USA > New Hampshire > Hillsborough County > Hancock > The history of Hancock, New Hampshire, 1764-1889 > Part 11
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CHAPTER VII.
ANNALS OF THE TOWN.
THE town charter, granted Nov. 5, 1779, authorized Jonathan Bennett to call a meeting of the inhabitants of the town, to choose all necessary and customary town officers.1
No record of this call, or of the first town-meeting, has been pre- served ; but as the record of the incorporation is made by Jonathan Bennett, "Town Clark," and the call for the first annual meeting in 1780 is given by Jonathan Bennett and Asa Adams, selectmen, to John Moor, constable, it is to be presumed that Jonathan Ben- nett called a meeting and the above-mentioned officers were elected.
1 This was the second incorporated place bearing the name of Hancock : Hancock, Mass. (which began its corporate existence soon after the declaration of indepen- dence was signed), being its only senior.
86
HISTORY OF HANCOCK, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
There is a tradition that is probably authentic, that the town- meeting of which we have no record was held at the house of Jona- than Bennett; that it was in mid-winter, and the snow was so deep that the men were obliged to make use of snow-shoes, and that there were just enough present to enable them to fill the various town offices.
The first town-meeting of which we have any record was held at the house of Joseph Simonds, Monday, March 13, 1780. In addi- tion to the town officers chosen, whose names we give in another place, Jonathan Bennett, John Foster, Adam Patterson, and John Miller were chosen surveyors of highways " for the present."
The fifth article in the warrant reads as follows : "To see if the Town will Raise money to provide a town stock of ammunition and say how much." This article was passed in the negative. It is given here to show what was the first business that came before the infant town. That their refusal to raise the money required for this purpose was not because they were unwilling to bear their full share of the public burdens, will appear from the following extracts from the record :--
" Voted, That the Transcripts of Roads now Read be Excepted."
" Voted, To raise 3000 Dollars, to be Rought out on the Roads by the Inhabitants at 201 Dollars a Day pr. man at 15 Dollars pr. Day for a yoke of oxen."
"Voted, That the present Selectmen be a committee to Settle with the Last years Surveyors."
a
" Voted, That any men that shall be raised for the army for this year shall be paid any Extraordinary Bounties by a Town tax."
"Voted, That the Selectmen have 10 Dollars pr day for Services Done for the Town."
" Voted, That the Collector have 50 Dollars for his Service."
" Voted, That Moses Morrison and Jona Bennett meet with the Selectmen of Antrim in order for Settlement in company with the last chose Selectmen."
This committee met the selectmen of Antrim and Hancock, March 16th, and made a final settlement of all back "accompts."
Second article in the warrant for the town-meeting held April 24, 1780: "To see what method the town will take to find a center, and a place to Inter their Dead, and what work they will do on the Burring place."
Third article : "To consider the resolves of the Neighboring Towns, and to conclude whether it is Best to unite in petitioning the Court for a redress concerning high ways."
The town voted that the meeting-house and burying-place be on Norway plain; also, that each inhabitant do one day's work on the
1 This was after the beginning of the depreciation of Continental currency.
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87
ANNALS OF THE TOWN.
common and burying-place, each delinquent to pay "Six pounds Lawful." In regard to the third article, a committee, consisting of Robert Duncan, James Duncan, and David Ames, was appointed to correspond with other towns with reference to a petition to the General Court for a redress of town taxes.
On the 8th of June it was voted that money be raised to hire preaching, and the selectmen were appointed a committee therefor. That was probably the first step taken in this direction. As far as we know, no minister of the gospel had as yet visited the town. When we remember the difficulties that they had to contend with, I think that we shall not be disposed to criticise them, but rather to admit that they showed a commendable zeal in their efforts thus early to establish in the wilderness the worship of the God of their fathers. For about ten or eleven years they were obliged to meet in private houses, as the records will show; yet none the less were they preparing the way for the development of the religious inter- ests of those who were to come after them.
At this meeting it was voted to give John Moor $125 for "his cost," whatever that might have been; probably it was incurred in the discharge of his duties as constable.
On the 12th of July of this year there was a call for what was denominated " Continental beef," and a warrant issued for a town- meeting that was held the 18th of the same month. There is a little ambiguity in the record, but it appears that Thomas Miller and William Lakin each had oxen that they wished to furnish, and the decision in regard to the matter was to be "made at the judgment of men." It was finally decided to give Miller seventy bushels of Indian corn for his oxen, and Joseph Simonds and James Davis were appointed a committee to pasture the oxen and deliver them to the state commissary or his deputy.
At a meeting held Oct. 23d the subject of this beef came up again. It seems that the oxen had been sent to New Ipswich to pasture, and there was something wrong about the care they had received. Robert Duncan and Moses Morrison were directed to bring them from New Ipswich and turn them to the best advantage. The fact that the oxen were sent away in mid-summer to pasture, indicates that at this date there was but little good pasturage in town. Indian corn was worth $8 per bushel.
The vote, passed on the 24th of April in regard to the center, etc., was reconsidered.
88
HISTORY OF HANCOCK, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
There was a call for a meeting on Nov. 29th, "to see if the town will fix a center, and by what method they will take to find it; whether by measure or by the plan." But the record of the meeting was lost.
Feb. 19, 1781, it was decided not to vote for "one man in this county to serve as a member of the council holden at Exeter in this state." It was also voted "that the men that went upon the last alarm be allowed the money they Recd., they giving their time."
" Voted, That Moses Morrison be sent to Amherst to see if Wil- liam Lakin, Jr., will pass for our quota of Continental men."1
" Voted, That Captain Crabtree be freed from his war tax for the present year."
" Voted, That the selectmen send an answer to Temple."
There were eight town-meetings that year, at which a variety of questions were settled, the records showing that they took hold of the work in hand with earnestness, and with no desire to shirk from any duty. As an example of the business-like manner in which every thing was done, we give in this place a copy of the accounts of the town inserted just before the record of the annual meeting of 1781. It will be noticed that the record is made by Joseph Simonds, town clerk, and as he was not chosen to that office till 1782, the accounts may cover two years :-
"AN ACCOUNT OF ORDERS ANSWERED BY WILLM LAKIN, CONSTABLE-
" paid to Adam Patterson.
£40 0
0
answered to Robert Duncan
9
0
0
to Moses Morrison.
80
0
0
to Jonathan Bennett.
65
2
0
to Robert Duncan
67
0
0
to Joseph Simonds.
44 0 0
to David Ames
9
0
0
£314 2 0"
" AN ACCOUNT OF TOWN DEBT
" to Willm Boyd.
£ 36
0
0
to Willm Lakin .
180
0
0
to Nights of New Ipswich
75
0
0
to John Moor
37
10 0
to Antrim.
53 1
0
to James Duncan or Barrett.
412 0
0
to Capt. Steel.
810
0
0
to Willm Lakin.
36
0
0
to the men who went upon the alarm.
90
0
0
to Moses Morrison.
42
0
0
£1771 11 0"
1 On the rolls Mr. Lakin was called an Amherst man.
" An and der
" to to to
to
to to to to to
to to to to to to to to
" Re
W 1781
" STA HI
to noti by law Simon on the "1.]
office
"j.] ings
89
ANNALS OF THE TOWN.
" An acquitance signed by Jonathan Bennett to the Town of Hancock of all dues and demands Exclusive of James Duncan note Febr ye 9th 1781"
"AN ACCOUNT OF ORDERS ANSWERED BY JOHN FOSTER, CONSTABLE.
" to Joseph Simonds. £ 24 0 0
to Joseph Simonds
6
15
to David Ames.
30
0 0
to David Ames.
27 0 0
to David Ames.
6
15
to Robert Duncan 33
9
0 0
to Moses Morrison
27
0 0
to Asa Adams.
18
15 0
" Total.
£182 5
" AN ACCOUNT OF ORDERS ANSWERED BY ASA ADAMS, CONSTABLE.
" Silver money.
£
to James Duncan
0 15
to Samuel Ames.
13
6
to Willm Lakin.
9
to Edmond Ames
4
6
to Edmond Davis
1
4
0
to Edmond Davis
2 14
0
to Joseph Simonds 12
8
to Jacob Ames.
3
0
Novr ye 7th 1781 Recd of Asa Adams Constable in part of the silver money tax in order to pay Thomas Williams hire into the war.
1 10 512
" Reced. By us JONA BENNETT } Select PHIN AMES S men
" Sum total.
£ 8.6 1% " Recorded By JOSEPH SIMONDS town clark "
We also give a copy of the warrant for the annual meeting of 1781, the warrant for 1780 not being perfect on the records :-
" STATE OF NEW-HAMP } To Willm Lakin, Constable for the Town of Hancock HILLSBOROUGH SS Greeting-
" You are hereby Required in the name and government and people of this State to notify and warn all the free holders and other Inhabitants of this town qualified by law to Vote in town affairs that they assemble and meet at the House of Joseph simonds in Said town on the Second Monday of March next at 10 ° Clock A. m. to act on the following articals (Viz)-
"1.ly to chuse a moderator to govern said meeting -
"2.ly to chuse a town clark and selectmen constable and all other necessary town officers for the present year -
"3.ly to see if the town will hire Preaching and Raise money for the same -
"4.ly to see if the town will agree to find a center and by what method-
"5.ly to see where the town will agree to post their warrants and hold their meet- ings for the Insueing year -
0
0
to Robert Duncan.
90
HISTORY OF HANCOCK, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
"6.ly to see what way they will proceed in working on the Highways and what money they will Raise for that purpose
"Tly to see what the town will do conserning a town Book -
" The town to act on all the above articals as they think proper.
" Hereof fail not, and make return to us at or before Said day with your doing thereon and this warrant Shall be sufficiant Given under our hands and seals this .
12th day of Febr A. D. 1781 -
ROBERT DUNCAN ) Select DAVID AMES S men "
"HILLSBOROUGH SS March yo 12th 1781
" In Obediance to the above warrant I have proceeded according to Order -
"pr WILLM LAKIN Constable "
At this meeting it was " Voted, That Stephen Bennett and James Davis serve as tythingmen."
" Voted, To raise £216 for to hire Preaching, and that the select- men be a Committee to provide an orthodox minister."
One day's preaching was to be at the house of William Williams, and whatever preaching they might be able to have in addition to be either at Joseph Simonds' or Comings'.
At the close of this meeting Moses Morrison entered the follow- ing protest, which we give, together with the way in which it was received and manner in which the record was made: -
" MARCH ye 12. 1781.
" I Moses Morrison hereby declare this meeting to be Eleagel by reason of certain persons being admitted to vote in said meeting which were not qualified by law and ought not to be admitted to vote and by reason of which proceedings we are and have been cut off from gitting our taxes from nonresidents and our town is most . greviously opressed Therefore I protest against said meeting "
" The above protest was Requested to be recorded Immediately after the meeting was adjourned.
" And Likewise Recorded by
ROBT DUNCAN, town clark "
At the above meeting it was " Voted, that John Foster be cleared of the cost of an Extent if he will let the selectmen have money to pay Willm Boyd." It was probably this vote that caused Mr. Morrison's protest.
At an adjourned meeting, held March 27th, it was "Voted, that Mr Samuel Ames find the center, in consideration of the town giv- ing him thirty bushels of merchantable rye by the last of Nov. next." James Duncan and Stephen Bennett were appointed to carry the chains. The meetings were to be held, and the warrants posted, at the house of Edmond Davis for that year. £2000 were raised to be "wrought out upon the roads."
" Voted, That there be one quare of paper bought for the use of the town."
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91
ANNALS OF THE TOWN.
" Voted, That John Moor have security from the town for the money if he will borrow as much as will clear off with the State Treasurer."
In May more "Continental Beef" was called for, but the matter was postponed till Aug. 21st, when it was voted to raise it, and a silver-money tax made to procure it. A silver-money tax was also made to pay David Steel, but it appears that this money had been raised once, and borrowed by certain "Individuals," and they were to be permitted to repay it to the town in the new " Emition bills." John Foster was chosen to collect and return the beef.
At the annual meeting, in March, 1782, there was an article in the warrant, "to see what method the town will take to Raise men for the publick servis if any are called for." The article was passed in the negative.
"Toted, To have four Days Preaching this year." James Duncan and Joel Russell were appointed a committee to provide the preach- ing. Two days were to be at Jonathan Bennett's, and two days at John Foster's.
"Voted, That the town pay Thomas Williams1 20 Dollars Exclu- sive of his wages."
"' Toted, That Samt Ames shall find a center by the old agree- ment."
"Voted, That the prayer of Capt. Crabtree's Petition be not heard (or if it is, not considered)."
From a warrant issued April 8th, it appears that Pakersfield claimed by charter-right a tract of land within the limits of Han- cock.
No action seems to have been taken, but a vote was passed that the center should be made from the old line of the town. John Foster was sent to Exeter to make a return of our Continental men ; $9 was granted him for this service.
July 10, 1782, " Voted, not"to build a Meeting-House, nor have a grave yard on the center."
" Voted, To build the Meeting-House on the most convenient place on Norraway plain."
William Williams and Samuel Ames were appointed a committee to find a suitable place on said plain for a grave-yard.
"Voted, To remit Kindall Person's rates."
1 This was for service rendered by Mr. Williams in the army.
92
HISTORY OF HANCOCK, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
" Voted, To remit Capt. Crabtree's poll-tax to the war rate."
" Voted, That that piece of gold go to Antrim at the weight thereof."
Oct. 31, 1782, at the order of the General Court, a meeting was called, " To see if the Inhabitants of this town will take the oath of Fidelity." The town met and adjourned to Nov. 4th. " Next then meet a part of the town according to adjournment - and adjourned the meeting to the 26th of Novm., then a part of the town meet according to adjournment, and with what help they could raise Desolved the meeting, By John Foster Moderator."
March 10, 1783, "Voted, That the former plan of government be continued to June 1784."
" Voted, To raise money to hire six days Preaching this year." (John Foster and Robert Duncan, committee.) Meetings to be held at Robert Duncan's, John Foster's, and Joseph Dodge's.
" Voted, That the center be at the first place the town agreed on and cleared (viz.) on Norway plain, so called."
" Voted, Sixty Dollars as a present to Willm Lakin."1
The town-meetings were to be held at Joseph Simonds' this year, and warrants posted at Robert Duncan's and Jonathan Bennett's. David Hubbard was directed to buy a town-book, and the "town clark " was instructed to transcribe all the old records into said book.
At this meeting there was a vote passed, to instruct the select- men to warn all persons that were not legal inhabitants out of town. At a subsequent meeting held June 16th, this vote was re- considered.
The selectmen, however, seem to have warned people out of town previous to this vote, and also for several years afterwards, without regard to special instructions. This duty imposed on the selectmen could not have been a pleasant one. For a town to re- fuse to receive newcomers on the face of the transaction seems to have been an inhospitable act. It was, however, the custom in those years. Persons warned out were not expected to leave. If in after years they became dependent, it simply relieved the town from their support, or at least it was supposed so to do. As a matter of fact, I think that some families that were warned out did re- ceive aid from the town. Many, who afterwards were known as
1 This should have read " Willm Lakin, jr.," as it was for his services in the war.
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M Mo
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1
93
ANNALS OF THE TOWN.
being among the substantial citizens of the town, were among the number thus received, simply because they brought but little wealth with them. No disgrace is therefore attached to the fact that any person was so received by the town authorities. No man was more respected than Peter Warren. To him are we indebted for the almost perfect manner in which our early records were pre- served, and in various ways was he a valuable citizen ; yet he was one of those who were warned out, and in his bold and legible handwriting is the record of the fact preserved. As a specimen we give an exact copy : -
" STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE } To James Davis Constable for Hancock
HILLSBOROUGH SS - 1 Greeting
" Whereas, A number of Persons (viz) Abraham Mores Mercy Mores Abraham Mores Jun Lydia Mores - Joseph Dodge Mary Dodge Joseph Dodge Jun Mary Dodge Moses Dodge John Dodge Sybel Dodge Rebecca Dodge - Peter Warren Judith Warren Susanna Warren Nancy Warren David Warren Daniel Warren Levi Rd Warren Sarah Whitcombe. - Agness Alex Daniel Alexander Elizabeth Alex" Salley Alex" Hannah Alexander Isabel Alexander Robert Alex" and Jane Alexander are come into this town whome we will not Receive as Inhabitants you are hereby Required In the name and by the authority of the State aforest forthwith to warn the aforesaid Per- sons to Depart out of this town within fourteen Days from the date hereof and make return to us with your doings thereon
" Given under our hands and seal this 28th of August A D 1783
" JOHN FOSTER, DAVID HUBBARD, Selectmen " EDMOND DAVIS,
" HILLSBOROUGH SS Hancock August ye 29th 1783
" I have Personally warned out those Persons whose names are Spessified in the afforsaid warrant according to Order pr JAMES DAVIS Constable "
" Voted, To excuse Samuel Ames from paying taxes on his mills this year" (1783).
June 16th. " Agreed on a burying Place at the South-west of the pond, on the lot No. 6, in 3d Range." 1
" Voted, To give Abner Whitcombe nine shillings for clearing one acre of land for a burying Place."
Nov. 21st, James Duncan was sent to a convention at Peter- boro'. A petition had been sent to the General Court, and this convention was to hear the reply that had been made to that peti- tion, and "join with them in what other or further measures they may adopt."
1 This location was probably near Moose brook, and north-west of Norway pond(?).
94
HISTORY OF HANCOCK, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
"Voted, That Rev. Mr. Farrar have eight bushels of rye for his Preaching."
" Voted, To Abner Whitcomb, one pound fourteen shillings for said rye, and carrying of it to New Ipswich."
A blanket was sold to John Foster for five shillings, March 8, 1784. £9 raised to hire preaching, and to pay a man for provid- ing a preacher ( Joseph Simonds, committee for that purpose ). £55 raised to repair roads. Three shillings per day for a man, and two shillings eight pence per day for a yoke of oxen, " at highway work."
This year for the first time the town voted for state officers, it being the first year under the new constitution.
March 16th. "Voted, That the town Petition the General Court to have a tax laid upon the non-resident lands to help Enable them to build two bridges."
" Voted, That Mr. Dennis procure a town-book."
" Voted, That James Duncan and Joseph Simonds serve as a committee to transcribe the old records into the new book."
An attempt was again made to settle on a place for the meeting- house that was to be. A warrant was issued in May, the third article of which was, "To see if the town will agree upon Place to set a small meeting-house upon." The record of the meeting was lost. Another meeting was called in December for the same purpose. The second article was, "To see if the town will unite and agree on a Place or particular spot of ground to build a meeting-house upon." This was inserted, however, with little hope of a settlement, for the next article was, "To see if the town will Petition the General Court for a committee for that purpose."
At the meeting the second article was passed in the negative, and James Duncan and Seth Hadley were appointed a committee to draft a petition to the General Court to settle the question. They were also directed to petition for a land tax to help to build said house. This committee immediately attended to that part of their duty that had reference to locating the meeting-house, as the fol- lowing petition, which we give verbatim, will show; but for some reason not explained in the records, they neglected to send the petition in regard to a land tax till the following May, and at that time there had been a change in the committee, - Enos Knight's name appearing in place of the name of James Duncan :-
W th S ne gi
h 0 m C th th ne
wh pr th fo se
ag ti
bee Pub
"PE
« To
H
car
all ven Per hav Pet
95
ANNALS OF THE TOWN.
" PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF A COMMITTEE TO LOCATE A [MEETING-HOUSE, 1785].
" STATE OF NEW HAMP'R
" To His Exalancy the President the Honorable the Council and House of Repre- sentatives in general Assembley at Concord Convened -
" A Petition in behalf of the Inhabitants of Hancock humbly shews that we have been at pains and cost to find the Centor of our town in Order to build a House for Publick Worship, but Unfortunately it falls in a Bogg where it is not possible to buld : and altho we have Meetings Called Reppitedly for that purpos : yet we Cannot all Agree where to move it to find the Ground that will be moste Suttable and Con- venient : Wherefor we pray that your Honors would appoint a Committy of three Persons out of towns adjacent that is not Interested for the porpos afore said as we have agreed to abide the Judgement of sd Comitty and pay the Cost. And your Pettionars as in Duty bound will ever pray
" HANCOCK, Jens ye 20th 1785 JAMES DUNCAN } A Committy SETH HADLEY ) for Hancock "
In response to this petition a committee was appointed in the House of Representatives, Feb. 10, 1785, consisting of John Dun- can, Capt Levi Spaulding, and Dr. John Young. It does not appear that this controversy in regard to the proper place upon which to build the meeting-house, although continued for five years, produced any ill-feeling in the town. When it was apparent that they could not agree, they were willing that others should decide for them, and the decision was cheerfully accepted, and the question settled for all time.
At the annual meeting in March an article in regard to a certain road was passed "in the negative, till the meeting-house place is agreed on." The first Tuesday in May was designated as the time for the court's committee to meet.
£15 were raised for preaching, the meetings to be held at the house of Joseph Simonds between the 1st of May and the middle of October; James Duncan, Seth Hadley, and Phineas Ames com- mittee to procure preaching.
At an adjourned meeting, March 22d, it was voted "that the Court's Committee be Entertained at James Duncan's." In order that the question in regard to the center might be settled fairly, the meeting was adjourned "till tuesday, the third day of may next at 8 ° clock in the forenoon."
At this meeting (March 22d) Peter Warren and James Duncan were appointed a committee to gather up the records and transcribe them into the new book that had been purchased for that purpose. Several committees had been appointed for this work, but they had neglected to do it. At a subsequent meeting, this committee was given full power to make such alterations as they saw fit. Without
96
HISTORY OF HANCOCK, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
doubt, the alterations were verbal. The records were probably in a chaotic state, and Mr. Warren was apparently the only man in town who was qualified to arrange them properly. We insert his autograph here :-
Feder Warren
The "Courts Committee " reported as follows : -
" STATE OF NEW HAMPRE } HANCOCK May ye 34 1785
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
" Your committee appointed to fix on the place for building a Meting house in said Hancock having meet and viewed the Ground & heard the pleas beg leave to Report - that the place Agreed upon for the aforesaid porposs is on the plain at the South End of noraway Pond so called there marked out and shown to the Inhab- itants which is submitted
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