USA > New Hampshire > Cheshire County > Walpole > A history of Walpole, New Hampshire, Volume I > Part 44
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By 1761 town management had become more businesslike and it was voted to buy a record book into which were copied what records there were of previous meetings. Apparently the first warrant for a town meet- ing was issued in 1761. "To the Constable of the Town of Walpole in said Province Greeting: In his Majestys name you are required to notify and warn the Freeholders and Inhabitants of said Town to assemble and meet at the Fort in said Town on Wednesday the Eighteenth Day of March
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instant at two of the clock in the afternoon that being meet and Form may act on the particulars here mention if they see cause." In addition to the election of officers they were "to hear the accounts how the money that was granted to hire preaching has been laid out and to see and grant money for to pay Mr. Jonathan Leavitt for preaching to the time that he shall be ordained ... to see whether the Town will agree where to meet on the Sabbath and make some convenient seats to sit on and choose some person to provide same. And make return of this warrant to someone of us before the time of the Meeting. .. . "
At this meeting they voted "There be 12 shillings lawful money laid upon each settler belonging to said Town to be worked out at Highways at 3/5 per Day if worked out before the last of September next, the one half to be worked out by the last of June next, and the other half by the last of September."
At the annual meeting in March 1762 "Voted that each Settler or In- habitant work four Days Each or pay Twelve Shillings Lawful Money Toward Setting up a Frame for a meeting house fifty six feet in Length and forty two feet in Bredth and that Benjamin Bellows Esq., make up the Rest." Benjamin Bellows, Thomas Chandler and Edmond Jackson were voted a committee "to see and take care of the meeting House work and make Provision there."
In 1764 it was voted to allow the swine to run at large "well yoaked and ringed"; by 1769 voted that they be shut up.
In 1765 every man was to give one day's work to build a pound, prob- ably in the north part of the village.
In 1771 Cheshire County was set up with Keene the county seat but with court also held at Charlestown. The first jurors were drawn 1773, and that same year we find the town was sued for failing to repair the Merriam Road. Legal business was much more readily transacted than when one had to travel to Portsmouth, but we find Lt. Isaiah Witt, Capt. John Bellows, and Amos Babcock chosen a committee to meet at the Inn- hold of Capt. Bellows with committees from other towns: 1) To petition Governor and Council not to have any more Taxation without Repre- sentation, 2) That the Attorneys' Fees be abated and that an addition be made to the Jurors, 3) That Hon. Daniel Jones Esq. and Elisha Marsh, Esq., be removed as judges, 4) To petition His Majesty's Justices of the Peace that County Treasurer and Clerk of Court be nearer the center of the county. (Were they at their own homes, like the Register of Deeds at Walpole?)
May 11, 1775, Thomas Sparhawk was chosen delegate for six months
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to the Provincial Congress at Exeter. Apparently Ebenezer Swan also attended. In July 1775 "Voted to Pledge their honor and Estates to De- fray all necessary Charges that shall arise in the Common Cause . . . made choice of Ebenezer Swan, Josiah Goldsmith, and Shearman Board- man a Committee to nominate Field Officers." In December 1775 Capt. John Bellows was elected to represent Walpole at the Provincial Congress.
In December 1776 Col. Webber was elected representative, and Capt. Goldsmith, Amos Babcock, Samuel Trott, Barnabas Delano and John Marcy were chosen a committee to prepare instructions for him. With a great many words they told him they wanted the Union preserved and they wanted a state government formed. Whether he refused to follow the instructions or whether he did not interpret them in the same way that they were meant is not known, but there was great dissatisfaction with his performance, his constituents becoming much excited and threatening to bring him to the bar of the town to answer for his mis- doings. In spite of his delinquency he was returned to Exeter by a rous- ing majority in the next election.
Walpole did her share in furnishing men and means for the service and use of the Continental army, and the records show evidence of the care taken for the families left at home. It was also during this period that the town began to raise money for the town poor.
At a meeting held July 12, 1779, "Voted to raise one thousand Pound to Procure five men that are Now Called for to Join the Continental army for one year In addition to What Servis has already been Done and the Whole to be forthwith assessed on the Present Valuation . . . Voted that Capt. Webber With the Rest of the Selectmen Procure the afore- said five men &C on the Towns Cost." In August this vote was added, "That the Selectmen add the Extraordinary hire that Capt. Webber gave the five men for the years Servis to the sum granted for that Purpose to- gether with his Cost and Expence and assess the whole in one bill." In- flation had struck, or depreciation.
"The exact number of men that went into the Continental service" is not known, "but it is said that most of the able-bodied men in town served a longer or shorter period." (AH) (See appendix for list of men known to have served.)
The duties of the selectmen were gradually increasing. A committee to "examine and inquire into the State of the Town Treasury" was first elected 1774, reporting the following year. In 1777 it was voted that the selectmen and all other town officers shall have the usual power and au- thority as when law was in full force. By 1778 the selectmen were being
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paid for "taking general invoice and settling the value of the Poles and Rateable Estate in order to make the State Tax." In 1778 they were also to look out for families of captives and those killed in the war.
The town bought a set of "Waits and Measures", and James Bundy furnished (probably made in his shop) a seal.
In 1780 a new pound was built on Col. John Bellows' land adjoining James Bundy (South end of Main Street); 1782 another pound 40 ft. x 40 ft. and 6 ft. high of stone, Thomas Page to build it for £9; Manoah Drury actually built it for £13/16/0. In 1784 again voted to build a pound on Maj. Benjamin Bellows' land near corner of Antipas Harring- ton (top of Prospect); 1793 "To remove old pound and build new on westerly corner of Common (the church common at top of Prospect), 40' 40' x 10' high." Stones from the old pound were used in the foun- dation of the Hooper School.
In 1779 voted to "Taick Possession of the Publick Wrights" and im- prove them for the benefit of the town. These lots 200 rods wide were along the north line of the town and had been reserved for Gov. Benning Wentworth, the Glebe and the Church of England, a total of about 1500 acres. These lands or a part of them were leased to John Prentiss of Lang- don for a series of years, the betterments of which were sold to the town afterwards. In 1784, having trouble raising money to pay Mr. Fessenden his salary, due primarily to depreciation of the currency, the town voted "to sell so much of the Right for Propergation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts in the Town of Walpole as to pay The Rev. Mr. Thomas Fessenden the Arrearage of his Salary the Town owed him January 1783." Benjamin Bellows, Samuel Trott and Jonathan Eastman were chosen a committee to give a deed to Mr. Fessenden of enough land to pay his salary. The town voted to defend the commitee in case their right to sell the land was questioned in a lawsuit. In 1786 Col. John Bellows, Thomas Spar- hawk and Col. Christopher Webber were chosen a committee to dispose of all of the public lands for the benefit of the town, the town to defend them in case of a lawsuit. (See History of Episcopal Church).
The great question during the 1780's was whether to finish the meeting house where it was or build a new one. After voting one way and then the other, it was finally decided in 1786 to build new on the hill where the Hooper School now stands.
Three means were used to finance the erection of the new house, even then some difficulty being experience due to the uncertainty of the value of currency. 1) Sale of pews at public vendue (auction). An ingenious installment plan was set up. 2) Sale of the public lands (May 29, 1787).
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3) Taxes-In May 1788 "Voted to raise Two Hundred and Fifty pounds to be paid in Good Ox or Cow Beef at 20/ per Hundred or good Wheat at 4/ per bushel to be paid by the 15th of October next to be Laid out Toawards Finishing the New Meeting House." The Baptists began to com- plain at being taxed for the new meeting house, but in January 1789 it was voted to continue taxing the Baptists. However, in September they voted "to Refund to the Baptists (meaning those that were Regular Bap- tist at the time they were Assessed to pay towards Building the New Meet- ing House) what was Collected from them." At that time they also Voted to take the Glass out of the old Meeting House to help Glaze the New House. Captains Hooper, Carlisle and Jennison were chosen a committee to settle with the Baptists. Among these was probably Cornelius Warren who is recorded in 1784 as "certified a constant attendant at worship in Marlow."
In 1787 Langdon was set off, taking the northeast corner of Walpole and the southeast corner of Charlestown. In LAWS OF NEW HAMP- SHIRE Vol. 5 P 224-6, we find the following description: "From Charles- town south line westerly on said line to within 250 rods of the river, southerly on west side of Fall Mountain about one mile and 200 rods, easterly on north line of Mr. Atkinson's land to the east line of Walpole, then on east line of Walpole to the south line of Charlestown. . .. To be represented as if still annexed in the same manner. . . . All public lands in said Walpole which may be included within the lines (of Lang- don) shall be freed from taxes so long and no longer than while they continue to be public lands."
April 24, 1787, Walpole "Voted to petition the General Court to ex- tend the westerly line of Langdon to Connecticut River in accordance with the Walpole vote." This was not done. In 1797 voted that the agent for the town make and deliver to the buyer deeds for Publick Lands in Langdon reserved by Walpole when Langdon was set off.
In 1808 the town was sued in connection with the public lands in Langdon and Roger Vose was chosen agent for the town.
By charter, town meeting was held the 3rd Wednesday in March. In 1790 by a special act of the legislature it was changed to the first Wednesday. In 1804 held for first time on second Tuesday in March.
By 1792 it had become very difficult to get anyone to accept the office of constable. The office entailed the collection of taxes and, especially while the currency was unstable, it was a risky task. After two candidates had been elected and excused, the town voted to hire a constable for the ensuing year to serve all town warrants for the hire and do the usual
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business of the constable. Voted to set up the hire to the lowest bidder at vendue. (It became the custom to find out who would make the lowest bid, then elect that man to the office.) Voted that the constable shall be at no charge conveying poor people out of town except his own time. He was required to give his bond. In 1794 the bid was £8.
There was considerable concern for the poor of the town and some thought was given to the establishment of a poorhouse. In 1797 the voters rejected an article calling for a hospital for innoculating against small pox.
In 1794 the selectmen were to impound sheep feeding on the Com- mon (church common on Prospect). In May 1799 it was voted no sheep to run at large on Meeting House Common at any season, neat cattle can run November 15 to May 15. Caleb Bellows chosen to keep the Com- mon clear of neat cattle and sheep.
March 1792 the selectmen reported perambulating the Walpole-West- moreland line according to law "From pillar of stones on Connecticut River east 10 degrees 15 minutes south 43/4 miles and 25 rods to corner of Surry, stake and stones. Set up stake and stones every 80 rods . . . marked and numbered according to their distance and have put on the letters TL. . . . "
In 1815 the town accepted from Col. Thomas C. Drew one acre of land in Drewsville for a burying ground. The old burying ground in the village was enlarged. The town then owned a hearse and pall.
In 1816 Thomas Drew and others petitioned the legislature to be al- lowed to organize an Episcopal Society in Drewsville. The action was opposed by the town, but the petition was granted.
In 1813 the voters turned down an article to buy a stove for the meet- ing house.
In 1818 and 1819 the voters were unanimous in their opposition to dividing the county. They had previously tried unsuccessfully to have Walpole made the shire town, even raising a considerable amount of money for a court house.
Care of the poor was still being auctioned to the lowest bidder. There begins to be some inclination to elect an overseer of the poor.
GLEBE ACTION: In 1808 Roger Vose was chosen agent for the town to defend the suit brought by the Society for Propagating the Gospel against certain tenants in Langdon. The public lands (Glebe) had been sold at various times-to pay Mr. Fessenden, to buy the meeting house bell, etc. Apparently the town lost this suit and in 1815 a committee was appointed
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to procure a lease of the public lands for John Prentiss and others, "the lands which had been recovered in a suit against John Prentiss and others in the name of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in foreign parts and also to get the best terms in their power from the said John Prentiss and others how they would settle with the town and take the risk upon themselves." In 1819 the committee reported "that they have procured a lease in the name of said John Prentiss and running to him for 999 years from certain Trustees of Donations &c and have received from said Prentiss (but not from others) proposals in writing which are herewith exhibited and recommend to the Town to accept the same and to pass the following vote: that the selectmen be authorized and directed to pay to the said John Prentiss out of the money already collected or due to the town for the sale of the Publick Lands socalled, the sum of $1000 and interest from July 1, 1818 and deliver to him the lease men- tioned in his said proposals, provided the said Prentiss complies with the terms and fulfills on his part the conditions mentioned in his proposals." This vote fulfilled the proposals made by Prentiss, and apparently the matter was settled.
1827 the first checklist in town was prepared and used, 412 names.
In 1831 the town ceased to elect tythingmen.
An Act adopted by the General Court Jan. 4, 1833, provided that the constable must post a bond in an amount approved by the selectmen, not less than $50 nor more than $1000, and provided for suing the con- stable in the case of default, malfeasance, misfeasance or nonfeasance. The town adopted this act.
1836 Refused to adopt Act of June 27, 1835, on preventing small pox. They were trying to raise part of the highway money in cash and suc- ceeded only for emergencies.
1836 A resolution was passed to close the accounts on books of the selectmen and town treasurer and that new accounts be opened-that hereafter all orders drawn on the town treasurer be numbered and re- corded by the selectmen. In 1839 the selectmen were authorized to ar- range the town records and furnish an index of the contents. There is no indication that this was done.
1837 Money was tight. Several accounts were not allowed; highway surveyors delinquent for the past five years were ordered to make returns to the selectmen.
1837 February 6, at a special meeting voted to receive, in accordance with Acts of Congress and the State Legislature, Walpole's proper pro- portion of the public moneys of the United States which may be de-
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posited with the state and pledged faith of the town for safekeeping and repayment of same. Josiah Bellows 3rd was chosen agent to receive the money which was to be loaned in amounts not exceeding $300 to any individual, preference to Walpole inhabitants. Josiah Bellows 3rd, Fred- erick Vose and William Buffum were the committee to lend the money, to receive 1/2% for compensation, to make a yearly exhibit of the state of the funds. First, the interest was used to defray town debts incurred by the judgments against the town in connection with the accident at Cold River Bridge, then the principal. More was used toward building the new bridge at Drewsville (1839), as ordered by the court, and the last of the fund went toward building the New Keene Road (Rt. 12) (1839). This was referred to as the Surplus Fund.
1840 "To allow Unitarian Society under direction of a committee ap- pointed by the town (Anan Evans, Joseph Mason, Nehemiah Giles) to alter meeting house by laying a floor over the center thereof on a level with the top sill of the gallery, and to finish off the upper part for a room for worship for the use of their society provided the consent of the pew holders is first had and obtained, and that the society have the privi- lege of using all materials not wanted for use of the town." The lower floor of the meeting house sloped and discussion became heated when the suggestion was made that they make the floor level.
1841 First election of County Road Commissioners. Article "To see what measures if any the Town will take to recover the Iron Cannon heretofore put into the hands of Thomas C. Drew for safe keeping and since secretly and forcibly taken from him by certain individuals." Action "That the selectmen call on the man or men at Acworth and get the cannon if they can."
1842 Selectmen directed "to let all poor, chargeable to this town, to one person at such place and on such terms as in their opinion shall be most advantageous to the poor and the town, and to let all such cases as are now assisted by this town that the county are supposed to be liable to pay for in separate contracts from that of the Town's poor." Beginning in 1841 there were positive votes to buy a town farm for the care of the poor. It was voted to buy a farm in 1844.
In 1846 the following rules were made for "Government of inmates of House at Town Farm: 1) Every inmate, when able, shall be diligently employed under the supervision of the overseer; 2) Shall not leave the premises with the intention of returning without leave of absence; 3) Shall not bring into house ardent spirits of any kind; 4) Shall be pun-
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ished for rule breaking by hard labor and such reasonable correction as a parent may lawfully inflict upon a refractory child."
1842 Article "To appoint an agent at the expense of the town to de- fend Capt. John N. Hodskins and others who were indited for clearing the Town's Common in Walpole Village of the Fence and trees put thereon without authority from the town." Action: Voted at an ad- journed meeting not to appoint an agent, but "in order to suppress ex- citement, allay animosity, and restore peace and good feeling among the people of the town" to dismiss the article and to have steps taken to have the case discontinued.
1842 This year and for several years there was a rash of selling prop- erty for taxes.
1843 It was the duty of the selectmen at this time to file with the Town Clerk (agreeable to Chapter 25 Sec. 18 of Revised Statutes) "the list of voters used at the annual meeting with the names of all the rateable polls in said town not included in said list written upon the back thereof." 483 voters, 507 total rateable polls.
The selectmen were to settle with the agent of the Church upon the best terms they can and obtain a discharge. (See Churches)
1844 Voted to change meeting house belonging to town to a form and position suitable for town purposes, the selectmen to purchase for the town the interests of the pew holders.
Voted to purchase a hearse sleigh; to enlarge the village burying ground. In 1849 voted again to enlarge the burying ground "To buy, fence and lay out for a town cemetery the lot of land called the grove ad- joining the burying ground near Walpole Village. ... "
1844 Apparently there was some trouble in town meeting for the fol- lowing was adopted: "Rules governing Town Meeting in Walpole, Voted that every person on entering the Hall shall take a seat, also, that no per- son shall stand upon the seats or Railing, that no person shall speak while another is speaking to interrupt him, that no one shall stand up directly before the person speaking, that every voter when he has de- livered his Ballot shall repair immediately to his seat, there shall be no standing about the Selectmen's desk after the Balloting is over."
1845 An overseer of the poor was elected, but in 1848 the duties again devolved upon the selectmen.
1845 Each family was allowed one cow to run in the highway, other animals prohibited.
1846 Began to have ballots with names of officers, balloted one day, adjourned to following day for other business.
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1846 Chose Jesseniah Kittredge agent for vaccination.
Aug. 4, 1846 Licensed Messrs. Welch and Mann to exhibit their circus, having paid $30 therefor.
1847 Dispensed with pound keeper, hog reeves, cullers of staves, ap- propriated money for highways.
1848 Voted 147-123 against licensing for sale of wine and spirituous liquors except for medicinal use.
1848 Voted to print report of school committee, one for each family, plus 24. Next year 400 copies.
1848 Votes for President: Democratic Republican 163, Whig 134, Free Soil 47-Total 352.
1849 Turned down an article to have a celebration of the centennial of the founding of the town.
1852 First mention of town auditors. Previously there had been a com- mittee chosen to "settle with" the town officers.
1853 Voted to give permission to individuals or clubs or companies to set out shade and ornamental trees upon the borders of the Common, the sides of the streets and vacant public spots of land in Walpole Village and to protect trees by boxing or fencing until they have become rooted.
1853 Spalding & Rogers North American Circus and one side show licensed for one day September 27.
1854 The town was now receiving railroad tax.
1855 On petition of 67 legal voters the selectmen set bounds of a pre- cinct (for fire protection). (See Walpole Fire Department)
1858 Voted to put up street signs, with streets bounded and named.
1859 Adopted law respecting right to choose police (had ceased to elect constables). Three were chosen.
1861 Selectmen to stop illegal sale of all spirituous liquors in town.
1869 Voted to abolish the liquor agency, settle with the agent and dis- pose of the liquor on hand.
1862 Committee chosen to investigate what should be done about the poor farm; 1867 voted to sell it, but after it was sold the town was in a dilemma what to do with the poor yet always voted against establish- ment of a county farm.
1865 Voted to buy a fire and burglar-proof safe. Town treasurer was exonerated from all blame in loss of Fox legacy and Literary Fund stolen from the bank safe Nov. 18, 1864.
1867 Decided to remove bell from Meeting House on the hill to a safe place; in 1869 voted to put it on the Town House. (This Revere bell was damaged beyond repair in town hall fire.)
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1967
# 580
Old Walpole Town Farm
In February 1876 twenty people met in the parlor of the Wentworth to move toward installing street lights for the village. They formed the Walpole Street Lighting Association and in April brought before the precinct meeting a proposal whereby the association would provide the lights if the precinct would maintain them. The offer was turned down 40-28. From the items it may be inferred that the prime movers were women who could vote in their association meetings, but not in precinct or town meetings, even though they were taxpayers.
In November 1876 it was so dry that 30-40 families were without water. As a result a pump was installed in the fork of the road near Henry Allen's harness shop.
In 1871 there was consideration of making overtures to have a state normal school established in Walpole, but nothing came of it. For the first time there was a separate appropriation for care of poor, although they were still the responsibility of the selectmen.
In 1872 voted that no circus or menagerie shall exhibit on the Village Common. Baseball seems to have been allowed on the Common. There is the first mention of selling state bonds, apparently the town had the proceeds.
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In 1873 the town was receiving from the state the Bank Tax, Railroad Tax and Literary Fund.
An article to repair the town hall appeared in the warrant perennially, until finally in November 1878 they weakened to the extent of buying new lights. However, the selectmen went ahead and had the plaster re- paired and whitewashed. They procured chandeliers and other lamps "to light the hall suitably for any entertainment so the neighbors won't be obliged to lend theirs."
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