USA > New Hampshire > Hillsborough County > Bedford > History of Bedford, New Hampshire, from 1737 : being statistics compiled on the occasion of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the incorporation of the town, May 15, 1900 > Part 53
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The tide of discussion at one time rose very high, but at last a solution of the difficulty was offered by one thoughtful voter, he said "if Amherst was so far to one side of the center of the county ยท that men could not go easily to court they don't need to go, let them send."
At the first meeting to choose representative in Congress under the newly adopted federal constitution, the vote stood as follows :- For Abiel Foster 3 votes, Timothy Farrar 34 votes, Benj. West 26 votes, Joshua Atherton 1 vote, John Shepard 3 votes.
The electors for president and vice president were Archibald McMurphy, Samuel Dana, Major Robert Wallace, Col. George Gains, John Pickering Esq.
There was an article in the warrant of September 26, 1792, as follows: "Fifthly: to see if the town will vote that inoculation for the 'smallpox may be done in Bedford in some convenient place to be under such restrictions as the town may vote."
1790-Capt. Stephen Dole of Bedford was chosen one of a com- mittee of two "to make sale of the excise on spirituous liquors and other excisable articles from Oct. 1789, to Oct. 1790 at public vendue in Hillsborough county."
1792-By the militia act the companies in Bedford were as- signed to the Third Division, 4th Brigade, and Ninth Regiment. There were twenty-seven regiments.
1792-There was an article in the warrant for March 24, "Fourth to see if the town will vote to set off the three short ranges and
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HISTORY OF BEDFORD.
part of the two first long ranges in said town, for the purpose of composing part of a new town, agreeable to the plan mentioned in the petition for this article."
There was an article in the warrant for April 15, 1794, "To see if the town will agree to submit to the rules of Presbyterian church government and appoint a commissioner to attend Presbytery at Londonderry at their sessions in May next, in order that the said Presbytery may acknowledge the inhabitants of this town as a congregation under their immediate care and grant supplies accord- ingly." The article was dismissed.
The last complete invoice of the town record in pounds shillings and pence was the invoice for 1794. In 1795 the town invoices began to be reckoned in dollars and cents, but the assessments continued in pounds, shillings and pence until 1798. The state law making " dollars and cents legal money " of accounts was approved Feb. 20, 1794.
1793-" The training band belonging to Bedford are requested to attend at the meeting house in said town on Monday the third day of June next at one of the clock in the afternoon with arms, etc., in order to chose a captian and subalterns to command said band. David Patten David Riddle selectmen. Bedford May 25, 1793."
1795-There had been an article in the warrant for the meeting of August 13, as follows: "Fourthly: to hear the inhabitants of that part of Souhegan east, which is now incorporated and assessed to the town of Merrimack, respecting the three public roads in said . Souhegan, as was allowed in that part which is now incorporated in said Bedford and to take such measures as the town may think proper." But it was voted to dismiss the article.
1795-It was voted at the meeting held March 4, "Not to raise any money for supplying the pulpit the ensuing year." It was also voted "Not to tax John Gardner toward the support of the gospel until he change his religion."
1797, October 30-" Voted to give the soldiers who enlist $1.50 bounty when they appear equipt, and $1.50 when called upon to march, and to make them up $12 per month with what the Conti- nental Congress allows when in actual service."
1799, March 19-" Voted to give 10c per head as a bounty for crows caught and killed in the town of Bedford from the first day of April until the last day of June, present year."
David Patten's letter of March 31, 1800, to his brother James, in Ohio, states, "The American commerce flourishes much better than heretofore in consequence of our small but gallant Navy. Officers & men distinguish themselves to be free men. In this Winter 1799- 1800 five keel pieces have been drawn from Henniker to Boston of 5} Tuns each to add to our fleet." The road was through Bedford and the timber was undoubtedly drawn by oxen.
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EXTRACTS FROM THE RECORDS.
1802-In the warrant for the meeting of March 3, there was an article " To take the minds of the qualified voters relating to a peti- tion signed by some of the inhabitants of the town of Bedford with others, praying that a part of the town of Bedford, with a part of the towns of Amherst, New Boston and Goffstown, be set off into a sep- arate town," but it was voted that the prayer of petition be not granted. From this it would appear that a renewal of the desire on the part of the West Parish to be set off from Bedford had sprung up. "Voted not to set off that part of the town which was petitioned for as mentioned in the seventh article."
The movement to set off a part of the town, to be joined with a part of Amherst, New Boston, and Goffstown, to form a new town, was taken up again in 1803, and was again unsuccessful.
1803-In the warrant for the meeting of September 26, there was an article "To see if the town will vote that such of the inhabitants of said town as live on the three short ranges and part of the two first long ranges, and wish to be incorporated into a new town that they should (if the Legislature of said State think proper) be dis- annexed from said town." This article was voted in the affirmative.
The care of the town poor was put up at auction, agreeable to town vote, and we find that on March 22, 1808, "John McIntosh was struck off to James McIntosh for one year at eighty-seven cents per week."
John Loring and wife, State paupers, were struck off to Amos Martin at one dollar and forty-seven cents per week until the twen- ty-second day of March, 1809.
William Boyce was struck off to John Gardner for one year at ninety cents per week.
Rachel Lincoln was struck off to John Gardner for one year at seventy-three cents per week.
Israel Lincoln was struck off to John Gardner for one year at eighty-seven cents per week.
Hannah Flyng was struck off to Isaac Atwood for one year at fifty cents per week. Hannah Flyng was Patrick Flyng's widow.
1808, November 9-"A special town meeting was held to see what additional compensation the town will vote to give each of the seventeen soldiers per month who were to be immediately raised in said town, and held in readiness to be called into the United States service, over and above the United States pay whilst doing military duty." It was voted to dismiss the article.
1809-At the annual meeting it was voted to choose the minor town officers by " hand vote," and also at several successive meet- ings.
1810, March-" Voted to lease the meadow lot, belonging to the ministerial and school rights, for 999 years from the date of the leases, and David Patten, Capt. Richard Dole and Moody M. Stev- ens were named to make the leases." It was also voted to build a
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HISTORY OF BEDFORD.
house for the poor for the said town, and William Moor, Phineas Aiken and Isaac Riddle were chosen a committee to "Report at some future meeting a plan and place where to set said house."
1810, March 27-" Voted to give John Gardner $5 as a present for his trouble with William Boyce in his last sickness."
"Voted to build a hearse the ensuing year for the use of said town, by the following committee, viz : Capt. Nathan Barnes, Isaac Riddle and Samuel Chandler."
1811-" Voted that Andrew Walker be allowed $5 out of the treasury of Bedford for a counterfeit bank bill said Walker took when collector of taxes for said town, said bill being taken for taxes."
1812-" Voted to lease the meeting house lots for the term of 999 years." This lease was sold to Patrick McLaughlin at $4.50 an acre.
1812, March-" Voted to lay out $150 on the road complained of, and that one gallon of rum to each $20 of said sum be furnished by the selectmen for the use of the laborers, apportioned among the several highway districts."
1812-In the meeting for September 9, there was an article "To see if the town will vote to raise additional pay for the detached soldiers of said town when called into actual service, and if so, how much." Agreeable to a petition of eighteen of the inhabitants of said town this article was dismissed.
In the meeting of November 2, the vote for persons to represent the state in congress showed that Daniel Webster, Bradbury Cilley, William Hale, Samuel Smith, Roger Vose and Jonathan Wilcox had 141 votes.
The division line between Bedford and Merrimack was preambu- lated by the selectmen of the two towns on November the 9th, 1812. On Nov. 19, the same was done with Goffstown, and on November 21, with New Boston and with Amherst.
1814, October 14-" Voted that the selectmen purchase powder and balls to the amount of $150 for use of the town."
" Voted to allow Joseph Colley's account of, $21.50 for the con- veyance of the detached soldiers to Portsmouth."
1817, March-"All money not collected and paid in to the treas- ury by the first day of June, 1818, the collector to lose his pound- age, and all money not collected by said first day of June, the col- lector is to pay interest therefor." A similar vote was passed for the next and several more years.
1818, August 29-" Voted that the town will furnish their sol- diers on muster day with half a pound of powder each."
1820, March-Upon an article to see if the town would vote a certain sum of money for the encouragement of vocal music, $30 was voted.
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EXTRACTS FROM THE RECORDS.
On a proposition of dividing Hillsborough county, 92 voted for and 6 against.
A committee of 2 was chosen "to alter the seats in the gallery for the better accommodation of the singers."
1821-Voted that the Rev. David McGregor preach to the Pis- cataquog Congregational church their equal proportion of the public money arising from the sale of the public lands.
1821-A condition in the articles of sale of the support of the poor was that "the lowest bidder support them except physic and clothing."
1823-Voted to remit the ministerial tax of Isaac Riddle jr. for the year 1821 on all his fathers property taxed to him that year.
Voted to build a Hearse and Hearse house.
On an article to see if the town will vote to lay out the money raised from the (sale of) the oak trees on the common, setting out other trees and decorating the common otherwise as they think proper, it was voted that the money be passed into the treasury of the town.
1823, June-The following article appeared in the warrant : "To hear and consider the Petition of Samuel Barr and others to take the votes of the town as it respects a dismission of the Rev.d. David McGregor from ministerial charge in said town, agreeable to the articles of his settlement ; if not dismiss, to see if the town will vote to give all those who make application within ninety days, their proportion of the interest money that arises from the sale of minis- terial lands, to be disposed of as they think best." The motions were denied.
1824-Dismissed an article to see if the town will vote to excuse any inhabitant of said town his proportion of Rev. David McGregor's salary according to poll and estate, except those who may be mem- bers of some other religious society.
A committee of one from each school district was chosen to wait on the Rev McGregore, relative to the "unhappy division." They were : Phineas Aiken, Moody M. Stevens, David McQuesten, Rich- ard Dole, Samuel Chandler, Josiah Gordon, Wm. Moor, Stephen Thurston, John Moor, Samuel Barr, Nehemiah Kittredge and Solo- mon Gage.
The town was rebounded into 23 highway districts.
1824, August-On an article to take into consideration the action brought by Samuel Moor Jr. vs. Jonas Harvell of Manchester, for catching fish unlawfully, it was voted to "relinquish all the interest which they have " in such action.
1826, March-" Voted to appropriate the interest money arising from the sale of ministerial land which becomes due 2nd Mar. 1827, to the payment of Rev. Thomas Savage, if he can be retained, and to appropriate the interest money which has arisen from the sale of the ministerial land for the two preceding years to the payment of
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HISTORY OF BEDFORD.
the note given to the Rev. David McGregore for his salary by the committee of the town."
1827, March-The town meeting lasted three days, there being 30 articles in the warrant. Chose Wm. Riddle, Wm. Moor, Jr. and Jos Colley, a committee to ascertain on what terms a farm can be purchased for the poor of the town and report at a future meeting.
The selectmen were authorized to procure a new plan of the town to be drawn from the old one.
1827-"Voted, the selectmen sell the land the town purchased of David Atwood and prosecute the person who tore the house down, if they can find out who did it."
1829, April-"Voted that the interest money arising from the sale of the ministerial land becoming due the first of March, 1828, be ap- propriated to the payment of the salary of the Rev. Thos. Savage, and that the selectmen assess the money to pay the balance of the note given on settlement with Rev. David McGregore for his salary as pastor of said town and that the Treasurer pay the balance of said note as soon as he receives the money."
An article to see if the town will vote to refund the money which has been paid for taverners and retailers licenses the present year, was dismissed.
1829, March -- " Voted to choose a committee of 3 to purchase a farm, or hire one for the poor. Chose Capt. Wm. Riddle, Col. Wm. Moor and Capt. Jos. Colley."
An article to see if the town will appropriate any money for the purpose of keeping a school for teaching sacred music in Bedford the coming year was dismissed.
"Voted the interest of the Literary Fund be appropriated annu- ally for the use of Primary schools."
1831, March-" Voted that three persons be chosen to oversee the poor the ensuing year and to purchase a farm on which to sup- port them if they can find one suitable. The committee was Joseph Colley, Isaac Riddle and John McAllister."
1832, March-" Voted to sell the doctoring of the poor to Dr. John Wilson for $30.50, and he is to doctor all that come chargea- ble to said town."
" Voted to divide the money arising from the sale of ministerial land as follows, viz: That the members of each regularly constituted religious society in town have their proportion of the interest money arising from the sale of ministerial land according to poll and estate, and those who do not designate to the selectmen at taking the in- voice, the money to be paid to Mr. Savage."
" Voted that it be the duty of the selectmen to inquire as to which society his part of the interest money shall go for preaching when they take the invoice."
A similar vote was passed for several years following.
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EXTRACTS FROM THE RECORDS.
1833, March-" Voted not to buy a farm and not to raise a com- mittee to see what a farm can be purchased for."
" Voted a committee of three be chosen to ascertain the expense of the repairs of the outside of the old meeting house, and to ascer- tain on what condition the owners of pews in said houses will re- linquish their rights to the town for the purpose of constructing it into a town house."
" Voted that if any sheep shall be found running at large after the first day of May and before the first day of November in each (year) by the knowledge or contempt of the owner or person having care of the same, they will be subject to a penalty of ten cents per head for each offense."
1834, March-" Voted that the selectmen be authorized to repair the old meeting house in such manner as they may think necessary and lay out any sum of money not exceeding $100."
" Voted that the selectmen lay out a road from the New Boston Road, so called, by Franklin Perry's to the road leading from David Sprague's to New Boston."
" Voted to make a school district from District No. 1 by associa- ting Rodney McLoughlin, James and Samuel Morrison, Stephen French, Rev. Thomas Savage, Abijah Hodgeman, Benjamin Dowse, William Patten, Adam N. Patten, Ephraim Snow, Daniel Barnet and such others as may wish to associate with them."
" Voted that Mace Moulton be an agent to investigate the subject of John Hall's claims against the town for damage done by turning over his load near Piscataquog Bridge, and to settle with him to the best advantage he can for the town."
1835, March-" Voted to purchase a farm on which to support the poor, and William Moor, Junr., Isaac Riddle and Gardner Nevens were chosen to purchase, stock the farm and hire an agent to carry it on and to hire money on credit of the town to pay there- for."
The farm purchased was the Daniel Moor place, so called, and the price paid was $2,433.
" Voted that the road be discontinued leading westerly from near Franklin Perry's to near the New Boston line."
1836, March-" Voted to have the selectmen examine the poor farm and sell such part as they may think best."
1837, February-" Voted to receive their proportion of the sur- plus revenue and to demand the same in specie, and chose Hon. Thomas Chandler agent.
1837, March-" Voted the agent loan the surplus revenue to indi- viduals in town on good and sufficient security."
"Voted to choose a committee of three to confer with L. C. French and others respecting the expedience of repairing the out- side of the old meeting house, provided the pew-holders relinquish their pews in said house for the purpose of converting the upper
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HISTORY OF BEDFORD.
part of said house into a school room and the lower part into a town hall."
1838, August-A report of the committee estimated the expense of repairing the old meeting house $532.30, and it was voted to make the repairs and changes.
1839, March-" Voted the repairing committee proceed to finish the town house to the best manner that they think proper."
1839, August-" Voted that the selectmen dispose of the lower part of the town house for public worship, and the upper part for a school room as they may think best."
1841, March-" Voted not to allow the committee their bill for moving the town house."
1842, March-" Voted that the selectmen settle with the commit- tee for moving the town house, after having deducted the subscrip- tion money subscribed for moving said house."
1843, March-" Voted not to instruct the selectmen not to license any person to retail spirituous liquors the ensuing year."
1844, March-" Voted to instruct the selectmen not to license any person to mix or sell spirituous liquors for the ensuing year." Fifty-nine voted in favor and forty-nine against. A similar vote was passed in 1846 and 1847.
1845, March-Adopted the following resolution : "Resolved that the selectmen be requested and instructed to keep a regular account of all moneys paid into the town and also all moneys paid out by the town and give each bill and the items paid for and received pay for in a general account and lay it before the town in a printed sheet in an understanding manner at the next annual meeting of said town." 1
1845, March-A vote of thanks was returned to Jonas B. Bow- man for his service as moderator and the selectmen were authorized to draw an order on the treasurer for $2 per day to pay him.
1847, March-" Voted to raise 5% on the amount of school money for the teachers' institute in this County."
1849, March-" Voted to allow anyone who prefers to pay 75c on a dollar in money to the surveyor of highways instead of $1 in labor."
1849, March-" Voted to commemorate the 19th of May, 1850, which is a century from its incorporation."
1849, June-" Voted that the selectmen be instructed to require the directors of the Central Railroad to cause their road to pass over the highway near Daniel Mack's house either by raising the railroad or cutting down the highway, or both, leaving the highway in as good condition as it was before they commenced." .
1850, March-" Voted to advance the sum of $300, or a sum not to exceed that amount, toward publishing the history of the town "
1 The first town report.
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EXTRACTS FROM THE RECORDS.
1851, March-" Voted to rebuild granite bridge on the same ground where it formerly stood, and that a committee of three be chosen by ballot to confer with the authorities of Manchester, and proceed. and build the bridge as soon as may be. The committee was Noyes Poor, William P. Riddle and Israel Fuller."
1851, April-" Voted that the selectmen be authorized to hire a sum of money not exceeding $9,000 for the purpose of rebuilding the granite bridge."
1852, March-In reference to the petition of William P. Riddle and others to sever a part of Bedford and annex the same to the city of Manchester, it was voted that the town oppose the prayer of the petitioners, and Deacon John French was chosen agent to con- duct the opposition.
1853, March-A committee consisting of Gardner Nevens, Adam Chandler, and Reuben Dodge was chosen to confer with a com- mittee of the petitioners to make the best terms that they can for the town or take such other action as they may deem necessary on the subject of annexation.
1854, March-" Voted that no person sell spirituous liquors in town the current year and no liquor be allowed to be sold, and that the selectmen be instructed to prosecute any person who shall sell spirituous liquors without first being licensed."
1854, June-" Voted that the selectmen be a committee to settle with the city of Manchester according to the inventory of the last year. If they cannot so settle, they be instructed to petition the Legislature for an amendment of the third section of the act of annexation."
1855, March-" Voted to instruct the selectmen to erect a suita- ble set of gravestones at the grave of Titus A. Moore, and likewise to cause a suitable inscription on Primus Chandler's gravestone."
1856, March-On motion of John Barr "Voted that the select- men be authorized to settle with the city of Manchester on the best terms they can, and if they cannot settle, they may refer to the best men that can be obtained."
"Voted that the selectmen be instructed to build a fireproof safe of brick for the keeping of the books and papers, to be built in the Town House, and likewise procure a fireproof iron safe for the use of the town clerk to keep the records and papers in."
1857, March-" Voted to choose an agent to procure the original grant of the ministerial (lands) to Bedford, and Dr. Peter P. Wood- bury was chosen the agent."
1857, March-"Resolved that on and after the first day of April, 1857 to the first day of November in each succeeding year that no horse or horses, neat cattle or sheep be allowed to go at large in any street, highway, or common in any public place in the town of Bedford without a herdsman or some person or persons driving them,
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HISTORY OF BEDFORD.
on the penalty that the owner or person whose keeping and use they are in, forfeit to the town of Bedford $1 for each animal above described so found going at large on complaint made under oath to the selectmen of the town who are authorized and required for the same, and all money arising therefrom going to the use of the town."
1857, March-" Voted the several highway surveyors be instructed when necessary to call out the districts or any part of them that may be necessary to break out the roads in winter."
1858, March-A set of by-laws was adopted relating to animals running at large. They provided that " No sheep, swine, horses, ewes, oxen, cows, or other cattle shall be permitted to go at large on any highway, lane, alley, common, square, or other public place within the town." The penalty was not less than $1 or more than $4, and any person finding such creatures at large were authorized to impound and detain the same.
1858, March-" Voted that the Town Treasurer collect all debts due the town as soon as convenient."
1859, March-" Voted that the dwelling house upon the poor farm be established as a house of correction, and the following by- laws and regulations were adopted :
" Article 1. Every inmate of the House of Correction, when able to labor, shall be kept diligently employed under the direction of the keeper.
" Article 2. If any inmate shall refuse to obey all reasonable re- quirements, he shall be confined in some way or put on short allow- ance at the discretion of the keeper.
" Article 3. The keeper of said House of Correction shall retain all persons sent there for violation of the law.
"The overseer of the poor is authorized to prepare a suitable place to retain all persons who may be sent to said House of Correc- tion for the violation of the law."
1859, March-" Voted that all those that pay their taxes on or before the first day of September shall receive 4% discount on the same."
1860, March-Adam Chandler, Leonard C. French, 2d, and Lucien B. Bowman were made a committee with full power to meet, confer, and settle with the original committee of the History of Bedford, and that such committee make such disposition of the remaining histories on hand as they may think expedient.1
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