed acommittee, with full powers from time to time to seat people in our meeting house as there shall be occasion.
John Batchelder, John Gott, Zacheus Goldsmith, John Barry, Nathaniel Waldron Thomas Edwards, Ebenezar Batchelder Fairfield, Benjamin Edwards, Walter Furniss and Thomas Fisk Jun. appeared before the Se- lectmen March fifth 1701-2 andwere sworn each of them to their respective offices.
At a meeting of the selectmen March 18 1702.
it was ordered that there be a warrant forthwith sent to constable Zacheus Goldsmith forthwith, to warn Abigail the wife of Joshua Easty of Topsfield to remove both her- self and child back to the place from which she came, she having been resident in our town three weeks or there abouts. accordingly there was awarrant sent to the con- stable that same day.
At a meeting of the selectmen April 24th 1702.
There was then a note drawn for Sargent Thomas Ed- wards and Benjamin Edwards, to meet with Manchester gentlemen 28th of April instant at ten of the clock, to meet at garden lot according to their notification to per- ambulate the line between Manchester and Wenham. Then there was also a notification drawn to Topsfield selectmen to perambulate and renew the bounds between their town and wenham. on the 18th day of may next ensueing and Joseph Herrick, Thomas Rix and Samuel Rix or any of them were ordered to meet with their men at ten of the clock in the forenoon, at the west end of Wenham Causeway if it be fair weather but if it prove foul, then the next fair day at the same hour of that day.|
58
WENHAM TOWN RECORDS
On the 5th day of May warrants were sent to the Con- stable to warn a town meeting
on the 12th of May Instant to choose a representative for the General Court at Boston 27th may Instant. and provide a school and pound keeper what else is needfull for the town to consider, by order of the selectmen.
The following account of Mr. Newman was on a stray leaf, and was not found untill after the above Record was coppied in 1702.
The town of Wenham Dr. 1700 March 4th.
To money paid for the Indian title of our Town ship - 3:10:
by the committee
To money remaining due to - Newman as pr acpt madeup with the selectmen to march 4th 1700-1 1 :: 01 :: 06:
1701
May 6th, To paid to Lieut Thomas Fisk for Selectmen expenses 0 :: 08 :: 00
by Constables Sa'l Killams Bill to this time July 4th To money paid to Benjamin Ed-
wards in part, towards his keeping good- wife Hobbs as pr receipt 9:05:00
Aug. 25th To more ditto for the selectmens expenses in making the country tax to goodwife woodman's 0:07:00 Oct. 10th to more do paid to Ebenezar Batch- elder in part for Keeping the meeting house and ringing the bell for the year 1700 to more paid him in full six shill- ings, 3d 1 :: 06: 0
ditto 15th to more paid to Benjamin Edwards towards the keeping of the widow Hobbs as per receipt 4:05:00
ditto 28th To money paid Goodman Young the glaiser for mending the glass of the meeting house in the west Lucom 0:06:00
Nov. 5th To more paid Lieut William Fisk in partfor his sevices as Representative to general court 5:11:00
59
WENHAM TOWN RECORDS
ditto 18th to more do paid Benjamin Ed- wards to Complete the fifteen pounds he was to receive. 1:09:06
Nov. 24th to 12 quire of paper for the towns use
0:00: 6
Dec 4th To money Robert Symonds Senr. for Irons for the pounds
0:08:
dec. 30th - to more paid Capt. Fisk and William Fairfield, they being appointed a committee to answer a presentment against the town
1:00:
1701
Jan. 26 To more due to John Newman for drawing the Lists for the town and County rates 0:04:
Feb 14 To money discounted with Constable Samuel Killam being for John Coy's head that was rated to the County be- fore he became of age - 0:03
To Money paid for weights and measures for the towns use 1:00:00
To Money to Lieut William Fisk Towards his Services at General Court as Rep- resentative 2:14:0
Feb 26 - To money paid to Lt. William Fisk in full for the Selectmens expenses to this time 0:08:08
33:07:07
pr Contra
April 1st 1701 By Constable John Brown for a list of assessment committed to him to cllect and pay into the town treasury by the fifteenth of this instant April two pounds, seventeen shillings 2 17
April 1st Constable Samuel Killam for aList of assessment committed to him to col- lect and to be paid in by the 15th day of april next ensueing
By Constable John Brown for another
2:08:03
/
60
WENHAM TOWN RECORDS
list of a town rate committed to him to collect and to be paid in by the twentieth day of June next ensueing By Constable Samuel Killam for another list of a town rate committed to him to collect and to be paid in by the 20th of june next ensueing
June 16th By money received of William Gid- ney Esq Sheriff being a fine of Mordecai Larcom due to the poor of said town
aug25,, By money discounted with Benjamin Edwards twelve shillings and six pence and with John Newman Six Shillings and eight pence it being their rates or proportions in the list of assessments for the county tax dated Aug the 25th 1701 and committed to constable Brown and Killam their said rates being crossed in said lists and paid into the town Treas- ury for the towns use per order of the selectmen.
Aug 25th By Constable John Brown for a list of town rates committed to him to col- lect an pay into the town treasurer, by the first day of November next ensue- ing as per his warrant unto affixed 5 :: 08:00 By Constable Samuel Killam for a list of assessment for a town rate committed to him to collect and pay into the town treasurer by the first of november next ensueing as per his warrant unto affixed dated Aug 5th 1701 4 :: 12 :: 00
Dec 1st 1701 By money received of Thomas Killam one of the constables for the year 1699- 4-6it being so much remaining in his hands of a town rate committed to him to collect as pr acpts made up. with the Selectmen Aug 25th last past.
9:12:00
7:15:
0: 5: 0
0:19:02.
0 :: 04 :: 06
W
61
WENHAM TOWN RECORDS
Dec 4th By Ditto more received of John Coy one of the constables of 1699 3 :: 08 :: 00
37 :: 08 :: 11
1701
april 1st John Brown Constable in acpt with the Town of Wenham for a list of as- sesment committed to you to collect and pay into the town trearer by the fif- teenth of this instant april according to warrant
2 :: 17 :: 00.
To ditto for another list of a town rate committed to you to collect and pay ac- cording to your warrant by the 20th day of June, next ensueing
9:12 :: 00
Aug 25th To ditto for another list of asses- ment of a town rate Committed to you to collect and pay into the town treasurer by the first day of Nov. next ensueing according to your warrant Per contra.
5:08:00
april25th by money received and discounted with you in behalf of the town in fullof the list of assesment committed to you to go collect of the money and cost ex- pended in purchasing the Indian title of our township. 2:17:00
May 26 By money received of you for town of wenham acpt 2:02:00
July 14 By money ditto of you on the towns accounts
4:18 :: 0
Oct 6. by more do do of you 2:12 0
2:12:00
oct 28 by more ditto of you 24 s and dis- counted 10 1:14:00
Nov 5 by more of you do 40
2 :: 00 :: 00
March 2nd 1702 By more ditto of you by dis- count Lt. Wm. Fisk 1:14:00
Dec 14 1702 accounted with Constable Brown acquitted and closed 5:08 :: 00
April 2nd 1701 Samuel Killam Constable in
62
WENHAM TOWN RECORDS
acpt with Town Treasurer Dr to the town of Wenham for alist of assesment . committed to you to collectand pay into the town treasurer by the fifteenth of this instant April according to warrant April 1st To ditto for anoter list of a town rate committed to you to collect and pay into the town treasurer, according toyour warrant by the 20th of June next en- sueing
2:08:03
7:15:00
Aug 25th To ditto for another list of asses- ments of a town rate payable by the first of Nov next ensueing according to your warrant
4:16:03
14:16:03
Per Contra Credit
1701
April 21 By money paid to the town treasu- rer and discounted him in behalf of the town toward the money and cost laid out and expended in purchasing the Indian title of our township
2:04:10
June 6th by more ditto of you on towns acpt 31s
1:11:00
July 14th by more ditto of you on towns acpt 46/8
2:06:08
Aug 16th By more ditto of you 22s
1:02:00
Oct 6th By more ditto of you 36s 4d
1:16:04
Nov 5th By more ditto of you 39s
1:19:00
Nov 18th By more ditto of you 22-8-5
1:02:05
Feb 14 1702 By more ditto of you 30- 4- and discounted 3 shillings paid to Goodman Symonds and 3 to John Coy for his sons head that was rated to the country and he was not of age.
1:16:04
13:18:07
May 12, 1702 At a legal Town Meeting, Thomas Fisk Sen. Chosen Moderator. Mr. John Newman Chosen to represent the town in the next general court, the 27th of May 1702. Thomas Fisk is appointed School master
63
WENHAM TOWN RECORDS
to learn those that would learn to write and Cypher, on the terms he accepted it theyear past.
Voted that the selectmen have full power to agree with such school dames as are nessary to learn children to read. Robert Symounds is appointed pound keeper, until there be another Chosen.
At ameeting of the Selectmen of Topsfield may 6th 1702. We have appointed mr. Isaac peobody, Mr Elisha Per- kins and Thomas Towns or any two of them to go on perambulation with Wenham Gentlemen appointed for that end and to meet at the west end of Wenham Cause- way on the 18th day of this instant May at ten of the clock in the morning, per order of the Selectmen, Samuel Standley, Town Clerk
We whose names are underwritten being appointed to meet with such gentlemen of Wenham as was appointed for to renew the bounds between the towns, and have renewed the bounds, as they have renewed according to agreement last made. dated may 18th 1702. Thomas Town - Elisha Perkins
That what is above written is a true entry of the above mentioned return Attest Thomas Fisk Clerk.
At a legal Town Meeting June 15th 1702
deacon Nathl. Fisk chosen moderator.
Ensign John Porter chosen to serve on the jury of trials at the next inferior court holden in Salem.
Voted - that Ensign Walter Fairfield Sargent Thomas Patch and Thomas Fisk senr are appointed with full power to settle the bounds between John Leech and the town common an in case he refuse to show his bounds then the said committe are empowered to measure his land according to his grant, and thereoff make return to the town.
Voted - That Lieut Thomas Fisk, John Gott and Joseph Herrick are appointed a committee fully empowered to prosecute against Zacheus Perkins at law for trespasing on the town common land at Huckle berry Island or else to agree with him on the towns behalf for his said tres- pass as they shall see need.
Augt. 27th 1702.
64
WENHAM TOWN RECORDS
At a meeting of the selectmen, a provine tax was made together with a town rate and committed them in two lists to the Constables.
Constable John Batchelders list 21 :: 15 :: 10 :: to pay the province treasurer 21 : 11 :: and 4s and 10 penc,. allowed him for collecting., And the town rate in the magin of said list of 3 :: 12 :: 6 :: for payment of rep- resentative and for the bell Ringer was ordered by war- rant to be collected and paid into said town treasury at or before the last day of Oct. next.
And the other list of 19 :: 8 :: 05 to Constable Zacheus Goldsmith to pay the province treasurer 18 :: 7 :: and 16 :: 6pene to the town treasurer the rest 4s - 11 pence was allowed him for collecting. And the town rate in the margin of said list being 3 : 18 : 6 - to be collected and paid into the town Treasurer at or before the last day of october next for the paying the Representativ and bell Ringer.
At a Legal Town Meeting Oct. 28 1702 for the choice of juror at the next Superior court to be holden at Salem. John Leech chosen to serve on the grand jury and William Fairfield and Thomas Patch Senr. and John Barr Chosen to serve on the jury of trial.
At a meeting of the Selectmen November 3rd 1702, They then passed an order to pay to Robert Symonds thirteen Shillings,. for keeping the meeting house in order the year last past, and then agreed with him for the like servisce for this instant year uponthe same terms as for- merly
Also then passed an order to the town treasurer, to pay Mr. Newman 4 : 14 :: 6 when together with 17 pounds of the town powder in his hand was in full for his sevices as representative at the general court. the 31st of Octo- ber this instant year. Also then delivered to Ensign Wal- ter Fairfield, the town Standard brass weights this viz. 4 pounds, 2 pounds 1 pounds - 1-2 and 1-4 pound. Boston Sept 26 1701.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.