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DOCUMENTARY
History of Suffield,
COLONY AND PROVINCE
MASSACHUSETTS BAY,
NEW ENGLAND,
1660—1749.
COLLECTED, TRANSCRIBED AND PUBLISHED
BY
HEZEKIAH SPENCER SHELDON.
First Period, 1660—1682.
Second Period, 1682—1715.
g'HiRD Period, 1716—1749.
S50 Copies only, I*rinted.
SPRINGFIELD, MASS.:
!• H I >• T E D U V THE C L A U K W . IIA V A N r O SI V A N Y.
MUCCCLXXIX.
/ ( I I
DOCUMENTARY
History of SLiffielcI
IN THE
COLONY AND PROVINCE
OF THE
MASSACHUSETTS BAY,
IN
NEW ENGLAND,
16(50—1741).
COLLECTED, TRANSCRIliED AND 1^UI5LI!<IIEI)
BY
jjp:zekiah spencer sheldon.
First Terioi), lOGO— 1G82.
Second Period, 1682—1715.
Third Period, 171G— 1710.
i^SO Copies only, Printed
SPRINGIMKLI). MASS.:
KIN T E I) It V T H E C f- A I! K W . I! U V V V ( ■> M I' A .N V .
MDCCCI.XXIX.
THE >hvv Tuniv i
PUBLIC LIBRARY »
9G3399A
AfrrOR. LENOX AND
CONTENTS.
PERIOD I.
PAGE.
I'reface, 3
Outlines, ............. 5-45
Topography, 7 ; Indian Title, 9.
Colonial and Town Lines, 10-14
The Town Abandoned, 14
The First Minister, 15
First Marriages, Births and Deaths, ........ 16-17
The First Meeting-House, 17
Ministry Lands, 18-20
Extracts from John Pynchon's Acc-onnt Book, 20-2.3
First Grants and Allotments, how made, 23-25
Proprietors, Date of Grant, No. of Acres, Location of House Lots, when
Deceased, 25-28
Sketches of Proprietors, 29-45
Grants, Petitions and Deeds for Suffield, 46-52
First Grant, 1G60, P. 46. Act of Springfield Selectmen, 1669, P. 46.
Petition of the Inhabitants of Springfield to the General Court,
and the Answer, P. 47. Land Set Apart, and Final Grant, P. 48.
Boundaries, P. 49. Mass. Proposes to Settle the Boundaries, P. 50.
John Pynchon's Deed, P. 51.
Sufiield Town Book of Records, for Recording the Ordei-s, Acts, Grants
and Settlements of Suffield by the Committee from 1671 to 1682, .
Code of Laws or Rules for Ordering the New Plantation, Pp. 53-57. First
Grants to Settlers, P. 57. General Divisions for Laying Out the
Town, P. 58. Boundaries, Pp. 59, 65, 67. Public Grants, P. 60.
Additional Rules, P. 61.
Saw-Mill Grant, and Payment for Lands, .
Highways to Feather St. and to the Saw-Mill,
Feather St. Common Laid Out, ....
Suffield, its Name, and Boundaries Established, .
Numl)er of Families Increased to One Hundred, .
King Philip's War, and the Town Resettled,
The Committee Receive 400 Acres,
The Committee Relinquish it to Settlers, .
Tlie Inhabitants to be Settled More Compactly, .
Highways, from High St. to Windsor, P. 70. To the Old xMill, P. 71. To
Feather St., P. 71. From High St. Westward over Muddy Brook,
P. 71. From the Upper End of High St. Westward, (toward Has-
tings Hill,) P. 76.
" Finis," as to the Acts of the Committee, 78
53-78
62
63
64
65
6f>
67
68
73-77
69
Errata and Addenda.
p. 5, sixth line from bottom add, ''and part of Bloomfield."
P. 3, for April 1, read April 4tli.
P. 12, eleventh line from bottom for " sixteen"' read "twenty-one."
P. 13, eighteenth line from top, after rods read " and eight links."
P. 14, sixth line from top, for 182 feet read 188 feet.
P. 17, tenth line from top, after war, read " or when."
P. 18, nineteenth line from bottom, for Mr. read Mrs,
P. 24, seventeenth line from top, for 204 years read 194.
P. 26. Robert Watson's, and five succeeding Grants were in 1673.
P. 27. For Wooley, read Woolery, or Wool worth.
P. 28. School Lot, note, read " for the support of a school."
P. 29, second line from top, read Loomis & Norton's " Paper Mill."
P. 31. Read Thomas Copley married " Ruth Denslow."
P. 36. Add "James King was a cooper."
P. 37, ninth line from top, for John read " Samuel."
P. 38, fourth line from top, for Turner's Falls, read " Hatfield."
P. 39. James Rising was not at H. College 1646. His minister at
the Bermudas (Rev. Nathaniel White), was graduated at H.
C. 1646.
P. 41. Add " Thomas Smith was a weaver from Ipswich, Mass."
P. 42. Jonathan Taylor, sen., of Springfield, died in Suffield, 1683.
P. 43. (*) Star after Trumbull sixth line, belongs after Trumbull
fourth line.
P. 44. Robert Old; in his later years practiced medicine; and had
the title of Dr. in the records.
P. 71. (fl) after " westward " in sixteenth line belongs after "lot'
in twenty-first line, in place of *.
INTRODUCTORY.
SuFFiELD was settled chiefly by the sons, and daughters of the first
emigrants to New England.
Many of the first settled towns contributed to the number, espe-
cially Springfield, and Windsor,
To search and collate from these widelj?^ scattered sources, whatever
might lift the veil, and remove the accumulated mosses of two centu-
ries, has been a laborious, but pleasant task.
Another might have performed the work more perfectly, but none
with more love for it, or desire that these treasures be perpetuated.
These Documentary Collections, and Acts of the Committee for plant-
ing the town, are the -foundations, upon which the superstructure was
built, and compose a first, distinct period in its histor3\
The second period will embrace the years 1682-1715 inclusive.
After the latter date, the proprietors of the undivided common lands,
kept their acts, and records separate from those of the town. These
proprietors' books are in two volumes, and well {)reserved.
The third period ; will embrace the years 1716-1749 inclusive, at
which latter date, Suffield transferred its allegiance from the Massa-
chusetts, to the Connecticut Colony.
It is not in accordance with the plan I had proposed to myself, that
any portion of these pages should be given to the public, until the
Volume was complete. Circumstances have changed this intent, and
these memorials, of the initial jieriod of our town's history, are com-
mitted to the keeping of those who now possess this grand heritage,
and their successors whose feet shall press, and whose eyes shall look
upon, these hills, and vales, in the limitless future.
H. S. S.
West Suffield, Conn., June 23, 1876.
To the Selectmen of the Toivn of Suffield :
Sirs : — Having had occasion to search the early Town Recoi'ds, while pre-
paring a sliort sketch of the History of the Second Ecclesiastical Society, I
have become impressed with their value ; also the great danger that they
may be blotted out of existence in a single hour, by fire.
This is to ask permission to make a copy (for publication at my own cost)
of such parts of those Records as the writer may deem most desirable to be
preserved. llesjpectf ully yours,
H. S. SHELDON.
H. S. Sheldon, Esq. :
Dear Sir :— Yours of the 23d inst. is received. We cheerfully accord to
you permission to make such copies from the Town Records as you desire,
and to publish the same as you may deem proper. We have long been aware
of the danger to which our Town Records are hourly exposed ; and we are
sure that the Town must be under a lasting debt of gratitude to you, for
your generous efforts in placing an important portion of its priceless record
beyond the contingency of irrecoverable loss.
Very truly yours,
MARTIN J. SHELDON,
SAMUEL WHITE, }■ Seleclmen.
JARVIS W. CASE.
Suffield, June 23, 1876.
PREFACE
Believing that no History of Suffield can be so complete or
valuable to the descendants of its founders, as the records them-
selves, accurately transcribed, the writer has modified a first plan,
and will commence this work by making a copy of the petitions,
grants, and orders to and from the Massachusetts General
Court ; also the acts of the Committee appointed by it to settle
the town.
This plan, with explanatory notes, involves much labor and
research, as well as expense.
Many matters pertaining to the Town's History previous to
A. D. 1749, can only be found in the Massachusetts Colonial
Records at Boston, the Probate Rjpcords at Northampton, and
the Land and Town Records at Springfield. After that date,
the Comiecticut Colonial Records, the Hartford Probate Rec-
ords to 1821, and the Suffield Records, contain similar important
matter.
The original first volume of Suffield Toivn Acts is much worn,
and the first sixteen pages, containing the acts of the Commit-
tee to April 1, 1677, are lost.
Fortunately the Town, in 1771, ordered a copy to be mada of
that part of the old volume which related to the " Tenuro of
Lands."
This copy is now Vol. 1 Suffield Land Records, and includes
the entire acts of the Committee to 1682, and all grants and
allotments of Land to 1724 ; but omits the records of the
Town Meetings, which contain the only existing account of the
trials and struggles of our ancestors for more than fifty years.
These have been transcribed ; and the ancient orthography will
be preserved from and after the date April 1, 1677.
The old volume is before me ! From pure reverence the
writer has, in its 206th anniversary year, procured for it a new
4 PREFACE.
binding, to save, if possible, what remains. No care can much
longer shield it from Time's ravages — the preserving power of
types and press alone can save the treasures it contains. Its
dingy pages, fading ink, and crumbling leaves, make the tran-
scription a labor.
This work is a " labor of love " on the part of the writer and
transcriber. If others shall derive the same pleasure in study-
ing the Town's early history, or a new interest shall be awakened
in perpetuating the annals and memorials of our noble ances-
tors, he will be amply rewarded.
Hezekiah S. Sheldon.
SuFFiELD, December 25, 1876.
OUTLINE SKETCHES
OF THE
HISTORY OF SUFFIBLD.
HAETFORD and Saybrook were settled by the English in
1635 ; Wethersfield in 1634 ; Middletown, in 1650 ; Haddam,
in 1662 ; and Lyme, in 1667, These towns were all that were settled
in the Connecticut Valley, below Windsor, prior to 1670.
Windsor* had at this date six or seven hundred inhabitants, and a
territory on both sides of the river, forty-six miles in circumference,
and nineteen Indians to one Englishman.! Within the town of
Windsor only, there were ten distinct tribes or sovereignties. Their
bowmen were reckoned at two thousand. It was the general opinion
that there were nineteen Indians in that town to one Englishman.
SIMSBURY.
Simsbury, J on the south-west, was incorporated in 1670. It con-
tained thirteen Freemen, and other male inhabitants (not Freemen), in
all perhaps thirty. The Indians (Massacoes) numbered several hun-
dred. Until the war of 1676 they vastly exceeded the white popu-
lation ; at which time the town was burned, provisions, produce, fur-
niture, fences and farming utensils were collected into heaps, and
burned. The town remained deserted for a year, and no attempt was
made to rebuild it.
Simsbury then embraced nearly the whole of the present towns of
Simsbury, Granby, East Granby and Canton.
It was settled from Windsor, and was the twenty-first town incor-
porated within the Connecticut and New Haven Colonies, whicli be-
came one in 1665.
SPRINGFIELD.
Springfield, the parent town of Suffield, was settled in 1636, by
families from Iloxbury, and was called ''Aguam " or "Agawam " until
♦Barber's History Coll.
t Trumbull's History of Conn.
t Phelps' History of Simsbury.
6 OUTLINE SKETCHES OF THE
1640 ; when the inhabitants in ^' Town meeting assembled," gave it
the name of " Springfield ;" * complimentary to Mr. William Pyn-
chon, who came from a town of that name in England.
Its boundaries were indefinite, but it embraced portions of West-
field and Southwick, the whole of the present territory of Springfield,
West Springfield, Agawam, Chicopee, Wilbraham, Ludlow, Long-
meadow, Enfield, Somers and Sufiield.
In 1673,t it was a small village " containing possibly 400 inhabit-
ants, men, women and children, and 71 qualified voters ; " 1,500
would doubtless be an extravagant estimate of the white population
in the Valley in Massachusetts at that time.
WESTFIELD.
Westfield (Woronoco), as early as 1643, was a trading post, and
a trading house had been built there by permission of the Connecti-
cut Court, which at that time claimed jurisdiction over the place.
It had a few permanent settlers in 1650, and was incorporated
in 1669.
A pathway from Windsor to Northampton via. Westfield, for men,
horses and ox-carts, across Sufiield, was in use at an early period, $
and kept in repair by people of those towns.
It was settled by ^^eople from Springfield, Northampton and Con-
necticut.
NORTHAMPTON.
Northampton (Nonotuck) was settled in 1654, principally from
Springfield and Windsor. It embraced the territory now included in
North, South, East and West Hampton, and part of Hatfield and
Montgomer3^
HADLEY.
Hadley was settled in 1659 by a company from Hartford, Wethers-
field and Windsor, in Connecticut, and incorporated a town in 1661.
HATFIELD.
Hatfield was incorporated in 1670 5 Deerfield was settled the same
year, and incorporated 1673.
These were the only settlements in the valley, in Hampshire Coun-
ty ; Suffield being the sixth town incorporated in Western Massachu-
setts.
Hampshire County was formed in 1662, and was composed of three
towns, Springfield, Northampton and Hadley.
* Bliss's Address.
t" Holland."
X Judd's Hadley, page 44.
HISTORY OF SUFFIBLD. i
Enfield had no permanent settlers until about 1679, and was in-
corporated in 1683. It was also a part of Springfield, then called
Freshwater ; afterward Endfield — now Enfield.
STONY RIVER, SOUTHFEILD, SUFFIELD.
In the year 1660, the Massachusetts General Court granted to
several persons a sufficient quantity of land to make a plantation, at
a place called Stony River, on both sides of the way to Connecticut,
seven miles square. It is probable that an attempt was made at set-
tlement at that place, and soon abandoned, and the grant became void.
None of these petitioners ever afterward became settlers of the town.
January 14, 1669, the selectmen of Springfield recommended to
the town to make several grants of land " att towards : or about, Stony
Eyuer ; and that if it were ordered, and managed aright ; it might
make a fine village, or small Plantation."
This was followed by a petition to the General Court in May, 1670,
for a Grant for a new town. The petition was granted by the magis-
trates, but denied by the deputies.
On October 12, the same year, both branches of the General Court
confirmed the Grant. This Grant was six miles square on the west
side of the '' Connecticott," toward Windsor. In 1671 the committee
extended the town one and a half miles further west. Complete
copies of all petitions, grants, orders and deeds, pertaining to the set-
tlement of Suffield, are in the succeeding pages.
TOPOGRAPHY.
In 1670, the territory now embraced in Suffield was a wilderness,
heavily timbered, principally with chestnut, pine and oak. It was
estimated that it had but five hundred acres of meadow, or interval
land, which was deemed the most valuable by the early settlers, the
lack of which was a principal reason why the towns, above and below,
were first settled.
Between the river and the mountain are several hilly ridges, with
intermediate valleys, and streams of water running northerly and
southerly across the town, emptying into Stony River. Upon these
ridges were the trails, or paths leading to and from the towns above
and below, and where the highways were afterward laid, and still re-
main. Upon one of these ridges was the ''Northampton Road,"
sometimes called "Hampton Road," and sometimes the "Country
Road." * This was the first road in use in Suffield ; used certainly as
early as 1643, and made a "County Road" by Hampshire County
* County Road.
8 OUTLINE SKETCHES OF THE
Court in 1664. (This is now Christian or South street ; Remington
street and Hasting's, or Zion's Hill Road.)
At this time the " Northampton Road" ran along the easterly side
of Zion's Hill (then called " Long Hill"). The first permanent set-
tlers located on this road, and the first (so-called) division of lands
was here.
Upon the next ridge east, " High street " was laid. High street
extended only from the " Horse way" (now the " Old Factory Road ")
on the south, to the " Springfield Road "* (now Crooked Lane) on the
north. This was called the second division or place, with a double tier
of lots.
Upon the ridge nearest the river was the third place with a single tier
of lots. This was called ''Fether street" (now Feather street). Tra-
dition says it derived its name from the number of feather peddlers
who lived there. This cannot be true, as it had the name before it
was inhabited by the whites, viz., 1671. It was probably first called
Ferther street, then Fether street, from its remoteness from High
street.
"Stony River," deriving its name from its rocky bed, (now Stony
Brook,) has its rise within the town. Fed by the innumerable springs
and streams that issue from the mountain on the west, Agawam
Plains on the north, and Windsor Plains on the south, it furnished
many mill sites. The undrained swamps were natural reservoirs, mak-
ing the water suppl}^ continuous. Now Stony Brook is of little value
for its inill sites ; but, with its numerous branches, it furnishes admir-
able drainage and water supply to nearly all parts of the town east
of the mountain.
Upon some small open fields, or plains, were a few Indian families,
as relics often found there indicate. f They were numerous about the
Fall sabove Stony River (Lacowsick) ; and below (at Squotuck), at-
tracted thither by the admirable fishing grounds.
The '■'■ Great Swamp " lay at the eastern base of the mountain, a
half mile or more in width, extending from Springfield to Simsbury
lines. Along the eastern border of this swamp was the "Hampton
Path," leading from Poquonnoc to Westfield, through what is now
West Sufiield Center, and "' Rattly Road," then called " the road across
Rattlesnake Plain."
The mountain was densely wooded, and then, as now, a prominent
and attractive feature in the landscape of the town. It was supposed
to contain valuable mines of copper and of iron. On this account it
* This " way " or road is alliuled to in the Grant of 1660.
t On land of Geo. A. Douglas, Esq., upon the west bank of tlie Connecticut
River, between Rawlin's Brook and the Falls, was an extensive Indian burial
ground.
HISTORY OF SUFFIELD. 9
was held as "sequestered common " until 1742, when it was divided
into 114 proprietors' lots, of four to six acres, each, and drawn for
Dy lot.
West of the mountain lay an unexplored wilderness. Seventeen
years later, (1687,) the town appointed a committee to make explora-
tions west of it. The last partition of common lands to proprietors —
included this part of the town, and was made in 1759.
INDIAN TITLE.
Many of the towns in the A^alley have recorded deeds from Indian
chiefs, of lands embraced within them — procured by purchase either
before or after settlement.
No deed* of Suffield as a township, from any Indian chief, has been
found.
Its lands were included as a part of Woronoco (Westfield) in 1647,
when the General Court ordered " that Woronoco upon the Connecti-
cutt River (west side) should be part of Springfield."
The Pj^nchon deed informs us that the Indian Title to our lands
was obtained in separate parts, and from different chiefs.
The northerly part was purchased of Pampunkshat, and was in-
cluded in his deed of " Waronoco " to John Pynchon. This strip of
land extending southerly from Springfield line, (now Agawam,)
bounded east on the river down to " Lacows," or " Lacowsick," about
the Palls — thence out westward the same breadth to Westfield bound "
(then the top of the mountain).
The southerly part was bought by Major Pynchon of " Misnouas-
ques," alias " Margery."
This purchase included the land about the Falls, called " Lacows,"
or Lacowsick — also "along the Great River, a great way below Stony
Brook, toward Windsor," the land being called " Squotuck," " May-
yawag," " Wecups," etc. From the " Great River " this tract extend-
ed westerly many miles — taking in the ledge of mountains, and "Ash-
awalas " and " Wenekeiamaug," and all the swamps thereabouts down
toward "Masacoe." This embraced what is now a part of East
Granby, Granby and Windsor ; and a large part of Suffield.
The sum paid for the whole, by the proprietors, to Major Pynchon,
was forty pounds. He purchased the whole from the Indians for the
sum of thirty pounds.
* Bliss's Address says there was one.
10 OUTLINE SKETCHES OF THE
COLONIAL AND TOWN LINES.
Springfield (called Agawam until 1640) was settled in 1636, bji
William Pyuchon and others, who at that time, it seems, supposed
themselves within the Connecticut Patent, and sent deputies to that
General Court. In 1638, they became satisfied they were in Massa-
chusetts, and appointed Mr. Pynchon magistrate ; and applied to tha
General Court for protection, and rejected Connecticut jurisdiction
thereafter.
The boundary line between the colonies was unknown, and it was a
fruitful source of discord between them for many years, involving the
border towns in the same quarrel.
The south line of Massachusetts * '' runs west from a point three
miles south of the most southerlj- branch of Charles Kiver, and every
part of it.*' This point was fixed by Nathaniel Woodward, by order of
court in 1638 — and in 1642, two surveyors. Woodward and Saffer}^,
were ordered to run the line between the colonies. They fixed the
line upon the east shore of the Connecticut Kiver at Windsor, near
Warehouse Point, about twenty rods below ivhere the Warehouse was
afterward built.
This line was accepted by Massachusetts and assented to by Con-
necticut. Windsor, east of the river, was bounded north upon it, and
west of the Great River, it bounded north on " Kettle Brook."t
After the settlement at Suffield was begun, dissensions arose be-
tween its inhabitants and those of Windsor. Windsor claimed Stony
River for its north line. Suffield claimed to the old line of Wood-
ward and Saffery, which is about a half a mile below the foot of the
Palls. In 1671, Massachusetts caused this line of 1642 to be contin-
ued west of the Connecticut River seven and a half miles.
Connecticut remonstrated, and in 1672 Massachusetts proposed as
a compromise to state and settle the bounds, " forty rods below the
foot of the Great Island against the Palls." The concession was not ac-
cepted ; and in 1674 the act establishing the town of Suffield stated
the south boundar}-, " about a half a mile below the Island, near the
foot of the Palls."
Connecticut was dissatisfied, and in 1680 proposed to Massachusetts,
that commissioners be appointed to run the line " with due care and
good instruments, so that a final issue of the controversy may be had."
Massachusetts not accepting the proposal, Connecticut, in 1694, ap-
pointed a committee to run the line, and became satisfied that the
* Webster's History of U. S.
t Conn. Gen. Court, 1636.
HISTORY OF SUFFIELD, 11
true line between the colonies was several miles north of that made
by Woodward and Saffery. The great sufferers in this uncertain con-
dition of the boundaries were the inhabitants of the border towns,
who often came to blows, within the disputed territory.
In the year 1700 further attempts were made to procure an amica-
ble settlement of the dispute.*
The line was run by the commissioners of both colonies in 1702,
and found to fall north of the former line, but Massachusetts disagreed
to the report. In 1708, Connecticut appointed commissioners with
full power to run the line and establish the boundaries ; and " Eesolv-
ed,t that unless Massachusetts would unite to complete the business,
they would apply to the Crown." After several years spent in
negotiation, an agreement was concluded in 1713.
July 13 of that year, commissioners of the Massachusetts and
Connecticut colonies, agreed upon the terms for a settlement of the
boundary line between them.J
The colony line was found to be north of the towns of Suffield, En-
field and Woodstock. These towns were settled under grants from
Massachusetts, and it was agreed that they should remain under that
jurisdiction ; Connecticut receiving an equivalent of 105,793 acres of
land in the western part of Massachusetts. These lands were sold by
auction in 1716 at Hartford, and bid off by William Pitkin for other
parties, for the sum of £683, New England currenc}^, or $2,274. Five
hundred pounds of the money was given to Yale College.
In 1713§ the line between Suffield and Enfield, and Windsor and
Simsbury was adjusted. Windsor lost 7,259 acres. It had claimed as
far north as the mouth of Stony Brook, on both sides of the Great
River. This settled, for a time, a controversy which had long existed,
and caused much bitterness of feeling between these towns, and was
one of the main reasons why the towns of Suffield and Enfield con-
sented to remain within Massachusetts jurisdiction, so long after it
was known that they belonged to Connecticut.
In 1747,11 " Suffield, Endfield, Woodstock and Sommers," petitioned
-to the Connecticut Assembly for admission to the liberties and privi-
leges of that colony. In May, 1749, the petition was granted, and
Connecticut extended its jurisdiction over these towns, in these words :1[
'* Whereupon this Assembly, having considered the said memorial,
are of opinion, that, as it doth not a2)pear that ever the said agreement
* WeVjster's History of U. S.
tConn. Col. Hec.
JConn. Col. Kec.
§Conn. Col. Rec. papcs 391, 564, Vol. 170C-1G.
II Vol. 9, pa^es 1^0 1, 8;W.
HConn. Col. Kec, Vol. 9, page 431.
12 OUTLINE SKETCHES OF THE
hath, so it never ought to receive the royal confirmation, and that as
the governments could not give up, exchange, or alter their jurisdic-
tions ; so the said agreement, so far as it respects jurisdiction, is void.
''And thereupon this Assembly do declare, that all the said Inhab-
itants which live south of the line fixed by the Massachusetts Charter,
are within and have the right to the privileges of this government —
the aforesaid agreement notwithstanding."
Massachusetts suffered no wrong or injustice in this matter, as she
retained both the territorj'-, and jurisdiction of the equivalent lands.
For twenty years after, Massachusetts continued to assess these
towns, but the taxes were not levied.
Connecticut could not prevail upon Massachusetts to unite with
them in establishing a boundary line, made neccessary by the revolt
of these towns. Both colonies referred the dispute to the Crown ; and
Connecticut was successful in maintaining its claims and jurisdiction.
The claim of Massachusetts to these towns and a part of Southwick,
(west of the mountain and now a part of Suffield,) was formally re-
nounced in 1803 ; Connecticut at the same time renouncing her claim
to a part of Southwick, (which included a part of the ponds,) but gain-
ing her claim to that part of West Springfield which had been in
dispute.
The line west of the Connecticut River, wdiich had remained unset-
tled more than one hundred and fifty years, was established in 1803.
East of the river it was established in 1826.
TOWN LINES.
The north line of Suifield in 1671, from the Connecticut River west
to Westfield bounds, (at Rising Notch,) afterward became the State
line, and so remains.
The distance from the Great River to the south-west corner bound
of Springfield, (now Agawam,) and the north-west corner of Sufiield, at
Rising Notch, was stated to be four miles and a half when first run
in 1674. The actual distance, by the line of 1803, is five and a
quarter miles and sixteen links.
The east boundary of the town was the " Great River," and extend-
ed " South from Springfield line six miles upon the square," which is
to-day about its width.
The south line, supposed to have been the colonial line, was long in
dispute as before related. The Town Records indicate that fierce con-
tentions arose between the inhabitants of this and the towns of
Windsor and Simsbury; which terminated in 1713, when the colonial
lines were adjusted. By this adjustment Simsbury retained the dis-
puted territory; and Suffield was dismembered of its south-western
corner, embracing an area of not less than 5,000 acres. As an equiv-
HISTORY OF SUFFIELD. 13
alent for the losses sustained, the Massachusetts General Court, in
1732, granted to Suffield Proprietors a tract of land six miles square.
This tract* is now covered by the town of Blandford. It was sold to
Christopher J. Lawton.
The west linef from Springfield's south-west corner bound, (at Ris-
ing Notch,) ran southerly along the top of the mountain, about
two miles to a White Oak Tree, J which was the south-east corner
bound of Westfield. From this bound the line between the towns of
Westfield and Suffield extended westerly several miles, and so far
southerly as to leave all the ponds within the town of Westfield (now
in Southwick). The land between Westfield and Simsbury lines be-
longed to Suffield, but was in dispute. In the settlement of 1713,
Simsbmy retained a large portion of it.
By the adjustment of the State line in 1803, Suffield acquired a
tract of land about two miles square, lying on its north-west border
between the top of the mountain and the "■ Ponds."
The State line§ was extended westerly from Springfield bound (at
" Rising Notch ") two miles and twenty-nine rods, crossing " Concon-
gomonk Plain " to a stone monument at the middle pond, twenty-two
links east of low water mark ; thence on the east shore of said pond,
as the same runs southerly, etc.
There seems to be no good reason why this line should not have
been continued west without a break, which would have left the south
part of Southwick|| and a large portion of the Ponds in Connecticut,
where they properly belong. The wishes of the inhabitants seem
to have governed the commissioners in establishing the line ; those
living east of the Ponds desired to belong to Suffield, while those
west chose to remain in Southwick and under Massachusetts juris-
diction.
The " Ponds," now quite famous as a resort for picnic and pleasure
parties, were then esteemed of little value. About 17o() an attempt
was made to drain them for purposes of cultivation, by a company of
English agriculturists, but proved impracticable. Their outlet was
originally through the Agawam River, but was diverted southerly by
the Farmington Canal Company, and so remained for many years
after the canal was abandoned. Since that time large manufacturing
interests have grown up in the valley of the Agawam River, and the
Ponds are valuable as a reservoir for water supply. Ilcnco the courts
were resorted to for a settlement of the disputes which bad arisen
♦Holland,
tTliis line was defineil in 170:5.
J About twenty feet of tlie body of this tree is still standing.
§State Boundaries Corine'-ticut Private Laws, Vol. II.
iJFormerly a part of Westfield, and was incorporated in 1770.
14 OUTLINE SKETCHES OF THE
between citizens of the two States, resulting in the restoration of the
original outlet.
The "Ponds"* are the summit level of the old Farmington canal
between Westfield and iSTew Haven, being 76 feet above Westfield,
36 feet above Farmington, 218 feet above tide water at New Haven,
and 182 feet above the Connecticut Kiver at Enfield Falls.
THE TOWN ABANDONED.
The breaking out of '" King Philip's War " in 1675, suspended all
grants of lands, and the plantation was abandoned to solitude and the
Indian.
There is no record of the particulars of the flight of the inhabitants,
but it may be supposed, as in other towns that were abandoned,
it was in great haste and fear, the people burjnng their valuables in
the earth, and secreting them in wells and swamps.f
At this time there were ten towns in Hampshire County, which
included all of Western Massachusetts then inhabited by the whites.
The County embraced a tract of land about thirty-six miles in width,
on each side of the Connecticut river, and about fifty miles in length
northerly from the Connecticut Colonial line.
Five of these ten towns were abandoned and burned, viz.:
Brookfield, Northfield, Deerfield, Suffield and Swampfield or Sun-
derland.
Judd's History of Hadleyt says there were 225 persons slain, 110
dwellings, and a less number of barns, were burnt within the County,
and some of these were in Suffield.
Springfield was burned October 5, 1675. Major Pynchon's letter
to his son Joseph§ (then in London) describing that event says:
''All my mills, both corn and saw-mills, are burnt down ; those at
home, in this town, and also those I had in other places, and four of
those houses, and barns to them, which were burnt in this town,
belongeth to me also. So that God hath laid me low."'
Major Pynchon's saw-mill, near the mouth of Stony Brook, was
destroyed at this time and rebuilt in 1677.
Connecticut suffered less, the Indians within its borders being
friendly. Simsbury, a border town, was burned March 26, 1676,
by a band of marauding Indians from the north, belonging to King
Philip's band, or to the Springfield tribe (Aggawams).
*Frora an original profile of the Farmington canal in the possession of the writer.
tMajor Pynchon paid Jos. Trumbull five shillings for "secreting the tooles " at
the saw-mill. Pynchon Account Book.
jPage 188.
§Joseph had a grant of land in Suffield, 1682.
HISTORY OP SUPFIELD. 16
No Indian war had occurred since the Pequot war, forty years
before, and the settlers had lived side by side with the red man. The
treachery of the Indian character was well known, and constant watch-
fulness was required, yet no serious outbreak had occurred.
Church's History of King Philip's war estimates the number of
Indians in New England at 10,500. "Trumbull" says 600 inhab-
itants of New England were slain in this war, twelve or thirteen
towns entirely destroyed, and 600 families, consisting of 2,265 persons,
were in distress. "Bancroft " estimates the loss of property destroyed
at half a million of dollars.
This war terminated the occupation of the valley by the Indian as
joint tenant with the white man, and the remnant of the hostile tribes
fled to Canada and the West. Their knowledge of the best routes
between Canada and New England made them valuable guides to the
French and a terror to the colonists, during the long French and
Indian wars which preceded the conquest of Canada.
Early in the year 1677 the committee announced to the scattered
settlers that, " Whereas now thro the favor of God in scattering the
Heathen, and giving us some quiet there is hopes of resettling there,"
they will not claim forfeiture of lands on account of abandonment,
but will give them "forty days to declare their intendments, and full
resolutions to settle there," and " failing to settle within 18 months,
their allotments to be disposed of to such as will."
In the Spring of 1677 nearly all* who had grants settled upon
them, and the town started anew upon its march of progress, and in
the 200 years which have since passed by, has taken no backward
step.
THE FIRST MINISTER.
The act of incorporation required that the inhabitants should pro-
cure and maintain some able minister.
In 1672 a house lot for a minister was set apart.
In 1679, November 17, the inhabitants voted "to build a dwell-
ing-house for the encouragement of Mr. John Younglove, to become
their minister." On the same day the committee granted him eighty
acres of land; the house lot of thirty acres previously set apart for the
first minister being a part.
Mr. Younglove had preached acceptably to the people of Suffield for
some time previous to his call, and probably became their minister the
next year (1680), but not with a full settlement.
Mr. Younglove, (perhaps) son of Samuel, of Ipswich, was appointed
with Mr. John Pynchon in 1667, a committee for settling Quabaug
*Samuel Harmon, decwised, and Jusliua Wells did not return.
16 OUTLINE SKETCHES OF THE
(Brookfield), where he lived several years, and preached a year or two.
He was a school-teacher at Hadley from 1674 until his removal to
Suffield in 1680.
He had four sons and four daughters, the youngest child (Joseph)
was the only one born at Suffield. No mention is made of his salary.
Judd's History of Hadley, saj^s: "The salaries of ministers in small
towns did not exceed 150 dollars ; which with a farm, and lands, and
wood, and with the frugal, economical habits of those days, gave them
a good support." He was not a college graduate, but had a good edu-
cation, as the position he filled would indicate.
His ministry here was not altogether satisfactor}-, as a few scraps of
record show. No doubt his life was one of thankless toil, such as few
of the clergy at the present time are called to endure.
In 1686 one acre of Steven Taylor's meadow land was "taken by
distiess" and conveyed to "Mr. John Younglove for unpaid minister
rates due him."
' In 1688 he spent six months of the year as teacher of the Hadley
Grammar School ; probably preaching here upon the Sabbath.
In 1690 the town voted to petition the County Court at Northamp-
ton " against Mr. Younglove preaching any longer amongst us."
While the case was pending death dissolved the bond. Worn and
exhausted by the long struggle to maintain a large family, this seems
to have been a crushing blow, as within two months thereafter he died
(June 3, 1690).
His widow survived him twenty years, rearing and caring for her
children.
It may be said to the credit of the town, that it provided for the
"widow Sarah Younglove," for many years after her husband's decease.
Mr. Younglove was made a Freeman in 1676, and was one of the few
qualified voters at the first town meeting.
He probably was not an ordained minister, though the prefix Rev.
is sometimes found in the record.
The family name has long been extinct in Suffield, but his blood
flows in the veins of the Nortons, Grangers, and Nelsons.
FIRST MARRIAGES, BIRTHS AND DEATHS.
The first recorded marriage after the actual settlement of the town
began was that of Joseph Harmon, with Hannah Filley of Windsor,
January 22, 1673.
Previous to 1692, only magistrates such as the General Court author-
ized could join persons together in marriage ; ministers and justices
afterward being allowed.
HISTORY OF SUFFIELD. 17
THE FIRST WHITE CHILD.
It is quite certain that but one child was born at Suffield, before
King Phili])'s War, and this was a daughter to Robert and Susannah
Old, named "Mindwell,"' born February 4, 1674.
Eobert Old came to Suffield from Windsor in 1673, and settled on
the Northampton Eoad (called Old street), about a quarter of a mile
northerly from the road to West Suffield. Another writer (Sikes) has
accredited the first white child born at Suffield to Judah and Mary
Trumble, March 5, 1674. This cannot be true, as Judah Trumble had
not received his grant at this time;* and did not remove from Rowley
to Suffield until 1676, after the Indian war, when the town was re-
settled in the spring of 1677.
The record of marriages, births and deaths was kept by the clerk
of the County Court until 1692. After that, each town kept its own.
All births, etc., which had occurred since the settlement of the town,
and that of some families previous, were copied into the town book,
in the handwriting of Anthony Austin. He has recorded there the
birth of three of his own children, born before the town was settled.
The first Book of Records for this purpose bears the date 1702, and
was copied from the Court Records, and perhaps other sources, at
one and the same time, by Anthony Austin.
A mutilated j^ortion of this volume remains. Fortunately its full
contents were copied, and are to be found in Vol. 1 of Births, Mar-
riages and Deaths.
THE FIRST MEETING-HOUSE.
The data for a description of the First Meeting-House is very
meager.
It was probably built in tlie year 1680, and about the time Mr.
Younglove became the minister. No mention is made of the build-
ing until five years later. There was a place for religious worship,
and for town meetings, during this time, and it may be assumed that
the Meeting-House had been built.
It was probably a two-story building, as was the custom through-
out New England.
It is not supposable that permission would be given to erect " gal-
leries," or that room for a " canopy " or " sounding-board " could be
found, above the airy pulpit in a one-story building.
It was built upon the Common, south-easterly from the burial place,
" and thereby room enough left on the high land there for training,
and other uses, on either side of the Meeting-House."
*Savage's Genealogy.
:5
18 OUTLINE SKETCHES OF THE
It stood lengthwise north and south, the pulpit heing on one side
opposite to the great door on the other. " Mr. Euggles, his pew,"
was south of the pulpit, probably the only pew in it, and built as a
mark of distinction.
The gallery w-as built and occupied by the young men ; and the
floor of the building was filled with rude chairs and benches. It was
a frame building clapboarded ; but concerning its dimensions, its cost,
or what other use w^as made of it, the Record is silent.
In 1701 the Selectmen were ordered to sell it. This ends its
history.
The only allusions to the First Meeting-House found in the Record
are the following :
April G, 1685. " Agreed, & voted to begin the meeting on y* Sab-
bath, at nine of the clock in the morning : and at half an houre after
one of y^ clock in the Afternoone ; And that the Tow'usmen shall upon
y^ Towne's cost procure a ladder, and alsoe a red flagg to hang out for
a signe. That persons may know the time for assembling together."
Dec. 26, 1686. " By a cleare vote Goodm" Sikes was chosen to read,
and set y* psame on y° Sabbath Day."
Dec. 16, 1695. " It was agreed & voted to put up a canopy, or
Sounding Board, over the Pulpit."
" Also that Ensigne Pengilly, & Corjiorall Allyn in refference to
their wives being thick of hearing : it was granted ; that, they should
have liberty to make them a seat before, or just under the Pulpit,
somewhat higher than other seats for the better accommodating of
them to hear the word dispensed."
Jan. 12, 1697. " It was agreed and Voted to build M"" Ruggles a
pew at the South end y"^ Pulpit " " Also The young men being put
b}^ their design of building a gallerie in the place where they had de-
signed to build it : They were by a full & cleare vote allowed to
build it at the North end of the Meeting House, and upon their non-
acceptance, or refusal soe to doe any other were allowed the same
libertj'' that would."
In October, 1699, it was '■' Voted to build a Meeting House (the 2^
one") 40 feet square "
Aug. 26, 1700. "Voted to set the Meeting House on the top of the
Hill against the Burying Place,"
Dec. 16, 1700. '•' Voted to leave it with the Select Men ; and com-
mittee the management of what is yet to be done in order to the fin-
ishing of the House of God all ready errected,"
Marcb, 1701. " Voted to sell the old Meeting House, when the
Town shall have no further occasion to make use of it for the service
of God, and to leave the sale thereof with the Townsmen."*
MINISTRY LANDS. •
Jan. 12, 167y, the Committee set apart for the Ministry 80 acres
" to be improved, and to be continued for that use forever ; and not
*Selectmen.
HISTORY OF SUFFIELD. 19
granted away or sold, or any way alienated therefrom." The GO acre
lot at the upper end of High St. was rented to various persons, and
the avails applied to the support of the Ministry, for more than 100
years ; when Jan. 3, 1791, by a vote of the Town it was leased for the
term of 999 years to Elijah Granger at an annual rental of £21 : Is :
21 d ($70j%%), or pay into the Town Treasury the sum of £351.
Elijah Granger sub-let a portion (20 acres) of the Land, in 1798, to
Howard Alden, and the remainder to Rev. Ebenezer Gay. Since
that time many changes of j)ossession, or title, have occurred, predi-
cated upon the lease of 1791. The annual rent was paid by the dif-
ferent possessors, until 1844, and applied to the support of the Minis-
try. The heirs of Howard Alden and J. F. Fairchild are now its
possessors.
The 20 acre Ministry Lot upon the East side of High St. has been
leased for short periods of time to various persons, since the settle-
ment of the Town, until Jan. 30, 1834, when it was leased for 999
years to Moses Cornwall, at an annual rental of $70. The present
occupants or possessors are Knox Brothers and Eenj. F. Hastings,
who hold the Land under this Lease.
MINISTRY MEADOW
Is situated west of Taintor Hill and contains about 13 acres. Five
acres were set apart at an early period, and eight acres were added in
1716, in the second division of the Lands of the Town. This land
was cared for by the Town, and the avails properly applied, until April
1, 1794, when the Town leased it for 999 years to Dan King 2d, at an
annual rental of £8: Os: lOjd (^^20)^^), for the support of the Gospel.
This lease for non-payment of rent became void. The Second Eccl.
Society have had the avails or control of the Meadow since 1797, and
have usually sold the grass upon it yearly to the highest bidder, or
leased it for a short term of years.
DIVISION OF AVAILS OF MINISTRY LANDS.
When the Second Cong. Society was formed in 1740 the income from
Ministry Lands was divided upon the lists of the taxpayers in the
respective Societies. This mode was continued until Dec. 28, 1797,
when the two Societies partitioned the lands by agreement, as follows :
The First to have three-fifths of the income from the 60 acre Lot, and
the whole of 21 (20) acre Lot. The Second to have two-fifths of the
income from tlie CO acre Lot, and the whole of the Ministry Meadow.
A further division and disposition of the 60 acre Lot was made by
the two Societies May 25, 1844, by convejiug their interest to Milton
20
OUTLINE SKETCHES OF THE
Lester, and Don Pease for the sum of ^llTS/ij'jy, of which the First
Society had three-fifths and the Second two-fifths. This alienation is
against the letter and spirit of the Grant. The First Society have
spent their share, while the Second have funded theirs in the loan and
mortgage to and from H. E. Dibble of $468.
EXTRACTS FEOM MAJ. PYNCHON'S ACCOUNT BOOK.
ACCOUXT WITH SETTLERS FOR LAXD.
Stony River alias Suffeild Plantation between Springfield and Windsor,
now called Sufteild.
DR.
Imprimis: To y^ purchase of y^ Lands fr° y« Indians stated
by y« Committee at their Meeting y« W^ March l(J72-3 at
To y^ Petition to y^ Gen' Cort: y« 2^ Petition 10^ money at .
The coppy of y^ Court (irant
To my paying Goodm" Marshfield for 3 days in laying out
Feather Streete Hit-h Street &c
For some writings I paid for & other expenses I p"^ .
Balanced p"" contra by receiving fr" severall p''sons of Suf-
feild y« sum of £il: 15:00 Acet^'i Feb'-y 1681: as follows.
CR.
}x
By my sawmill Lot 60 acres
By Simon Lobdell 60 ac-" Lot x*
By Lieut Tyler, for his 2 Sons Lots
By my Corne Mill Lot in Feather S'
By Sam Harmon
By Joseph Harmon
June 23<i 1674 By Good" Millington
By Joshua Wells x
By Benj'' Bartlett sl3: 04
By Sam' Dible sl3:04 \ x
By Nathanell Harmon
By John Hodge
By Nicholas Kawlins x
By Increase Sikes x .
By Victorv Sikes
By Robert Old .
By John Burhank
By Thomas Morely x .
By John Filley ....
March 2'i 1674-5 By Thomas West x
By Samuel Cross
By Geo JefTery ....
By Jonath Winchell .
By David Winchell
By Sam" Taylor
By David Morgan x .
Nov 29 1676 By Abrah Dibble .
Jany 31 1677 : By Goodm. Rising
40:00:00
00:15:00
00:00:06
00:07:06
00:12:00
£11:15:00
01:00:00
01:00:00
01:00:00
01:00:00
00:16:08
00:16:08
00:13:04
00:13:04
01:06:08
00:13:04
00:16:08
00:13. 04
00: 16:08
00:16:08
13:04
13:04
13:04
13:04
13:04
13:04
13:04
01:00:00
01:00:00
00:13:04
00 : 16 : 08
00:16:08
00:16:00
* These were marked x by Major Pynchon, being purchasers but not settlers.
HISTORY OF SUFFIELD.
21
By Judah Trumbull 16: S )
" Jos Trumble 16:8 |
By Georjre Norton
May 30 1678: By Nathaniel Cooke w''^ I KeC^
By G"" Kent* 2U^ & for Sam« Lot 13^ : 4'i .
in 30-£ Hops
50 an
S : and a 50 acre a
d 3 sons 40 acre = 1
70 acres
*By Serg" Austin 2-40 acres 1
By G'" AUyn 180 : acres
By G"' Remington his Lot
More 10 acres
By John Pengilley
By Eilm: Marshall
Isack Cakebread
Jos : Eastman
W™ Prichard
'Edw : Smith
James Barker
Th« Copley .
Nath : Cheny
By Good™ Roe .
Tim" Palmer
Due to me
Pf contra is 41 : 15 : 00. so all is Ballanced this ffebr 1681.
0:16:8
01:
00:
00:
01:
02:
03:
02;
00;
01;
01;
00;
00;
00;
00;
00;
01:
01:
02:
00;
41:15:00
13:04
16:08
13 : 04
13:04
03:04
00:00
16:08
03:04
00:00
06:00
15:08
16:08
16:08
16:08
16:08
00 : 08
00 : 00
10:00
16:08
THE FIRST SAW -MILL f
1672. The charge and cost of my sawmill at Stony River.
Impr' : viewing and searching for a place also by hiring Jo :
Higley to discover &c. ; also Arth : Dorchester & Roland
Thomas 1. d ; likewise myselfe & my expence w"^ y"" &feridge
&•= ^ch come to
To Goodmn ; Boltwood for his journey advice & help &c
To his & my ferridge & Jo Artsell's expence there, .
To 1 Bottle of Liquor (brandy)
July 12"^ To 2 Bottles Liquor to L Thomas
Aug 22'! at setting downe y^ Dam; )
1 Gallon, 1-2 Liq' y . . .
To Provisions &c .......
To 6 men 3 d besides G Thomas his company y"= week.
G. Thomas c''ing brick; Isaak Morgan 1 weeke
G Thomas & Fr: bet & 1 Barrel cider .
To pay' to G Denslow ....
To John Warner for 3d worke .
To my man getting stones tilling dam &c .
Richard Waite 1 weekes work .
Jacob y° Dutch Lad .....
Aug 1672 To 3 galons Runi .
To my men ....
To Harry, Roco & I
John ArtsellX
Cr.
By making my saw mill at Stony River ....
By Building y" house there
By making coggs & Round & that mill to goe without a Rope
By allowance on pork not good and Pork my men eate beside
* Goodman Kent.
t Pynchon Account Book, Index, page S.
X Book No. 5, Page 380.
£ s d
1 : 08 : 00
1 : 00 : 00
00 : 10 : 00
00: 3:00
00 : 05 : 00
00 : 15 : 00
1 : 15 : 00
1 : 10 : 00
00 : 12 : 00
00 : 14 : 00
00 : 06 : 00
2 : 00 : 00
0:12: 00
0 : 12 : 00
1 : 00 : 00
1 : 02 : 06
1 : 00 : 00
55 : 00 : 00
12 : 00 : 00
3 : 00 : 00
1 : 00 : 00
22 OUTLINE SKETCHES OF THE
By allowance for setting y* mill &c to worke last week, & y«
weeke before, and for sawing 13 and 1-2 M. of Bordes . . 1 : 05 : 00
Discounted Nov 21* 1673 72 : 05 : 00
Nov 24"* 1673 Agreed with John Artsell to tend ray saw mill at Stony,
Tiiver till May next. & for sawing I am to allow him 12» p'' M for Bords &
Planks (only if I saw Planks for shipping : I am to allow him for them 13'
per M. For slitwork I am to allow him l-l' per M. he to tend y* mill care-
tully &. to mend all y* may be amiss, keeping her and runing all in order,- ex-
cept at a tyme so much is amiss as req""^ above 2 days worke together to
mend it ; then all at any tyme above 2 days work to mende or repair her I
am to pay him for it. I am to pay him either in goods to his coutente, or
order; otherwise in wheat and Kye.
Also agreed with him to put up a roofe on y* mill. He to put up y^ rafters,
lay on y'' bords and doe y® whole covering, all except nayles & y* loggs I
find for w'^'* I am to give & pay him sixe Pounds.
Jos. Tiumhle* Cr.
By 3. d ; worke making my dam . . • . . . 00 : 06 : 00
By carting of Loggs at 15 ^ y« Log 00 : 18 : 00
By fetching Bed & securing, hiding, &c. John Artsells Tooles . 00 : 04 : 00
Discounted p' Contra Feb 9* 1677
The First Dwelling House f at Stony River built by Maj' Pynchon in 1672
John Hodge Cr
Aug 16 : 1672 : By 1. d. carting small timber for my house at
Stony River, by (use for) the Sawmill 00 : 06 : 00
By 1: d: worke at Raising the House 00:02:00
By 3:d : carting timber for y* and p' of a day fetching Bords
& 3 d this weeke 01 : 16 : 00
By John Stebbius 01 : 00 : 00
The Bargaine about the chimney for my house was : . • . 03 : 05 : 00
ibr y« underpinning . .00:15:00
& if he did it well he was to have .5^ more 00 : 05 : OU
04 : 5 : 00
Waj Pynchon Dwelling HouseJ in Feather Streete
Dec. 8, 1074 agreed w* Jo^ Leanord to build me a House at Suffeild on
my land in Feather streete of 29 foote long & 20 wide, 10 f'of stud : he to
doe all y* Carpenters worke fr° falling to finishing. My dores. chimney.
(Roofing) Stairs p'^titions. windows, floars &c. all y' is to be done by carpen-
ters lor closing & finishing all whatever : only I am to alow him y* use of my
Sawmill, to saw y* Bords, Joice : braces & Rafters He alsoe to doe all y«
carting; for all w*** complected well, firm, strong: substantiall : handsome
& workmanlike 1 am to allow & pay him 25^ & 2 Gallons of Rum : all y^ out-
side worke & covering to be done by y'^ end of June next.
In witness whereof he sets his hand
Joseph Lenord
Afterwards we determined the shingle to be 2 foote shingle Laid on Bords.
* Grandtather of Gov. Jonathan Trumble.
t This was probably a log house.
jPage 66, P. Account Book. This was probably the first framed houae in Suf-
field. Built on Maj. Pynchon's eighty-acre lot in Feather Street.
HISTORY OF SUFFIELD. 23
CORN MILL,
Tlie first corn mill was built and attached to the saw-mill in 1G77.
John Artsell* Cr.
1677 For Building ajid making my corn mill at Suff'eild when finished to
be 50 pounds. At present I ace* only 45 Pounds and will allow y* other
p' as soon as he hath made and covered y^ leanetoe, braced and strengthed
y" posts y'' will be due £45, 0 s. 0 d. If Jo Artsell finish ray corn mill make
y*' " Leanetoe " & cover it well &c Then there is due to him 5 Pounds w*^** I am
to pay him.
AGREEMEXT FOR MILLSTONES. f
Feb 5"^ 1672 Agreed with John Web & Zebediah Williams to make
me a p"" of good mill stones of good ereete wiiout flaw to be judged by Tli°
Bancroft to be as good as mine on Westfield Millstones : to be full 5 foote :
2 inches over : 15 inches deepe in y® eye & 13 inches in y^ skirt : w"^"* stones
are to be dlv"! either at Windsor or at Stony Brooke where I please next
October. If at Windsor I am to allow and pay for y™ 23^, & 1 Gallon of
Hum ; If at Stony River then to pay but 21-^ & 2 Gallon of Rum
As witness our hands
John Webb
Z. W
John Pyxchon
John Webb Cr.
Nov. 27 1677 By 1 p-" of Millstones dV"^ at my mill at Stony £ s. d.
Brook w^h according to agree* i& . . . . . . 21 : 00 : 00
By allowance w*^'' I make toward y"^ cartage of y'" I give you 20' 1 : 00 : 00
22 : 00 : 00
TRANSPORTATION OF MILLSTONES. J
Thomas Gun of Weslfeild Cr.
By carrying downe y« millstones for J** Web to Southfeild . 2 : 14 : 00
Jan lO"" 1677 Quit & Ballanced p"' contra
1670 By 26 appletrees at O'' apiece alowiiig 2 Trees . . . 00 : 12 : 10
P*^ pr Contra.
Thomas Bancroft {of Westfeild) Cr.
P>y floaring my Millstones at Stony Brook, . . . , £3 : 00 : 00
discounted Jany 7"^ 1679 :
FIRST GRANTS OF LAND TO SETTLERS.
The record of the acts of the committee in tlie ''Old Book" is in
the plain handwriting of Maj. Pynchon, and the record of the first
allotments is in that of Samuel Marshfield. Tlie first division of
lands made Ly the committee to the first settlers -of the Town, about
one liundred in number, contained 0,258 acres. This was allotteil in
*Iiook No. 5, page 210.
tNo. 5, I'ynchon Account Book, page 252,
jNo. 6, p. 214.
24 OUTLINE SKETCHES OF THE
40, 50, 60, and 80 acre grants; '^according to the quality, estate, use-
fulness, and other considerations of such persons as the committee ap-
proved."
From 1670 to 1674 inclusive, 38 grants were made, and so many
desired to settle in the new Town, that the Committee " determined
to fill up the place to one Hundred Familes.'^ These expectations
were suddenly extinguished by the breaking out of King Philip's war,
in the summer of 1675. During this war the Town was abandoned,
and its settlement was not resumed until the spring of 1677.
From September, 1674, to February, 1676, no grants were made ;
at the close of the war, most of the planters returned.
Major Pynchon's saw-mill was burned,* and some dwellingsf of the
settlers. After the war the Town was rapidly resettled, and January
2, 1682, the Committee finished their labors of making grants to set-
tlers, and March 9 following, a meeting of the qualified voters was
assembled by their order, to whom was left the " managing of all y^
affaires of y^ Towne henceforward." Two hundred and four years
have passed aw^ay, and without exception the little " Town Meeting "
has annually assembled to choose its own rulers, and manage its own
affairs according to law.
No settlement was probably made under the grants of 1670 or '71
and '72, until the spring of 1673, at that time Major Pynchon had
completed a saw-mill near the mouth of " Stony Eiver," and a dwell-
ing-house near it.
Samuel Marshfield of Springfield, was employed by Major Pynchon
as land measurer, to lay out the Town, and to measure out, and allot
to the settlers their lands. He was afterward, at the first Town
Meeting, chosen to be land measurer, " particularly to perfect all of
old vf"^ he had taken in hand, also any new to be measured."
In 1682 the General Court of Massachusetts^: ordered that country
grants of Lands should be surveyed only by surveyors on oath : and
Samuel Marshfield was appointed surveyor in Hampshire County.
ALLOTMENTS.
The manner of division was peculiar. The first applicant had the
first choice of location. Each could have a homestead or house lot a
home lot, a meadow, and some uj^land.
The area of meadow within the Town was estimated at five hun-
dred acres.
*Maj. Pynchon's Letter to his sou.
tJudd's Hadley.
JMass. Col. Rec, Vol. 5.
HISTORY OF SUF FIELD. 25
Each had from three to five different pieces of land in different
parts of the Town, as interest or fancy dictated.
The allotments were usually made in quadrangular form of A^arious
widths and lengths. The corners were bounded by a bush, a stump or
a tree, all perishable and soon likely to furnish a crop of disputed
boundaries. This manner of laying out lands left many nooks and
corners of undivided and forgotten land ; afterward to be enclosed and
appropriated by adjoining proprietors.
For this and other reasons the original grants* were proverbially
certain to contain the amount of land called for by the record.
Thirty years elapsed before the First Division lands were alloted
and occupied.
Land was abundant, and all had the free use of the Common for wood,
timber and pasturage.
None of the lands of Suffield were laid out with the use of the com-
pass, except the mountain in 1742, and the land west of it (south of
the Old Westfield Line) in 1759.
The surveyor's compass was not in use in the Connecticut Valleyf
until about the year 1700. Land measurers had only a measuring
chain, and perhaps a square to form right angles.
In that year the Conn. General Court| appointed " Public survey-
ours " for each of its four counties. Caleb Stanley, Jr., was ap-
pointed for Hartford County. These surveyors provided themselves
with the compass, and other suitable instruments for measuring land.
PROPKIETOES.
The following may be considered a complete list of those persons
who had grants of land from the Committee : and with a few excep-
tions were accounted " Proprietors " in subsequent divisions of Land
within the Town.
Less than one half the number§ paid the purchase money ; the
majority having their land on credit, as an inducement to settle ;
the balance was used to pay " Town Charges " for the benefit of all.
*1744. " Voted : That all former surveys of land made in the Town of Suffield,
before Captain Winchell was chosen land measurer ; tliat were laid out on good
riiftl'ts, he confirmed to the owners of said lands, althoujih large measure. That be-
ing tlie general practice of former land measurers to make large measure." Pro-
prietortt' Book, Vol. 1, p. 43.
tJudd's lladley.
jConn. Col. Rec.Vol, IV.
§See Major Fynchon's account.
26
OUTLINE SKETCHES OF THE
NAME.
Date of
graut.
No. of
acres.
House lot.
Died.
Sam' Harmon,
1670
50
N. H. Road,
1677
Joseph Harmon,
1670
50
H.St., &N.H. Road.
1729
Natlian' Harmon,
1670
40
H.St., &N.H. Road,
1712
Zerubbabel Filer,
1670
60
High St.,
1714
Eobert Old,
1670
60
H.St., &N.H. Road,
1728
Jon" Winchell,
1671
60
High St.,
1715
David Winchell,
1671
60
High St.,
1723
Geo. Jeffries,
1671
50
High St.,
1683
Eob' Watson,
1672
50
S. of Stony river.
1689
John Watson,
1671
50
S. of Stony river,
1730
John Millington,
1672
40
High St.,
1720
Steven Taylor,
1672
60
John Taylor,
1672
50
High St.,
Nathan' Cook,
1672
40
High St.,
1688
Timothy Hale,
1673
60
High St.,
1689
Joshua Wells,
1674
50
Did not settle.
John Filley,
1674
40
High St.,
1690
Hugh E-oe,
1674
60
High St.,
1689
Th" Spencer,
1674
60
High St.,
1689
Judah Trumble,
1674
50
Feather st.,
1692
Joseph Trumble,
1674
50
Feather st.,
1684
Edw<i Smith,
1674
50
Feather st.,
17—
Anthony Austin,
1674
60
Feather St.,
1708
Tim" Palmer,
1674
60
Feather st..
1696
AYalter Holliday,
1674
40
Feather st.,
1709
Sam' Eoe,
1674
50
High St.,
1688
Abram Dibble,
1674
60
High St.,
1690
John Burbank,
1674
60
Feather st.,
1709
John Barber,
1674
60
Feather st.,
1690
Th" Barber,
1684
60
Feather st.,
1689
Geo Norton,
1674
60
High St.,
1696
Th° Remington,
1674
60
Feather st.,
1721
Launcelot Granger,
1674
60
High St.,
1689
Th" Granger,
1674
40
High St.,
1730
Ge" Granger,
1674
40
High St.,
John Hodge,
1674
60
High St.,
Sam' Kent, Sr.,
1676
60
High St.,
1691
Tli° Parsons,
1676
60
Feather st.,
1701
James Barker,
1676
50
Feather st.,
1723
James Rising,
1676
60
High St.,
1688
Benj. Dibble,
1676
40
High St.,
Th° Remington, Jr.,
1676
60
High St.,
1683
Isaac Cakebread,
1677
60
At the Ferry,
1698
Unmarried.
Timothy Eastman,
1677
60
Feather st.,
Joseph Eastman,
1677
60
At the Ferry,
1692
John Lawton,
1677
60
High St.,
1690
Th° Copley,
1677
60
High St.,
1712
HISTORY OF SUFFIELD.
27
NAME.
Date of
grant.
No. of
acres.
House lot.
Died.
Th" Taylor,
1677
50
High St.,
1741
Serj. Th" Huxley,
1678
60
High St.,
1721
Ed'^ Bur] i son,
1678
40
High St.,
1698
Peter Eoe,
1678
40
High St.,
1739
John Severance,
1678
50
High St.,
About
1709
John Pengilley,
1678
60
At the Ferry,
1735
Edward Allyn, Sr.,
1678
60
At the Ferry,
1696
Ew-i Allyn, Jr.,
1678
40
At the Ferry,
1740
John Allyn,
1678
40
At the Ferry,
1704
William Allyn,
1678
40
At the Ferry,
1711
John Scott,
1678
60
Above High st.,
1689
James King,
1678
60
High St.,
1722
Sam' Bush,
1678
60
High St.,
1733
Joseph Segar,
1679
40
High St.,
1740
John Remington,
1679
40
High St.,
Jon* Remington,
1679
40
Feather st..
Richard Austin,
1679
40
S. of Stony river.
1733
Anthony Austin, Jr.,
1670
40
S. of Stony river.
1733
Sam' Kent, Jr.,
1679
40
High St.,
1740
Dea. Th° Hanchett,
1679
60
High St.,
1688
Th" Hanchett. Jr.,
1679
40
John Hanchett,
1679
40
High St.,
1744
David Froe,
1679
40
Above High st.,
1710
Obadiah Miller,
1679
50
Above High st.
Daniel Canada,
1679
50
North from Ferry.
Simon Go win,
1679
60
North from Ferry.
*Mr. John Younglove,
1679
80
High St.,
1690
Wm. Pritchard,
1679
50
Feather st.,
Michael Towsley,
1679
50
High St.,
1712
John Rising,
1679
40
High St.,
1688
Edmund Marshall,
1680
80
S. of Stony river.
1732
Rich-^ Wooley,
1680
60
S. of Stony river.
1696
John Higgins,
1680
50
S. of Stony river.
1704
James Barlow,
1680
50
High St.,
1690
James Taylor,
1680
50
Springfield road.
Luke Hitchcock,
1680
50
Springfield road.
^
John Barber,
1680
00
Springfield road.
1690
Sam' Taylor,
1680
50
Springfield road.
1689
Jon" Taylor,
1680
50
Springfield road.
1683
Th° Cooper,
1680
50
Springfield road.
Victory Sikes,
1680
50
Springfield road,
1708
Wm. Brooks,
1680
50
S[)ringficld road.
1688
Eben' Brooks,
1680
40
Springfield road.
Nathan' Cheeney,
1680
60
Did not settle.
Gregory Gibbs,
1680
40
High St.,
1707
Sam' Lane,
1680
40
High St.,
1690
John Mighel,
1681
60
S. of Stony river.
1702
* See Special Grants.
28
OUTLINE SKETCHES OF THE
NAME.
Date of
grant.
No. of
acres.
House lot.
Died.
John Migliel, Jr.,
1681
40
S. of Stony river.
Th" Mighel,
1681
40
S. of Stony river.
Th" Stevens,
1681
50
S. of Stony river.
John Ingersoll,
1681
50
Did not settle.
John Ingersoll, Jr.,
1681
50
Did not settle.
James Smith,
1682
50
Did not settle.
Ministry Land,
1682
20
High St.
Ministry Land,
1682
60
High St.
Sam' Glover,
1662
60
On his father's grant (Rev. Peletiah
Glover, of Springtteldi. He died un-
married ; his house lot In High St. be-
came the property of Rev. Ebenezer
Joseph Pynchon,
1682
80
Gay. The Baptist church edifice is
upon the S. W. cor. of his house lot.
Maj. John Pynchon,
1682
80
For his services as committee.
Benj. Cooley,
1682
50
For his services as committee.
Geo. Colton,
1682
50
For his services as committee.
Rowland Thomas,
1682
50
For his services as committee.
Mr. Wm. Trowbridge,
1682
50
Of New Haven, sou of Thomas; was
probably the first school-master in
Suffield; did not remain; d. 1690.
Th" Trowbridge,
1682
40
Sou of Wm. ; did not settle.
Lieut. Cooper,
1682
35
For services during his life-time as
committee.
Mr. Holyoke,
1682
35
For services during his life-time as
committee.
Tim° Palmer,
1682
10
Additional grant.
Joseph Trumble,
1682
10
Additional grant.
Judah Trumble,
1682
10
Additional grant.
Sam' Kent, Sen.,
1682
6
Additional grant.
Timothy Hale,
1682
2
High St., additional grant for house lot.
School Lot,
1682
40
On Higli St., for the support of a school-
house, never to be alienated.
Joseph Leonard,
1682
40
1716
Joseph and Benj. Barber,
twins.
1682
40
John Petty,
1682
60
Did not settle,
1680
Sam' Filer,
1682
40
SPECIAL GRANTS.
1670. 100 A.* This was located at the upper end of South, or
Christian st., west side. No house lots were laid out or settlements
made on this street by the committee.
1670. 20 A.t Now in part occupied as a park in High st.
1670. 60 A.| This lay at the mouth of Stony Brook on both sides
* For general court or country use.
t Land to set the meeting-house on and training place.
J Maj. Pynciion's saw-mill grant.
HISTORY OF SUFFIELD. 29
of it; given to secure the building a saw-mill upon it; Loomis &
Norton's is now upon its site.
1670. 60 A.* Tliis lot was given to pay in part for building a grist-
mill, and was on the east side of High street, north of Mill Lane,,
three-fourths of a mile in length.
1670. 80 A.f This lot was on the west side of Feather street ;
upon it he built a dwelling house, 1675.
1679. 80 A. This Grant was made to the first minister; 30 acres
of it was in High st. The Town, ISTov. 17, 1679, voted to build him a
Dwelling House on it, very nearly where the Baptist Parsonage is
now located.
SKETCHES OF PROPRIETORS.
Anthony Austin was the son of Richard (tailor), of Bishopstocke,
Hampshire County, England. He came to New England with his
father, mother, and brother (Richard), in 1638. The family settled
in Charlestown, Massachusetts. The father soon died, about forty
years of age, leaving a widow and two children, "Anthony and Rich-
ard," quite young. Anthony had married Esther, and removed to
Rowley, in 1666, was freeman 1669, removed to Suffield 1674. He
was Lieutenant in 1681, and Captain in 1697. He was the first
Town Clerk for twenty-seven years. He accepted the office of school-
master, in 1696, serving eleven years. He had three sons born at
Rowley, and one son and three daughters born at Suffield. His wife,
Esther, died 1698. He died 1708, aged about 72. Their descendants
are numerous, some distinguished. His sons, Anthony, Jr., "and Rich-
ard, had Grants, and were accounted " Proprietors." Both had large
families, and lived and died in Suffield. His sons John and Nathaniel
also settled in Suffield.
Edward Allyn, according to tradition, came from Scotland, 1636 ;
had been a soldier under Cromwell, had a farm granted him at Ded-
ham, 1649, was freeman, 1666, had a farm at Ipswich, 1670 ; had a
barn struck by lightning and burned that year, containing sixty
loads of barley.
He removed with his family to Suffield about the year 1679. He
married Mary Kimball who bore him eleven children ; the last two,
Mary and Caleb, were born at Suffield. His farm was at the Ferry,
where Edward, John and William, three of his sons, had farms ad-
joining. His wife died June 12, 1696 ; he died Norember 22, the
same year. He held an estate valued at £256.
* His Krist-niill fjrant.
t His grant as a petitioner.
30 OUTLINE SKETCHES OF THE
Edward, Jr., removed to Deerfield, 1684, had a home lot ; was clerk
of the market and Town Clerk, 1704-12. Married Mercy Painter.
"John," married Elisabeth Prichard, of Suffield, February U, 1682;
had two sons born at Suffield, viz : " John " B., January 14, 1683 ;
Pvichard B., September 17, 1685. He soon after removed to Deerfield.
He and his wife were killed by the Indians May 11, 1704.
" William " married Johanna Dibble, December 29, 1692, who bore
him eight children. He lived and died in Suffield. His widow mar-
ried David Burt, of Northampton.
John Burbank, son of John of Eowley, married Susannah Merrill,
October 15, 1663, and lived at Haverhill. He removed his wife and
several children to Suffield, about 1680. His wife died October 10^
1690. Married second and third wife ; the last bore him a daughter
" Susannah." He was a large land-holder, and much employed by
Major Pynchon in building, and clearing lands in Suffield. He was
one of the few qualified voters when the Town was organized, but
never held an office. His name is found in Major Pynchon's account
book oftener than any Suffield man ; and he must have been a man
of business. His sons, John, Jr., and Ebenezer, were afterward promi-
nent men in Town matters. His homestead was at the north end
of Feather street. He died June 1, 1709.
Thomas Barber, son of Thomas of Windsor, born 1644 ; was in
Gloucester 1662, in Newberry 1669 ; married Ann Chase, had child
before he came to Suffield — had twins born at Suffield, February 1,
1677, named Joseph and Benjamin. Being the first twins born at
Suffield, they had a grant of land (40 acres). Had sons, Aquilla,
born 1679 ; Moses, born 1687 ; John, born 1684 ; and daughter Anne,
born 1681.
John Barber, born 1669. Children born at Suffield, by Joanna his
wife, were, John, born February 19, 1687 ; Joseph, born February 18,
1689 ; Hannah, born May 27, 1682 ; Mary, born February 8, 1683.
He died August 29, 1690.
John Barber, Sr., son of Thomas of Windsor, and brother of Thomas
of Suffield, born 1642, removed to Springfield 1671, to Suffield 1684,
was freeman 1681. He was a deacon, also one of the first Selectmen
chosen. Married Bathsheba Coggin of Springfield, 1665, and reared
a family of children before his removal to Suffield. He died May 14,
1712. This surname soon after disappears from Suffield record.
James Barker, son of James of Kowley, removed to Suffield before
1679. His wife " Mercy" had children born here, viz. : Samuel, born
April 16, 1679 ; Oliver, March 20, 1681. He removed to Springfield
1686.
Edward Burleson, 1st, where from unknown. His wife, "Sarah,'
HISTORY OF SUFFIELD. 31
bore him five children: John, born October 9, 1677; Fearnot, born
December 18, 1679 ; Mary, born June 22, 1683 ; Return, born April
5, 1682 ; Edward, born March 1, 1686. His son John married Sarah
Holladay;had nine children, "Burleson Brook" in West Suffield
took its name from him. He had house lot in High street of eighteen
acres. The family name disappears about 1745.
Samuel Bush had eighteen-acre house lot in High street. Had by
his wife Mary, children at Suffield : Daniel, born November 2, 1679 ;
Mary, born July 19, 1681. Eemoved to Westfield soon after.
James Barlow of Suffield and Sarah Huxley, were married January
10, 1688. He had a house lot on High street. He died March 16, 1690.
A son James was born January 27, 1688, who married Mary Harmon,
April 1, 1714. James, Jr., had a large famil}'-, and removed with them
to Bedford (now Granville, Massachusetts), before 1746.
William Brooks, of Springfield, had a Grant of fifty acres in Suffield,
probably did not remove to Suffield with his family. He had eight
sons and eight daughters. His oldest sons, William and John, were
killed by the Indians at Westfield, 1675. He removed to Deerfield,
there died 1688.
Ebenezer Brooks, son of William, Sr., probably did not settle, as no
record of his marriage is found here. He settled in Deerfield. His
grant, as well as his father's, seem to have been made, in considera-
tion of their loss of relatives killed by the Indians.
Nathaniel Cook was one of the first settlers of Windsor, freeman
1650, member of the church there 1662. Had a grant of forty acres
in High street, east side, now the homestead of Henry P. Kent. It is
not probable that Nathaniel, Sr., settled in Suffield. His son Nathan-
iel, Jr., born 1658, probably did ; remaining a short time, returned to
Windsor.
Isaac Cakebread, of Springfield, perhaps son of Thomas, had first
been of Weymouth. Served as a soldier in Philip's war, on the Con-
necticut River ; married 1677, Hepzibah Jones ; was a freeman 1678 ;
removed to Suffield where he had children : Isaac, born January 30,
1680 ; Rebeckah, born February 20, 1682. Some years after he re-
moved to Hartford; there died, 1698, leaving Isaac, who died soon,
and the name disappears in this region.
Thomas Copley, son of Thomas of Springfield, in Springfield 1672;
married Ruth at Westfield, November 13, 1672, and had Thomas,
born July 28, 1678. Removed to Suffield 1679, and had Matthew,
born April 14, 1679;. Samuel, born September 20, 1682. His first
wife died October 5, 1692, and he married Widow Ruth Taylor for
his second wife. No children recorded. He was Constable and held
other offices. He died December 3, 1712.
32 OUTLINE SKETCHES OF THE
Daniel Canada. His name is not found in the book of marriages,
births and deaths of Suffield, and it may be supposed he had no family.
His rights as proprietor became Ebenezer Eurbank's. The name is
seldom seen. There was a James Canada in Rowley, 1671.
Abraham Dibble, Boston, son of John, lived in Haddam, 1673, in
Suffield, 1674, in Windsor during the war. His house lot was eight-
een acres at the north corner of High street and Feather^ street. He
died at Suffield, December 31, 1690. He was Selectman in 1685-86.
Benjamin, son of Abraham, had a house lot of eighteen acres on the
north of, and adjoining his father. Swore allegiance to Massachu-
setts, 1679. He afterward settled at Simsbury. None of the name
since that are found in the record. Captain Joseph Sheldon bought
his proprietary interest.
Timothy Eastman, son of Roger of Salisbury, married Lydia Mark-
ham of Hadley, 1682 ; had son William, born at Suffield, 1684. Re-
moved to Hadley 1690 ; there had Lydia, born 1691 ; Sarah, 1694 ;
Timothy, 1697. William died unmarried, and Timothy, Jr., left no
male heirs, so the family name in this branch became extinct.
His grant was fifty acres on Feather street, bounded south on the
old road to High street.
Joseph Eastman, brother of Timothy, and son of Roger, born 1651,
Salisbury, had fifty acres of land on both sides of " Rawlin's Brook,"
bounded east on the Great River. He was a tanner by trade, and
Major Pynchon's account book proves that to have been his occupa-
tion while here. He married Mary Tilton of Hadley, and had three
children born here. Mary, born 1684, died 1685. Joseph, born
1683 ; Peter, born 1686. He returned to Hadley, 1690.
Zerubbabel Filer of Windsor, son of Walter (who was a first set-
tler there, and one of John Warham's church), born at Windsor, 1644,
married daughter of Elder John Strong of Northampton, 1669 ; lived
at Windsor until 1677, when he removed to Suffield. Had five chil-
dren born at Windsor, and four at Suffield. Returned to Windsor,
1683, where he had four children more. Hedied 1715. Samuel, his
son, had a grant, but died young.
John Filley, son of William of Windsor, Conn., born 1645, mar-
ried Abigail Dyble of Suffield, (probably daughter of Abraham,) Feb-
ruary 1, 1681. He died at Suffield, 1690, leaving three daughters.
Since that the name is extinct upon Suffield record.
David Froe was an Irish servant at Northampton in 1668, married
widow Priscilla Hunter of Springfield, 1678 ; had daughter Abigail,
born 1679 at Suffield, and died 1689, April 28. He died June 7,
1710. His widow died December 19, 1725. The family name became
extinct.
HISTORY OF SUFFIELD. 33
Launcelot Granger was in Ipswich, 1648; removed to Newberry;
married Joanna, daughter of Robert Adams, 1654 ; had eleven chil-
dren; removed to Suffield 1674. In 1676 he was wounded by the
Indians, receiving a ball in the leg, which he carried for life.
Four of his sons had families in Suffield. Thomas and George
were proprietors, and had house lots adjoining their father's in High
street.
He was land measurer several years, and ancestor of all of the
name in Suffield, including Hon. Gideon and Francis, Postmaster
Generals.
"Farmer's Register" says he died at Newberry. Suffield Record
says Launcelot Granger died September 3, 1689.
Gregory Gibbs from Windsor, Conn., son of Giles, born at Windsor,
1649, was of Springfield, 1677, and at Suffield, 1683 or before. He
married Joyce, widow of James Osborne. He died March 15, 1707.
No children.
Samuel Glover, son of Rev. Peletiah Glover of Springfield, had sixty
acres on his father's grant ; his house lot on High street was after-
wards Rev. Ebenezer Gay's. Was born November 28, 1661 ; died
July 24, 1689, unmarried.
Simon Gowin, from Rowley, was a soldier in Captain Appleton's
Company, and wounded at the battle at Narragansett Fort. His land
Avas above the ferry. No family is recorded ; perhaps he did not long
remain.
Francis Harmon came in the ship Love, 1635, aged forty-three,
from London, with children, John, age twelve, and Sarah, age ten, but
no more is known of him.
John of Springfield, 1644, probably son of Francis, was a first set-
tler there, and had a house lot on Main street ; where he married is
unknown. He brought a wife, Sarah, and two children, John and
Samuel, when he came to Springfield, and had six others born there,
of whom were Joseph and Nathaniel.
Samuel Harmon was the oldest of the three Harmons, who were the
})ioneers of Suffield. Ten years before the settlement began, the
Harmons had endeavored to procure a grant for a new town. They
were great hunters and trappers, as the number of beaver skins and
other furs sold to Major Pynchon indicate, and were probably more
familiar with the topography of the town, which was a dense wilder-
ness, than any other white men. Samuel was unmarried. He re-
turned to Springfield, where he died September 7, 1677, about thirty-
six years of age. His Suffield lands became the property of Joseph
and Nathaniel.
Joseph, born at Springfield, 1647, nuirried Hunnuh Fillcy of Wind-
5
34 OUTLINE SKETCHES OF THE
sor, 1673, had nine children. She died at Suffield August 28, 1729.
He died October 28, the same jea.T.
He was a freeman, and voted at the first town meeting, and chosen
a selectman, which ofiice he filled for many years, the last time in
1719, when seventy-three years of age. He was treasurer, land
measurer, and often employed in settling boundary lines. He was
appointed Captain of the Suffield militia company, after the death of
Captain Joseph Sheldon, 1708. For more than fifty years he held
some important town ofiices. He first settled on Northampton Road
(now Kemington street). After Philip's war, his house lot was in
High street.
Nathaniel Harmon, born at Springfield, March 13, 1654, married
Mary Skinner, November 19, 1685 ; had ten children. She died 1711.
He died May 2, 1712. He held some town office constantl}'^, but was
not a qualified voter when the town was organized. His house lot
was in High street, and his farm on the Northampton Road. His
children were pioneers of West Suffield.
Timothy Hale was from Windsor, married Sarah Barber, daughter'
of Thomas. Brought his wife and seven children to Suffield, about
1679. He died 1689. Two of his sons, Timothy and Samuel, settled
in Suffield. His house lot was on High street. In Windsor record
it is written " Hall." The name until within a short time has been
common in Suffield.
Walter Holladay of Springfield, in 1673, married Catharine Hunter.
Had Ebenezer, born 1675, and William, then removed to Suffield;
there had Samuel, 1680, Sarah, 1683, Mary, 1685, Isaac, 1690,
Abigail, 1692. He died September 21, 1709. The name is not
common, and there is none to be found previous to his. He is prob-
ably the ancestor of all of this name in New England, as well as those
who remain in Suffield.
John Hodge lived at Killingworth, 1664; married Susanna Denslow
of Windsor, 1666 ; had seven children before removal to Suffield ; there
had William, born April 10, 1678 ; Elizabeth, born February 1.3, 1680;
Susannah, born December 10, 1682 ; Abigail, born March 7, 1684 ;
Samuel, born October 4, 1686. The family did not long remain in
Suffield. He was recorded as an inhabitant at the first town meet-
ing.
Thomas Huxley, Hartford, married Sarah, daughter of Thomas
Spencer of Hartford, later of Suffield ; had five children before
removing to Suffield, 1678, and afterward four more, viz. : Jared, 1680,
Hannah, 1682, Nathaniel, 1683, William, 1687.
Sergeant Thomas Huxley was by a vote of the town in 1686, chosen
keeper of a " Public House for Entertainment." This was situated
HISTORY OF SUFFIELD. 35
on High street, now Thaddeus H. Spencer's liouse lot. His wife Sarah
died October 24, 1712. He died July 21, 1721. He was a freeman,
1681, and held important town offices. His descendants remained
here many years, hut the name has long since disappeared from the
records.
Deacon Thomas Hanchet, probably brother of John of Boston, was
in Wethersfield 1649, and his son John was born there at that time.
Deacon Thomas removed to New London 1651, was there three years,
was at Northampton 1660, was Deacon 1668, removed to Westfield,
thence to Suffield, where he died June Id, 1686. He is the ancestor
of all of that name who have dwelt in Suffield.
John Hanchet, oldest son of Deacon Thomas, was at Westfield,
and married Esther Pritchet of Suffield, 1677; had two children, then
removed to Suffield, 1680, was freeman, and voter at the first town
meeting. He held many offices, was Deacon for manj' years. He
had six children born at Suffield. His first wife died Nov. 29, 1711.
His second wife, widow Mary Harmon, died September 17, 1730.
His third wife, widow Sarah Tayler, died January 6, 1733. His
fourth wife, widow Mary Southwell survived him. He died October
23, 1744, aged 95. The Suffield Hanchetts are his descendants. His
house lot in High street remains in the family name, by direct descent,
that of Betsey Hanchett,* fifth generation from Deacon John.
Thomas Hanchet, second brother of John, and son of Deacon
Thomas, lived at Westfield ; there married Elizabeth Loomis; removed
to Suffield, 1679; had children, Thomas, 1681; Mary, 1683; returned
to Westfield ; there had five children more. He died probably at
Roxbury, May 6, 1719. His house lot was nearly opposite his father's
on High street.
John Huggins (son of John of Hampton) born 1652, removed from
Newbury to Suffield about the time of his marriage to Hannah Burck-
by, October 19, 1681. They had Hannah, born December 23, 1682,
His wife died May 3, 1683. He married second wife. Experience
Jones, February 4, 1684; had daughter Margaret, born March 6, 1686 ;
son John born February 21, 1688. Kemoved to Springfield, there
had Joseph, 1691; Samuel, 1693; Bridget, 1695. He died at Spring-
field July 9, 1704. His son John was a lawyer of distinction. He
removed from Springfield to Sheffield, Mass., about 1733, was one of
its first settlers, and was for many years a leading lawyer of western
Massachusetts.
Luke Hitchcock from Springfield, son of Luke of New Haven, was
a voter, and was chosen sealer of leather at the first town meeting ;
*She has now deceased, and the land haw been sold for the first time since the
settlement of the town.
36 OUTLINE SKETCHES OF THE
did not remain, if indeed he settled here at all. He was Sheriff of
Hampshire. He was also a petitioner, and one of the committee for
settling the town of Sheffield, Mass., 1722. He died January 24, 1727.
John Ingersoll of Westfield and his son John had grants in Suf-
field, but probably did not settle. Another son, Thomas, had the pro-
prietary rights of John senior, but did not settle here.
George Jeffries Avas in Windsor 1669 and earlier. Removed to
Suffield ; there had son James, December 10, 1681, which Elizabeth,
his wife, bore him. Himself deceased September 15, 1683. The
name disappears.
Sergeant Samuel Kent of Gloucester, perhaps son of Thomas, was
probably born in England. By his wife, Frances, had children :
Sarah, born August 14, 1657; Mary, born December 19, 1658; Sam-
uel, born October 26, 1661 ; and John, April 28, 1664. He was in
Brookfield 1673-5 and was settled at Suffield in 1678. His wife died
August 10, 1683. He died February 2, 1691, at Springfield. He
was one of the first Board of Selectmen and re-appointed for many
years. His house lot and his son Samuel's are now the Institute
grounds.
Samuel Kent, Jr , had his grant 1679, and a house lot voted him at
the second town meeting. In 1710 the town voted his son, Samuel 3d,
sixty acres of land for keeping school one year. This land was in
West Suffield, where the famil}'^ were pioneers. Samuel Kent, Jr.,
died May 31, 1740. In his will of 1737 he names five surviving sons
and three daughters. John Kent,* an only brother of Samuel, Jr.,
settled in Suffield about 1686. He had 12 children born at Suffield.
His descendants have been eminent. Chancellor Kent was his great
grandson.
James King came to Suffield 1678. From whence, unknown.
Brought son James with him. Children by wife, Elizabeth, born at
Suffield, were William, born January 4, 1679, died September 30,
1680 ; Agnes, born July 14, 1682 ; Benjamin, November 20, 1683 ;
Benoni, December 5, 1685 ; Joseph, June 15, 1687, died January 23,
1688 ; Joseph again, born May 10, 1689 ; Mary, April 3, 1692 ; Wil-
liam again, born September 29, 1695. His wife died June 30, 1715.
He married second wife, widow Hannah Lommas of Westfield, Febru-
ary 7, 1716. He died May 13, 1722. He was the ancestor of those
who have borne the name in Suffield. He was a voter at the first
town meeting and had a house lot in High street.
John Lawton (Layton) was in Ipswich 1648 ; had a house there
1663 ; removed to Suffield with his family 1677. He died December
* For proof that John was son of Samuel, Sr., see his will in Vol. A, Hamp-
shire County Probate recorJs.
HISTORY OF SUFFIELD. 37
17, 1690. His wife, Benedick, died November 18, 1692. His only
son, James, lived at Nuffield ; had eight children. One of them,
Christopher Jacob, born July 20, 1701, was a distinguished lawyer.
He was once the owner of the town of Blandford, Massachusetts.
Samuel Lane was a soldier from the east part of Massachusetts
under Captain Turner, 1676 ; married Sarah Dickinson of Hadley,
1677 ; had two children, Samuel and Sarah. Removed to Suffield ;
there had Mary, born May 7, 1684 ; John, born April 3, 1686. He
probably returned to Hadley, died 1690. His grandson, John, son
of John, lived here and had a family.
Joseph Leonard of Springfield had a grant, 1682. Probably did
not remove to Suffield. He was a carpenter and much employed by
Major Pynchon, for whom he built probably the first framed dwelling-
house* in Suffield. He died at Springfield, 1716, aged eighty-two.
John Millington of Windsor married, 1668, Sarah Smith ; removed
to Suffield, there had John, born 1675 ; Henry, 1679. No more are
recorded. He died March 6, 1720. Thomas Copley bought his land.
Obadiah Miller, Springfield, freeman 1678. Obadiah, Jr., was
admitted to be an inhabitant of Suffield, 1684. Lazarus Miller, his
brother, had a house lot which was given to Obadiah.
Edmund Marshall, Newbury, son of Edmund of Salem, was a ship-
wright. By wife, Martha, had children : Edmund, 1677 ; John,
1682. Removed to Suffield, had there children : Martha, November
6, 1685 ; Elizabeth, March 17, 1688. Edmund died December 3,
1695. Benjamin, born November 7, 1694. Martha, his wife, died
August 27, 1697. Abigail, born August 21, 1697. Edmund Mar-
shall himself died January 7, 1731 or 1732. His son, John, had a
family here.
John Mighill, son of Thomas of Rowley, and two sons, John and
Thomas, had grants, 1681, but did not remain long. Thomas married
Abigail Maclaflin December 12, 1700. Had Abigail, born August 21,
1706.
Captain George Norton (son of George Norton, who came from
Loudon, April, 1629, and was a carpenter) was born at Salem, March
28, 1641; removed to Ipswich. By his wife, Sarah, had five children,
viz. : George, Thomas, born 1670, Nathaniel, Sarah and Alice ; re-
moved to Suffield 1674. There had Samuel, born 1681, died soon ;
Jolm, 1682, who died soon. His wife, Sarah, died June 23, 1682.
He married widow Mercy Gillett June 20, 1683. Their cliildren :
Mary, born 1G84; Abigail, 1686 ; Freegrace, January 1, 1688 ; Joliun-
luvh, 1693. Cai)tain Norton died November 15, 1696. His widow
died December 31, 1725. He was freeman, 1681, inn-keeper, select-
* 8ee extract from INriuhon Account Hook.
38 OUTLINE SKETCHES OF THE
man, captain and a prominent man in the town ; was the first repre-
sentative to the General Court at Boston from Nuffield, 1693, and
was excused from attending another session on account of the poverty
of the town. His brother Freegrace was killed at Turners Falls,
1675. His son, George 2d, married a daughter of Eev. John Young-
love, Hannah, and had a large family.
Timothy Palmer, son of Timothy of Windsor, by wife Elizabeth,
had children born at Suffield : Esther, Mar3', Thomas, Anne and
Samuel. All died young but Samuel, who married and settled in
Suffield. Timothy Palmer had son Timothy born before he settled in
Suffield. This son married Abigail Allen, settled at Suffield, left no
male heirs, having had three sons, successively named Timothy- ; all
died young. Timothj'^, Sr., died November 28, 1696 ; Elizabeth, his
wife, died October 1, 1716. He was often Selectman, and prominent
in Town affairs.
Thomas Parsons was probably from Springfield ; had wife Pris-
cilla, no children ; adopted Nathaniel Austin 1700, died April 10,
1701.
Lieutenant John Pengilly was Welch or Cornish, Ipswich. In
1675 impressed as a trooper in the Narragansett Expedition, under
Major Appleton, and was made Corporal. Was freeman, and at Suf-
field, 1678. By wife Mary had son John, born August 26, 1693, who
survived his father and settled in Suffield ; had a family. He owned
the ferry.
Lieutenant John died May 20, 1735. The name has long disap-
peared.
William Prichard (Pritchett), son of William of Lynn, afterward of
Brookfield, married Elizabeth Allen of Suffield, November 14, 1683.
She died January 16, 1684. Married his second wife, Elizabeth
Palmer, October 20, 1688 ; she died June 16, 1694. Married his third
wife, Rebecca Taylor, January 22, 1696. His children died young ;
himself died 1698, leaving no male heirs. His father, William, was
a first settler of Brookfield, and was killed by the Indians, 1675; his
brother Samuel also.
Joseph Pj'nchon, son of Miijor P^^nchon, born July 26, 1646, grad-
uate of Harvard College, 1664, was a physician; had a grant of land
in Suffield, provided he built a house on it. He died unmarried at
Boston, December 30, 1682, being representative at the General As-
sembly from Springfield. John Pynchon 2d had his Suffield grant.
John Petty, born at Windsor, 1667, had conditional grant, but did
not settle. His father, " John," had lived at Windsor, and at Spring-
field, where he had a family. John, Jr., married Mercy Taylor, and
probably lived and died at Northtield.
HISTORY OF SUFFIELD. 39
Thomas Remington, probably son of John, of Newberry, had
Thomas, John and Sarah, perhaps born at Rowley. He removed to
Windsor, there had Joseph, born September 1, 1675. He removed to
Suffield, there had by wife Mehitable, Benjamin, born December 23,
1677. His wife died December 17, 1718. He died February 23,
1721.-
Thomas Remington, Jr., died unmarried, December 16, 1683.
Jonathan Remington, son of Thomas, Sr., had thirty acres next his
father's lot, in Feather street. No record of his birth is found. He
married Sarah Hovey, June 11, 1701. Children : Sarah, born June
28, 1706 ; Jonathan, November 11, 1707 ; Elizabeth, April 15, 1710 ;
Abigail, June 25, 1712. Sarah, his wife, died October 18, 1716.
Married second wife, widow Mary Rising ; no children. He died June
17, 1755 ; she died May 24, 17X54. His only son, Jonathan, Jr., mar-
ried Thankful Taylor, November 5, 1735 ; had six children.
John Remington, son of Thomas, Sr., married Margaret Scot, De-
cember 6, 1687. Children : Sarah, born January 22, 1688. His wife
died July 14, 1793. Married second wife, Hannah Hale, December 19,
1700. Children : Thomas, born February 2, 1702 ; Daniel, born Feb-
ruary 20, 1706 ; Samuel, born March 5, 1707 ; Stephen, born January
3, 1711 ; Hannah, born March 25, 1723. He died shortly after. His
widow died April 1, 1768.
Deacon Joseph Remington, son of Thomas, Sr., was not a grantee,
but settled here, on the right of his brother Thomas, deceased. He
married Eliza Dudley, December 2, 1703. Children : Joseph, Dudley,
Isaac, Elizabeth and Mary, twins. Deacon Joseph died July 24,
1768. From him, " Remington street " took its name, once called
"Northampton Road."
James Rising, age eighteen, sailed for the Bermudas from London
1635, was at Harvard College 1646; married Elizabeth Hinsdale,
daughter of Robert, of Medfield, July 7, 1657 ; removed to Bermudas,
returned to Salem, in a few years removed to Windsor, Conn., and
was voted an inhabitant 1668, where his wife died 1669, as did another
wife, Martha, April 20, 1674. Had James and John, and (perliaps)
other children. He kept the ferry at Windsor ; removed to Suffield
1679, where he died September 11, 1688. None other of the name
among the early settlers of New England can be found; and he is
])robably the ancestor of all who bear it in this country. His son
James died July '24, 1690, unmarried.
John Rising, son of James 1st, had his father's lot at the lower
end of High street, being probably the only heir. He had two wives
and eighteen children. He died December 11, 1720.
Hugh Roe (Rovve) was sealer of leather at Hartford, 1(563; was a
40 OUTLINE SKETCHES OF THE
freeman, and lived there, south of Little Eiver, 16G9. Before this
had lived at Weymouth, Mass. ; was at SufSeld, 1674, and a voter at
its first town meeting. He died at Suffield, August 5, 1G89. Abigail,
his wife, died September 3, 1689. Himself and his son Samuel had
eighty acres, boundeded west on High street, north on Feather street
road, extending east three-quarters of a mile. Ten acres of it was
afterward granted to Stephen Taylor.
Samuel Eoe, son of Hugh, born at Weymouth, January 14, 1656,
died at Suffield, March 1, 1688, probably unmarried.
Peter Roe, son of Hugh, place and date of birth unknown ; married
Sarah, daughter of Thomas Eemington, 1689 ; had ten children. He
received as executor, etc., the grants belonging to his father and
brother Samuel. Peter Roe died February 4, 1739, and the surname
disapj)ears from the record nearly one hundred years ago.
Sergeant Tliomas Spencer was in Cambridge, 1632, a brother of
Jared and William ; freeman, 1634, was a first settler of Hartford ;
1638 had a house lot there on Main street ; he received a grant of
land, 1671, "for his good service for the country," as Sergeant in the
Militia. Had by first wife three sons, and by second wife one son,
and five daughters. He came from Braintree, Essex County, England,
or that vicinity, with Thomas Hooker's company in 1632, and with
them to Hartford, 1635. The name of his first wife is unknown. His
second wife was Sarah Bearding, daughter of Nathaniel, a first settler
of Hartford, married September 11, 1645. Sergeant Thomas Spencer
died September 11, 1685, at Hartford.
Thomas Spencer, son of Sergeant Thomas, of Hartford, had a grant
of land, fifty acres of it in High street, now occupied in part by
George W. Loomis, and heirs of D. VV. Norton. Born at Hartford,
came to Suffield 1674 ; married Esther Andrews of Hartford. Had
three sons and four daughters. He was one of the thirty-four quali-
fied voters at the first town meeting. He died at Suffield July 23,
1689. His widow, Esther, died March 6, 1698. Of the three sons,
Thomas died 1692, unmarried. Samuel and William had each twenty-
five acres of their father's house lot in High street, Samuel having the
north half, and William the south.
They married sisters, Elizabeth and Mehetable Mascraft of Rox-
bury, Mass. Both had families from whom have descended all the
Suffield Spencers.
Samuel had two sons, Thomas and Daniel. He died November 23,
1743. William had one son only, "John." William died December,
1745. His wife, Mehetable, died August 7, 1769. John settled in
West Suffield. Had sons Reuben, Simeon, and John.
Edward Smith married Sarah, daughter of Edward Allen, March
HISTORY OF SUFFIELD. 41
21, 1685; had clnldren Edward, Mary, Samuel, Hugh, Joseph who
died 3'oung, and David, all born at Suffield.
His house lot in Feather street was next to Joseph Trumhle's (his
brother-in-law). He probably came from Ipswich.
James Smith had a grant of fifty acres. He was probably of
Moseley's company in 1675; did not settle.
Thomas Smith had a grant of forty acres given him at the second
town meeting. He married Joanna Barber, of Springfiekl, first wife,
and Mary Younglove, for his second wife; had a large family. He
came from Massachusetts, probably, whence I cannot determine. He
died December 2, 1726.
John Severance, son of John of Salisbury, removed with his family
to Deerfield; had two children born here. Marj^, born July 14, 1681 ;
Joseph, October 26, 1682. The name is nowhere since found in our
records.
John Scott was an early settler of Springfield, and removed to
Suffield with his family, having a daughter born after his removal,
viz. : Elizabeth, born September 2, 1683. He died January 2, 1689.
Joseph Seager, perhaps brother of Richard of Windsor, after of
Simsbury, married Abigail Taylor of Sufiield, September 27, 1680.
Children: Joseph, born 1682 ; John, 1684, and others who died young.
Joseph himself and wife Abigail died both in March, 1740, at Suf-
field, when the name disappears from the record.
Victory Sikes, son of Richard of Springfield, settled in and removed
his family to Suffield 1682. He had ten children, but three of whom
survived him. He was a carpenter by trade, and with his brother
Increase contracted to build a barn at Sj)ringfield for Major Pynchon
52 X 24 feet. His three sons Jonathan, Samuel and Victory, Jr., had
families and lived in Suffield. Their descendants are numerous. He
died April 25, 1708.
Thomas Stevens married loth October, 1681, Mary, daughter of
Thomas Mighill. He had a second wife, Sarah, who died 1695, leav-
ing daughter Sarah. He was from Newberry, probably. The name
disappears soon after. He was Land Measurer in 1685.
Stephen Taylor, Jr., son of Stephen of Windsor, married Joanna
Porter of Farmington, November 8, 1676; had children born at
Suffield: Sarah, July 6, 1679; Jolianna March 28, 1682. He re-
turned to AVindsor 1685 ; there had children, Stephen and William.
He died August 3, 1707.
John Taylor, son of Stephen of Windsor, married Sarah Younglove,
daughter of Rev. John, September 25, 1682. She died June 17, 1683.
He married again, Elizabeth Sjiencer, daughter of Thomas of .Nuffield,
March 24, 1686; had children : John, January 17, 1(587; Nathan, Ma}"-
0
42 OUTLINE SKETCHES OF THE
20, 1688 ; he soon after returned to Windsor. He had children at
Windsor, Samuel, Elizabeth, and Ebenezer.
Thomas Taylor, son of Stephen of Windsor, married Abigail Roe,
daughter of Hugh of SuiSeld, June 15, 1678. Married his second
wife, Hannah, daughter of Launcelot Granger. He died January 6,
1741, leaving no male heirs. None of the descendants of Stephen
Taylor, Sr., of Windsor, appear to have afterwards settled at Suf-
field.
Deacon Jonathan Taylor, son of Jonathan of Springfield was born
there March 11, 1655. He married Sarah, daughter of William
Brooks of Springfield, July 7, 1678. Children : Mary, born May
3, 1684 ; Merc}^, born September 6, 1686. Sarah, born January 23,
1682. He died January 23, 1726, leaving no male heirs. His home-
stead, and that of his brother Samuel, was on the west side of Spring-
field road (now Crooked Lane).
Samuel Taylor, son of Jonathan first, of Springfield, was born there
September 8, 1652, married Jluth Cogan. He died at Suffield, Sep-
tember 7, 1689, leaving widow Ruth, and six daughters; no male
heirs.
James Taylor, married January 17, 1668, Mary, daughter of Jon-
athan Taylor, Sr., sister of Deacon Jonathan, Jr., and Samuel ; had
eight children born at Springfield ; nearly all died young. Children
born at Suffield: Thomas, January 16, 1684; Samuel, 1686; Re-
becca, 1689. Whence he came, or who was his father, is unknown ;
but he had been a servant of Major Pynchon, and in his family. Kone
of his children appear to have remained in Suffield. Probably he did
not long remain here. His homestead is now owned by Henry Fuller,
Esq.
Joseph Trumble* (Trumbull) son of John of Rowley, Mass., mar-
ried Hannah and had cliildren, Hannah, and John, born
November 27, 1670 (called John the 1st in Suffield Records), before
he came to Suffield. He had a grant of fifty acres in Feather street in
1674, and had settled upon it before King Philip's War. His children
born at Suffield were Joseph,! born January 16, 1679 ; Ammi, born
August 1, 1681 ; Benoni, born August 10, 1684. His oldest son,
John 1st, settled in Suffield. His son Joseph settled in Lebanon.
Ammi in East Windsor, Benoni in Hebron. Joseph Trumble, Sr.,
was one of the few qualified voters at the first town meeting;
was freeman 1681. He died at Suffield August 15, 1684, five days
after his son Benoni was born. He was a farmer, and cut and drew
logs for Major Pynchon's saw mill at " Stony River." Some of his
* The SufBeld records so spell the name until 1774.
t Father of the first Governor Jonathan.
HISTORY OF SUFFIELD. 43
descendants have been highly distinguished. His grandson, Jona-
than, was Governor of Connecticut fourteen years and during the
Revolution, and his great-grandson, Jonathan, filled the same place
eleven years thereafter, of whom John Trumbull, the painter, was
brother. Another grandson and son of Benoni, was Rev. Benjamin
Trumbull, the historian of Connecticut. John Trumbull,* the poet,
grandson of John the 1st, was a great-grandson of Joseph, the Suffield
settler. Many others distinguished of his descendants might be
named. His widow, Hannah, died at East Windsor, October 5, 1689,
probably at her son Ammi's.
Judah Trumble, son of John of Rowley, and elder brother of Joseph,
had a gi'ant of fifty acres in Feather strefet, north of and next to
Joseph's. He married Mary and had children born before he
left Rowley; viz., John (the second), born March 5, 1675, and Eben-
ezer who died young. He came to Suffield 1676. Children born here
were Joseph, born January 3, 1677 ; Judah, born January 2, 1679 ;
Mary, born March 20, 1682 ; William, July 9, 1683 ; Samuel, June
1, 1685; Ephraim, July 6, 1688. Judah Trumble himself died. April
1, 1692. His widow married Victory Sikes as his third wife. Shad-
rach Trumbull, the last of the name in Suffield, died 1852.
Michael Towsley of Salisbury had been in King Philip's war,
1676, a soldier of Hampton, New Hampshire. He married Mary
Hussey June 4, 1678. Removed to Suffield 1680. House lot in High
street. Children : Mary, born March 17, 1681 ; Anne, born July 12,
1683; Michael, January 14, 1684; Margaret, July 11, 1687; Mat-
thew, November 18, 1690. Margaret died November 10, 1694. A
son, Nathan, born Eeljruary 3, died February 8, 1 697 ; Joseph, born
July 4, 1698. Michael Towsley himself died November 3, 1712.
Mary, his widow, married Jonathan Winchell, being his second wife.
She died February 10, 1729. Since that time the name seldom
appears.
David Winchell, Windsor, Conn., son of Robert of Dorchester,
Mass., married Elizabeth Filley, November 18, 1669. Children :
Joseph, born September 13, 1670 ; Christian, March 9, 1673 ; Eliza-
beth, December 9, 1675. Removed to Suffield, probably after Philip's
war; had children: David, born March 19, 1682; Mary, born Febru-
ary 8, 1685; Jedediah, born December 29, 1690; Samuel, born June
9, 1693. He was a prominent man in the town, having been a Select-
man or Land Measurer for twenty-five years. He surveyed and allot-
ted about nine thousand acres, including the second division. His
♦John Trumbull's autobioprapliy ninkcs Joim instead of Joseph of Suffield the
grandfather of tlie fir.st (iovernor Jonathnn. l)wi|)lit's History of Conn., p. 3HG,
Stewart's life of Governor Trumbull, p. '^ii, and Ilollieter's History of Conn., vol.
ii, p. 4'28, repeat the same error.
44 OUTLINE SKETCHES OF THE
son, Joseph, succeeded him as Land Measurer, and was Proprietor's
Clerk, or Town Clerk thirty-two years. Most of Suffield, east of the
mountain was laid out and measured by the father and son. David
Winchell died December 29, 1723, aged eighty. His widow, Eliza-
beth, died June 23, 1728, aged seventy-eight. Within a short period
the name has disappeared from our records.
Jonathan Winchell, elder brother of David, was a freeman in Wind-
sor, 1669. He came to Windsor from Dorchester 1638, then a child.
He married Abigail Brownson of Farmington May 16, 1666. Chil-
dren were Jonathan, born February 14, 1669; Benjamin, June 28,
1674. Removed to Suffield; had child, Abigail, born June 8, 1679.
His wife, Abigail, died March 27, 1710. He married widow Mary
Towsley, March, 1713. He died March 5. 1714. His house lot in
High street was on the south corner of the road to West Suffield, and
was afterward the homestead of General Phineas Lj'^man, and of
Hezekiah Huntington, both distinguished lawyers. His sons, Jona-
than, and Benjamin, had families and lived in Suffield.
Robert Watson of Windsor had for himself, and son John, each a
grant of fifty acres in 1672, which he alienated to his sons, Samuel
and Nathaniel in 1686. None of the family settled in Suffield.
Joshua Wells of Windsor had a grant but did not settle or come in
possession.
Richard Woolworth or Woolery, a weaver by trade, was in New-
berry in 1678, and then thirty j'ears old. Married Hannah Huggins
December 24, 1678. Children : Hannah, born February 10, 16Sl ;
Mary, born February" 22, 1683. Removed to Suffield 1684 ; there had
Elizabeth, born September 29, 1685; Abia, born July 16, 16 — , and
deceased October 19, 1691; Richard, born December 6, 1687. Han-
nah, his wife, died Jul}' 3", 1691. Elizabeth, his daughter, deceased
November 30, 1696. Richard himself died December 21, 1696. His
son, Richard, lived at Suffield in 1729, and the name soon disappears.
Robert (Ould) Old married Susannah Hosford at Windsor, Conn.
There had Robert, born October 9, 1670 ; Jonathan, born December
24, 1672, died December 19, 1696. Removed to Suffield 1673, North-
ampton Road — that part of it afterward called " Old Street." Chil-
dren born at Suffield were : Mindwell, born February 4, 1674 (the
first white child born at Suffield) ; Handford, born March 24, 1677 ;
William, born February 7, 1679, died August 24, 168(1 ; William, second
of the name, born August 28, 168- ; Ebenezer, born December 22,
1688, died December 30, 1688; Susannah, born October 21, 1683.
His wife, Susannah, died January 6, 1688. He married second wife,
Dorothy, daughter of Launcelot Granger, April 1, 1689. Children :
John, born January 11, 1691 ; Ebenezer, born January 22, 1693 ;
HISTORY OF SUFFIELD. 45
Josiali, born March 4, 1695, died December 28, 1712 ; Jonatlian, born
June 8, 1698 ; Nathaniel, born March 2, 1702 ; Joseph, born Febru-
ary 3, 170-.
Robert Old himself died January 16, 1728. A small slab in the
old church-yard marks his burial place. From whence he came to
Windsor, or who were his ancestors is unknown. The addition of the
letter (s) to the surname is of late date in Suffield records. In 1696,
" Goodman " Old made brick, and built the chimney for the minister's
house. In 1694, he was appointed 'town agent to manage their case
before the General Assembly in regard to their "rates," which were
burdensome. Several of his sons remained in Suffield, and had fami-
lies. His sons, Jonathan and Robert, Jr., had lands allotted them
in Springfield, west of the river, in 1720, and lived there at that
time. He was not qualified to vote at the first town meeting, and
probably was never made a " Freeman."
■GRANTS,
Petitions and Deeds for Suifield.
THE riKST GRAXT FOR A PLANTATION AT STONY RIVER* BY THE
MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL COURT, MAY 31, 1660.
In * ans"" to tlie petition of Henry Pouning : John Groiier : Willjam
Halsey Thomas Hally : Thomas "^Stocker : & James Hill: humbly
craving the Graunt of a sufScyent quantity of Land to make a planta-
tion at a place called by y^ name of Stony Eyuer : on both sides of the
way to Connecticott &crThe Court judgeth it meete to graunt this
peticon : viz' seven miles square : fiveyeares exemption from publicke
rates for theire estates there provided, that in fower yeeres : they have
twenty familyes settled there : and an able minister : otherwise these
graunts to be voyd.t
AN ACT PASSED BY THE SELECTMEN OF SPRINGFIELD JAN. 14, 1669.
SeveralU persons desiring Grants of Land: at towards: or about
Stony Eyuer on the west of the Great Ryuer towards Windsor: Hav-
ing taken the same into Consideration together: Now it is said by
many p^sons that if it were ordered, and managed aright; it might
make a fine village, or small plantation.
Wee therefore commende it to the Towne to consider how far they
see cause, to consider or settle y* same. Now in the mean time in ref-
ference to those, that desire Grants there, wee judge meete, that Sam-
uel and Joseph Harmon have 30 acres of Land apiece there & 6 acres
apiece of Wet meadow. Also that John Lamb have 30 acres there &
6 acres of Wet Meadow. And Benjamin Parsons have 30 apres of
Land & 6 acres of Wet Meadow. And Griffith Jones for his 2 sons
have 20 acres apiece : and 4 acres of Wet meadow apiece : All on
condition they attend such termes as shall be concluded on by the
Com'^^ appointed for ordering y^ same.
The following is a copy of the petition for the new town, with
names of the petitioners and the answers thereto by the Court. Thp
*Mass. Col. Kec, Vol. 4, Part 1, p. 423.
t Bliss' Historical Address delivered in 1828, which contains the best history of
Springfield yet written, says : That a settlement was coiunieuced in Suffield in 16tj0
or 16bl.
t Springfield Town Records.
GRANTS, PETITIONS AND DEEDS. 47
petition was favorably received by the magistrates, but denied by the
deputies. This occurred at the May session, 1670. In October fol-
lowing, the petition was granted. Not one of the petitioners became
a settler, but many of them labored faithfully for more than ten years
to fill the complement of settlers, as required by the Grant.
This petition and answer are in manuscript, and found in the Colo-
nial archives at Boston.
PETITION.
" To the Hlghhj Honn^ & The Geifll Co"'' of the Massachusetts.
The humble Petition of Diverse of y^ Inhabitants of Springfield, on
the behalfe of y"" Towne. Sheweth That there being a quantity of
land betweene Springfield &, Westfield & the South Lyne of y^ Colony
w'^'^ wee conceive may be capable of a small Plantation, and for that
there are diverse P'"sons amongst us that greatly want conveniences of
Land for improvement for their familyes, who desire to sett upon
worke in that quarter &, to p''vent the marring of that w*^^ may be a
comfortable Towneship by such as otherwise may take up those Lands
for farmes & to P^serve the Lands and woods of the South line of the
Collony in that quarter towards Windsor. — Wee doe humbly intreat
this much Honno'^ Co''te to graunt unto yo"" petition" for y* use of such
as want conveniences of Laud in this Towne, a quantity of Land for
y* end aforesaid :
And that the Honno^*^ Co""'" would be pleased to allow five or six
yeares liberty for setting downe there & making a Plantation : — the
difficulty of winning those wood}^ lands requiring longer tyme than
ordinary to settle upon : there being scarce any open land to begin
with : That God only wise would sitt amongst yo'' Honn" guiding
you to his Glory & y^ comfort of His People : Pray :
Yo'."" most Humble Petition."
John Pynchon, Henry Chapin,
George Coulton, Rowland Thomas,
Nathaniel Ely, Thomas Stebbin,
Anthony Dorchester, Samuell Chapin,
Elizur Holyoke, Loronce Bliss,
Benjamin Gooley, Jonathan ]>urt,
Samuel Marshfield, *Rir.]iard Sicks,
Benjamin Parsons, Miles Morgan.
ANSWER.
. In answer to y' petition of diverse of y* Inhabitants of Springfield
craving liberty for erecting of a Towneship on the West side of their
Great River towards Windsor: This Court doeth graunt to the Peti-
tioners a Tract of Land lying Southward of Springfield & Westfield
Bounds & so toward the South line of o' Pattent line to the contents
of six miles square & so to be laid out as may be most convenient for
a Plantation or Towneship : Provided there be One Hundred acres of
*" Kichard Sicks" (Sikes, Sykes, Syckes) was ancestor of all of that name ia
N. E. Victory ( Vicary), liis son, was a tirsl settler of Nuffield.
48 GRANTS, PETITIONS AND DEEDS.
Land laid out w*^in the said Tract for the General! Court or Country's
use : And provided in five years time, there be twenty familys settled
on the place & that they take care for the procuring and maintayning
some able minister there, & y* not above eighty acres be granted to
any one person : And for the managing of the affaires of this
Towneship Receiving Inhabitants, Granting Land.\v"'in the tract
aforesaid & ordering all prudentialls propper to the same : This Court
doeth appoint Capt. John Pynchon Capt. Elizur Holyoake Leftenant
Cooper Quarter Master Colton and Ensigne Cooly : or any three of
them, Capt. Pynchon to be one : a Committee for that end Who are
hereby Impowered to act accordingly & to continue till this Courte
shall otherwise order. The Magistrates have past this ! Their Breth-
ren the Deputies thereto.
Ed^ Eawson Secret^.
The Deputyes consent not hereto !
Wm. Torrey Clerc
The Deputyes not consenting with o' Honn'"^ Magistrates in the
answer to Springfield p'" for a tract of land betweene Springfield
Westfeild* & Windsor, doe yet judge meete that there be reserved such
a convenient quantitie of y* said Land as may be for a plantation,
when any considerable number of fitt p''sons shall appear to make
p''sent Improvement thereof.
With refference to the consente of o'' Hgn"'' Magis'* hereto.
William Torrey Clerc
Consented to by y® Magis'°
Day 25 mo. (3) 1670. Edw. Pvawson Secret'y.
LAND SET APART BY THE GENERAL COURT FOR A NEW PLANTATION.
In answ^er to the Peticon of severall Inhabitants of SiJringfield, hum-
bly desiring the favour of this Court to grant them a tract of Land be-
tweene Springfield & Westfeild, the Court judgeth it meete to order :
that there be a convenient quantity of Land betweene Springfield and
Westfeild & Windsor as may be for a plantation : when any consider-
able number shall appeare to make present improvement therefor.
THE FINAL GRANT FOR A PLANTATION AT STONY RIVER.
Oct' 12th, 1670. tin answer to the Petition of dyuers of the Inhab-
itants of Springfeild : craving liberty for the erecting of a Touneship
on the West side of y' Ryuer Connecticott towards Windsor :
This Court doth grant ynto y* Petitioners a tract of Land lying
southward of Springfeild and Westfeild bounds : to the contente of sixe
miles square, to be layed out there for a plantation or Touneship : pro-
vided there be five hundred acres of Land layd out to this sayd Tract,
for the Generall Court or Country's yse. One Hundred acres of it to be
layd neere the place where their Meeting House shall be, and jirovided
that in five yeares time, there be twenty familyes settled on the place,
* Our ancestors were careless in spelling, as tlie same word is often spelled differ-
ently in tlie same sentence. These seeming errors are copied as in the original,
t Vol. IV., Fart II., Mass. Col. Kec.
GRANTS, PETITIONS AND DEEDS. 49
and that they take care for the procuring, and maintaining some able
minister there : and that not above 80 acres of laud be granted to any
one person, or family till at least twenty famylies be settled there :
And for the managing the affaires of this touneship : receiving in-
habitants granting w"'in the tract afore'"^ and ordering all prudentialls
proppeT to the same, this Court doeth appoint Capt. John Pynchon,
(Japt. Eliaz'' Holyoke, Lejf Cooper Qr Master Colton, Ens" Cooly,
& Rowland Thomas : or any three of them, whereof Capt. Pynchon to
be one : A Comittee for that end, who are hereby impowered to act
accordingly & so to continue till this Court shall otherwise order.
BEPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO THE GENERAL COURT.*
BOUNDARIES ESTABLISHED.
May 20th, 1674. The Honor"* General Court in October 1670 hav-
ing granted a tract of Land to the content of sixe miles square on the
West Side of the Ryuer Connecticot, between Springfield and Wind-
sor, to severall persons for a plantation : and having likewise appointed
a Comittee to manage the affaires thereof ; the sayd Comittee hereto
subscribing, did lay out the bounds of the sayd plantation on the 21st
of March 1671, and would have made returne thereof to the Honor**
Generall Court there next following ; had not they delayed in reffer-
ence to the setling the line between this Colony and Connecticott
Colony, which possibly might have occasioned some alteration. f — But
that Colony not manifesting their acceptance of the concession of this
Court The said Comittee haue thought it meet : severall familyes
being there already setled — not to delay any longer, but now to make
return to this Honor** Court of their worke in laying out the bounds
of the s** Plantation : Which are as followeth : The North bounds of
this new plantation : joyning to Springfield South Bounds, on the
west side of the Connecticot Ryuer is at a little gutter about halfe
a mile below the Brooke commonly called the three mile brooke below
Lieut. Cooper's house viz ! At two tall middling trees standing about
two foote from each other, the one a walnut, the other an oak, which
stands on the knap or brow of the hill on the north side of that
gutter by the great Ryuer Side, within three or fower rod, where the
gutter einptyes itselfe into the Great River The sayd trees being
marked : sire the north bounds of this new plantation — and thence
the bounds run ypon the due west line about lower miles and a half
from the Ryuer" Connecticott : till it meet with Westfield Bounds:
and from the sayd two trees, the East bound is the s** Ryuer Connec-
ticott and is sixe miles southward ypon the square from the sayd
west line.
The south border of this new plantation is a due west lyne drawne
from a large white oake, marked standing on the banck of the Ryuer
Connecticott ; two or three Rods from the s'' Ryuer : and about a halfe
a mile below the Jsland, neere the foote of the falls in the Great
Ryuer, and from the said white oake the south border extends seven
mile and a half due west, many trees being marked in that range or
lyne. — The sayd Comittee have also setled one hundred acres of Land
* Mass. Co'.. Rec, Vol. 6, p. 12, 18. t See ni. VI, 13.
7
50 GRANTS, PETITIONS AND DEEDS.
for the Generall Court and Country's yse as the Court enjoyned lying
on the South Side of Stony Brooke neare where Northampton and
Springfield ways to Windsor meet ; there heing a tract of good land,
and not farr from the place called the Meeting House hill. And the
other fower Hundred acres of Land for the Country is to lye at the
South West corner of this Plantation there heing good land in that
Quarter for that purpose. — The said Comittee doth also humbly pro-
pose : that the Honor"* Court would please to grant this Plantation
seven yeares freedoms from Country Rates, as incouragement for the
planters ; it being a very woody place, and ditficult to winne : also
that the name of the place may be Suffeild, (an abbreviation of South-
feild,) it being the souther-most town that either at present is: or like
to be in that Country-, and neere adjoining to the South border of our
patent in those parts.
John Ptnchon,
» Elizub Holtoke.
June 3d, 1674. In the name of the Comittee.
The Court approves & confirmes this returne of the Comittee, that
of rates only excepted & insteed thereof doe grant to y' s** j)lantation
fower yeeres exemption from Country rates.
CONCESSION OF THE MASS. GENERAL COURT TO CONNECTICUT AS
TO ENLARGEMENT OF WINDSOR BOUNDS.*
15 May 1672 Uppon the motion of the gent" Mr. John Allyn &
Mr. Wayte Winthrop commissionated from the Generall Court of Con-
necticot to treate about the lyne betweene ys & them, & setling their
bounds, although our south lynef hath binn stated and setled many
yeares since, yet, to shew our readiness to an amicable and loving
complyance w"' them touching that affaire, and in order to the accom-
odating their antient toune of Windsor, whose bounds, as they say,
are to much streightned & some mens proprietyes prejudiced by our
south line bordering so neare up on the sayd tonnes of Windsor &
Symsbury ; This Court doe therefore grant to Connecticot that the
bounds of Windsor may come northward into our lyne to the foote of
the Falls in Connecticot River above Windsor, and so much y'p the
ryuer into the falls there as to state & setle the bounds "between us
forty rodds below the ffoote of the great Island against the falls in Con-
necticot River : and that from thence a lyne be runne from the Great
River Connecticot fower miles east, and then to runn south to our lyne
already runne and settled many yeares since : and for the west side of
Connecticot Ryuer also, that, at forty rod below the foote of the
island aforesayd, the line to runn & continue from the great river
aforesayd tenn miles west, and then to runne south to our lyne where
it was runne last yeare by Maj"' Pynchon at the appointment of this
Court : and in this concession of ours wee declare no former grants
by this Court to particcular persons shall be prejudiced & that there
shall be free liberty of tymber for the use of the saw mill on Stony
Ryuer neere these bounds, our lyne : and in case of the Generall Court
*Ma88. Col. Rec, Vol. IV., Part 2, Page 529.
t Woodward & Safler^'s Line of 1642.
GRANTS, PETITIONS AND DEEDS. 51
of Connecticott's non acceptance of this our neighborly and amicable
consideration, this concession and condiscention shall by no person or
persons, way or meanes whatsoever, be any wayes construed to the
least question or prejudice of our indubitate right in our lyne for above
thirty yeares since runne and setled; and on their acceptance hereof,
that the said grant & concession be runn by Maj"' Pynchon, or his
order, giving notice to the gent" of Connecticot to order some of theires
to join w**^ him therein & that this be donn before winter : and that
there be once in three yeares a runing the same & keeping vp the
marks & bounds thereof, by some of the next tounes adjoyning or bor-
dering on the same.*
JOHN PYNCHOn's DEED-t
These presents Testifie that I John Pynchon of Springfield several
yeares since Made a purchase of Lands at Suffield of the Indians for
the Inhabitants of Suffield and particularly bought the Land on the
Northerly side of the town of Suffield next to Springfield & adjoining
to Springfield Bound of Pampunckshat, and the Land from thence
southward against the Falls and downward a great way Southward of,
below Stony Brook, taking in Pipestave Swamp so called, and all the
Land westward from the Kiver toward Masacof of Misknousqus alias
Margery to whom the right of all those Lands did then belong by the
acknowledgment and grant of the chief Indians, which Lands ; that
next to Springfield on the North where the line runs between Spring-
field and Suffield was bought of Pampunckshat, & from Springfield
line southward along by the Great Kiver down to Lacows, or Lacowsick,
about the Falls, & from all that breadth, or length out westward sev-
eral miles till it meets with Westfield Bounds : this Pampunckshat sold,
and from Lacows or Lacowsick, and so southerly toward Windsor a
great way below Stony Brook ; and the Land being called Squotuck,
Maygauag, Wecups &c by the Great Kiver on the East ; from whence
it runs Westerly many miles, taking in the ledge of hill, or mountains ;
and taking in Ashawalas, and Wenekeiamaug, and all the swamps
thereabouts down toward Masaco, & particularly the swamp b}^ the
English called Pipestave Swamp, together with all the Woodland,
Swamp, Marsh, and uplands, all which were bought, and purchased of
Misnousqus, alias Margery. Whom I well and truly paid for the same
to their satisfaction, as by their severall Deeds for Said Land a[)2:)ears.
For all which I have Keceived of the Inhabitants of Sufiield Forty
Pounds : and do hereby acknowledge the same, and to be fully sattisfyed
and contented therewith. For purchase of Said Lauds and do hereby
*Tliis so-called concession wag not accepted by Connecticut, and tlie line
between tlie towns of Windsor, Sinisbury and SuflSeld remained unsettled until
1713. The commissioners allowed the claim of Siinsbury; and "Suffield was shorn
of its south-western corner. This ended the complaints and troubles which had
existed more than 40 years, and the Suffield planters aband()ne<l with sore hearts
their dreams of wealth which were supposed mit;ht be realized from the mines of
copper and iron within the disf)Uted territory. [See pp. 11 and I'l]
t The I'ynchon ileed is inserted here for convenient reference, thoujjh the con-
veyance was not formally made until 1G85. Book A, B, Hampshire Co. liec, p.
67, and Old Book of iSulI' d liec, p. '2W.
X iSimsbury.
^ GRANTS, PETITIONS AND DEEDS.
declare and Testifie that I acted in the premises for the Toune of Suf-
field, and Inhabitants thereof in General ; and do for me, my heirs and
assigns resign up all my General Right, Title, and Interest in said
Land afore mentioned. That is to all said Tract of Land within Suf-
lield Bounds according as Granted to them for a Towneship by the
General Court of the Massachusetts, reserving only what particluar
Grant, or Right I have therein either to Land, or Streems,* Granted and
Set apart to myself. This only excepted to me my heirs and assigns
for ever. All the rest of the Land there within the afore said Tract,
now, and henceforth to belong, and be to the severall Inhabitants of
Suffield, Proprietors thereof, according as each man's portion is at pres-
ent laid to him, or hereafter shall be Granted or Distributed to them
or their heirs and assigns by y* Town of Suffield aforesaid.
And by these Presents doe for myself, my heirs, Executors, and As-
signs, relinquish all Right and Title to the Land afore said, except as
before excepted. Ratifying and confirming the afore mentioned Land,
(according to the Grant of y* General Court to them) unto the said
Town of Suffield afore said, that is to say : to the present Inhabitants, or
Proprietors thereof, according to each mans proportion therein for the
use and benefit of said Inhabitants, or Proprietors, according to their
several Grants and Privileges already allowed them, or that shall here-
after be allowed or Granted them.
To them and to their absolute benefit, and to them or any of their
heirs and assigns forever.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and seal, This
Thirteithth Day of April 1685.
Signed Sealed and Delivered in presence of
John Holyoke,
John Lamb, John Pynchon, a seal.
Sam"- Marshfield.
At y* County Court at Springfield Sept.
29th 1685 Maj' John Pynchon Esqr for-
maly appeared in said Court and ac-
knowledged his signing, and sealing
this Instrument, as a Test.
John Holyoke, Clerk.
* See p. 57.
Suffield Town Book of Records.
For recording of Grants, Orders, etc., began with the acts of the
Committee from January, 167'^*, and continued on until their discharge
in A. D. 168J, and so proceeding in recording and entering the acts
of the Town.
A book containing Orders, Acts, Grants & settlements respecting
the Township of Suffield lying on the West Side of the Connecticut
River, Southward of Sjiringfield & Westfield bounds. Which tract of
Land to the contents of Six Miles Square was granted for a Planta-
tion, or Township by the Honored General Court of the Massachusetts,
in October, 1670. Who then also as by order of said general Court
more fully appears :
Appointed and impowered Capt. John Pynchon,
Mr. ElIZUR HOLYOKE,
Lt. Thomas Cooper,
Benjamin Cooley,
George Colton,
and
Rowland Thomas,
or any three of them to be a Committee to make Grants of Land there,
& to manage the affairs of s*^ Plantation, Mr. Pynchon being one.
ACTS OF THE COMMITTEE.
At a meeting of the Committee above mentioned for ordering the
affairs of this New Plantation all being present :
Jan. 12th, 167f.
1""'. It is agreed and concluded by the Said Committee that the
Land in this place be proportioned unto about four score shares, or
House Lots, at present & that the Lots shall be of four sorts, or ranks,
to wit! the Highest or Greatest Lot, or share. Eiglity Acres & no
more at present : The second sort or rank of Lots Sixty Acres : the
third Fifty Acres: and the lowest Allotment Forty Acres. And by
reason of the scarcity of Meadow in the place, that the Meadow be thus
* Before 1752 the year began March 2oth throughout Ensrland and her colonies.
After that date, by an act of Parliament, the year began January 1st, which had
been the rule in ('atholic countries since 1582. On tiiis account it was common to
double date between January Ist and March 2oth. Tlie lovrer figure accords with
the present mode of reckoning.
54 ACTS OF THE COMMITTEE.
proportioned (Viz : Eight acres of meadow to an eighty acre allot-
ment.
Six acres of meadow to a Sixty acre Lot. Five acres of Meadow to
a Fifty Acre allotment, and four acres of Meadow to a Forty Acre al-
lotment : and because Meadow is so scarce, that it is doubtfull whether
it will reach to the small proportion afores*^ it is therefore agreed and
ordered, that all such low and good land, or swamps as shall be judged
in stead of Meadow : It shall be accounted and proportioned for
meadow, and where any meadow, or any such low and good swamp
Land as afores^ shall fall within any man's share, or allotment of up-
land, it shall be accounted Meadow to him : and reckoned as part of
his share of meadow ; yet so as, that his whole allotment shall be made
up to him notwithstanding.
2**''. It is agreed that for the determining what sort or rank of
ollotment shall be granted to any Planter or admitted Inhabitant Re-
spect shall be had to the Quallity, Estate, Uselulness, and other con-
siderations of such Persons: and according thereunto the share or
Grant of allotment to be proportioned to each Planter as the Com-
mittee (direct).
S"*'^. It is agreed and ordered that whatever Divisions of Meadow
Land may be hereafter; If any more Meadow Land be to be divided;
and all after divisions of other Lands, Woods and Pasturages, shall be
made to every Planter accepted and admitted, according to the afore-
said Proportions or Grants of Allotments to him.
4*'^. It is agreed that all the common charges which are or shall
be expended for the settling of this Town, and laying it out; procur-
ing a minister, and providing for him or any other matter or thing
conducing to the publick good of the Town, shall all be raised in pro-
portion upon the Inhabitants according to their Grants or Allotments ;
All Grants to Men being hereby declared to be made to them on these
terms that they do accordingly pa}' Rates to the Ministry-, Town &c ;
and all after Grants ; the Grantees are to Defray their Proportions to
all Common Charges accordingly.
5""'^. In regard to this Township by reason of the Ij'ing of the
Land must be cast into several Divisions : It is therefore ordered, that
between each Division there be Highways laid out of sixteen, or twenty
Rods broad, and also Convenient Highwa3's of about six, eight or Ten
Rods AVide among the Lots for turning, and driving Cattle into the
Common, and for the pasturage of Sheep.
6""'. And because we cannot foresee What Need vaaj be of High-
ways hereafter in Places which are not now thought on : It is there-
fore ordered : that all Highways, which shall by tlie Committee, or af-
terward by the Select Men of this Township be judged usefull for the
Inhabitants within Seven years after each man's Grant and settling in
the Place, they shall be laid out, where they may be thought most
Convenient, and usefull for the Publick advantage : Notwithstanding
any Man's Propriety there. All Grants of Land to every man being
hereby declared to be made to the Grantees, with the Reserve of High-
ways to be laid out throu their Land if need shall be found thereof
within Seven j-ears after their Grant and Settling ; only It is provided
that so much Land as is taken from any man, for a Highway, the like
Quantity of Land shall be Allow"^ him in some other place, and that a^
ACTS OF THE COMMITTEE. 55
good for the Quality of it in the judgment of the Committee — or Se-
lect Men ; and no other allowance to be made for Land taken from men
for Highways in Seven Years after their Settling.
7'"'^. It is agreed that such Persons who first appear to plant this
Town : they shall have liberty of Choice in which Division to settle,
and they to have their Lots there.
8'^'^. It is agreed and Determined that the Petitioners* for this
Place Who obtained a Grant thereof from the Honored General Court
in October last, they sliall all of them have allotments there if they
desire it, and will signify so to the Committee by the 20th of May next ;
and that they will in three years and a half from the said 20th of May
next ; fence, and improve some Acres of Land, and all other Persons
who shall desire, and have Lots granted them in this place, they shall
within six months pay their proportion to all common charges ; and
shall also within three years and a half from the 20th of May next
improve their said Land by fencing, and Clearing some Acres ; and
building on it, so as to be there Inhabiting, and fully settled by the
time Viz ! the 20th of November 1674, that it may be accounted truly
the Place of their fixed Residence, and settled aboad; or otherwise
their Grant shall become void, and all their Land there Return into
the hands of the Com'" to Dispose of to any other Person who may
come and settle there : And such as thus loose their Land by not set-
tling on it, shall also forfeit all their Charges they have expended
thereabout, provided always the Comm*'* Do Reserve power in their
own hands to dispense with the strictness of their orders in some par-
ticular cases where they shall see good reason for it.
9""'^. It is further ordered that all jjersons thatt shall have Grants
of Allotments : and shall settle on them, they shall for seven years
Continue their Dwelling there, or settle them as aforesaid. Before
they shall have any power to sell, alienate, or any ways dispose of any
of their said Land to any other person, or persons, and then to such
only as the Committee or Select Men approve of.
20thiy_ jj. jg further agreed that if Persons of considerable Quality,
or Estate, who may thereby be a furtherance to the place shall desire
accommodation of Land yet not being willing to engage the settling
there in their own person : such person or Persons, if they will Ingage
the Disbursing such considerable Estate there as in the Judgment of
the Com'" will be advantageous to the Place, they may also have
Grants of Land there, provided that if they shall not see Cause to live
there themselves, they do settle such persons on the Land Granted
them, as the Comm'*' shall approve off, and Continue him or them as
aforesaid.
■l\tMx j(; |g ordered that a Convenient allotment of 60 or 80 acres
near the Centre of the Town be Reserved for the property of the first
Minister! that shall settle on the place, and have this Lot unless he be
otherwise provided for by some particular Grant to him as a planter.
22'hiy jj, jg ordered that a convenient allotment of 80 acres be set
apart for the Ministry,^ & to continue, & be improved for that use for
Ever, & not Granted away, or sold, or any way alienated therefrom. The
true intent of this Order & Grant is the Continuance of this Allot-
* None of these Petitioners settled liere. t See p. 15. J See pp. 18, 19.
56 ACTS OF THE COMMITTEE.
ment for the Ministry, or use of the Church of God in this place for-
ever : by Improving the Land for maintaining of such Minister as shall
from Time to Time preach the word of God to the Inhabitants and
people of this place, & if an^^ kind of Grant of this allotment shall
happen to be Contrary to this stating & settling of it for the Ministry
forever; all such Grants and alienations of it to become void & null
& are so in themselves. This allotment itself & the Income of it to
be put to no other use but towards the Maintainence of the Minister,
or Ministers of the word of God, Except, in the vacancy of a Minister;
or Preacher of God's word in this place at any time, then the Improve-
ment, or Income of it to go towards the Procuring one, or fer some
Pious use.
IS"''^. Also it is ordered that there be a forty (40) Acre Allotment
set apart in some Convenient Place towards the Support, and Main-
tainance of A School* within the said Town, and to Continue and be
im^jrov*^, for and to that use forever Without any Alienation therefrom
all which is hereby declared against ; and that it shall become void.
j[4thiy_ It is ordered that there be one Hundred Acres of Laud laid
out for the General Court, or Country's use,t in some Convenient place
not far Distant from where the Meeting House shall be ; and four
*The School Lot lay as common until 1690, when James King, whose lot adjoined
it, liad " liberty to improve an acre or two."
From 17U3 to 1722 he " hired " the whole lot at 5 shillings a year, when his son
William had it 10 years more, at the sanie annual rent.
It was then leased to various persons, for short periods of 3 to 5 years, until 1750
the Town receiving but little income therefrom.
In 1746 Capt. Phineas Lyman, Samuel Kent, and William King were appointed
by the Town to devise a plan to lease it for a longer period. In 1750 The Town
voted " to sell and lease out the School Lot tor 999 years, for 1000 Founds old Tenor
with good Land security."
It was sold, two-thirds to Ebenezer Noble, one-third to Dudley Kent. Ebenezer
Noble unable to pay for his, deeded it back to the Town in 1773, when it was again
sold tor a less sum.
In 1716, the school meadow containing 4 acres was laid out, it being the second
Division land belonging to the School Lot. It was located against the south end of
Taintor-Hill Highway, and Stony Brook. This was also leased and sold to Capt.
John, and Capt. Oliver Granger tor 13£ 178 5d.
In 1800 a Committee was appoiiued '• to adjust and divide the School Bonds
between the two Societies. They reported in 1801 the principal Due on School
Notes, or Bonds, and division as follows :
£ s d
Ebenezer Harmon, School Lot, Bonds, 47: 02: 00
Peletiah A. Burbank, " " " 57: 18: 00
Capt. Oliver Granger, School meadow, 13 : 17 : 05
Amounting to $395.74.
Given to 1st Society P. A. Burbank's Note, $193 00
" " " " Ebenezer Harmon's '• 63 24
" " 2d " Ebenezer Harmon's " 93 26
" " " " Oliver Granger's " 46 24
These amounts secured by mortgage were placed with the Treasurers of the
Societies, thereto remain for the benefit of schooling forever.
The income was faithfully applied to that object until 1856, when School Societies
were abolished, and these Bonds, or notes, were given up to the Town Treasurer.
At this time the notes held by the 2d Society were in the name of John l^ising for
•?93 26, and O. W. Kellogg for $46 24.
t See pp. 28, 29.
ACTS OF THE COMMITTEE. 57
Hundred Acres more for the use of the Country : Also in some Con-
venient phiee on the outside of the Bounds of this Township, accord-
ing to the Order of the General Court.
•j^gthiy* That there be a Convenient Piece of Land, of about twenty
or thirty acres, laid out in the Center of the Town, and set apart for
the Common Use: as to set the Meeting House on, or School House ;
or for a Training Place, or any other Publick Use to be left Common.
2gthiy_ That for Incouragement of some persons to build a Cornmillf
and Saw Mill$ the Comm'"'' do agree to allow to such person, or persons
as shall undertake the same, Sixty Acres of Land for each mill and
that as convenient!}' as may be adjoining to such Place, or Places as
may be most meet for the Purpose, or best suit the Desires of such
Undertakers; and do Grant all Conveniences of the Streams to such
Persons, and free Liberty for Cutting Timber in the Commons for
Boards, and such like uses : and their proportion according to other
Grants in all after Divisions of Land.
IT^^'y. The Committee do Reserve Liberty in their Hands to Grant
more Lots, over and above those first agreed on, if they find the place
will bear it afterward. Though some such Lots may be less in Quan-
tity than the first Grants, and all such Lots according to the Quantity
of Land they are Granted, sliall also have their Proportions with oth-
ers in all after Divisions, and pay to all Common Charges as others do.
18"''y. The Comm'*'' Do Order that all Persons who shall this Win-
ter have Grants of Land made to them : They shall before the 2()th
of May next declare to the Comm'** their Acceptance thereof, on the
Terms proposed; and that they shall accordingly goon with Settle-
ment on their Lots : or Else Such Grants to them to be accounted as
Null, and Void, and for all after Grants, the Grantees shall within
Three months Time after the Date of their Grants, alike declare to the
Comm*^^ their Acceptance thereof upon the Terms Proposed : and ac-
cording to the Orders in the foregoing Leaves : or else such Grant to
them to be accounted as Null, and so to be Wholly Void, If the Grantee
do not Declare to the Comm'''^ before the time Expired acceptance
thereof. Accordingly the Comm'"^ having drawn up the Orders afores'':
by Which Order.s, Conditions, or Agreements, they intend to Walk in.
Making Grants of Allotments they read the same to many Persons
present : and left all to further Consideration till this Day a fortnight,
When they appointed to meet again : And gave Publit-k Notice of the
Meeting, that such as pleased might attend for Grants.
EIRST GRANTS.
The Comm*" for this New Plantation at Stony Brook Met Jan'?
26th, 167?. Present J Pynchox
Mk Holyoke
Lieut Cooper
Benj" Cooley
George Colton and
Rowland Thoma.s.
At this Meeting the Comm'" again Considered the Particulars, and
* See p. CO. t See p. OG. t See p. ti4.
58 ACTS OF THE COMMITTEE
Orders in the foregoing Leaves, and all fully consented, and agreed to
them all, Eatifying, and Conrinuing the same as Orders for Carrying,
on, and Settling the Plantation. Accordingly, and at this Meeting a*
Great Many of Persons being present: and putting in for Grants of
Land : we Read the Orders, & Terms of their Grants to them Once
and again ; after which Many still desiring Land, and to be admitted
into the New Plantation : The Comm*-^ proceeded to Grant on the
Terms proposed as fdlloweth.
To Samuel Harmon, 50 Acres
Joseph Harmon 50 "
Nath' Harmon 40 "
Zerubbabel Fvler 60 "
Eobert Old 50 "
GENEEAL DIVISIONS.
May 16th 1671. The Comm'^<= for Stony Eiver Plantation Met
being there on the Place.
Present J Pynchon, Mr Holyoke
Lt Cooper Benj"" Cooley and
George Colton.
We settled several Divisions, or Places where mens lands should ly
and be taken up, as one on the North Side of Stony Brcok, by North-
ampton Eoad, where the Harmon'' s are to take up part of their Land
and some others, Also we laid out the Town Plat a little Eastward
from this Land, Something towards the Great Eiver, on the North Side
of Stony Brook: where we stated the Highway, or Street: Eunning
from Stony Brook, Northward toward Springfield, and called this street
High Street, where we intend, and Order the Meeting House shall be
set.* This to be a double Street, and to build upon both sides of it:
those on the West side of it : their Lots to run back Westward to
Muddy Brook, & those on the East side of this High Street, their Lots
to run back from it Eastward Twelve Score Eods ; there meeting with ;
or adjoining to at least the upper part of these Lots, though not Down-
ward. Another Range of Lots which Come from Feather Street Near
the Great Eiver, though some distance from the Great Eiver, there
being Some Land left there for a Common, Next the Great Eiver.
This Eange of Lots in Feather Street, which is only a single Eange,
having the Land before them Common to the Great Eiver. from the
Front of their Lots, Where they are to build. The Lots run back
Westward toward High Street, Twelve Score Eods, and some what
more: there being a little allowance in the length of Feather Street
Lots, as being Judged somewhat meaner than them in High Street.
All which Lots are to rear one upon another : Except at the lower End,
or Southwardly next to Stony Brook. — Grants of Land made are as
followeth : —
To Jon*^ Winchell 60 acres
'' David Winchell 60 " ,, m , ^
^' George Jefferys 50 " ^^ *^^^ -^^""' ^" formerly proposed.
" Sam' Cross
*See Section 15, pp 57, GO
ACTS OF THE COMMITTEE. 59
BOUNDARIES.
Mch 20th 167i At a meeting of the Comni'''^ for ordering tlie af-
fairs of the Plantation.
Present Capt Holyoke, J Psnchon^,
Lt Cooper, Benj" Cooley,
Geokge Colton, Rowland Thomas,
Agreed to lay out the Bounds of Stony River Plantation, according to
the Grant of the Honored Gen' Court, to the content of Six Miles
Square, and that the South bounds of it be a little below the foot of
the Island ; or near about half a Mile below the Island, in the Great
River against the Falls. As Lt Cooper, and Quarter Master Colton,
who are apj)ointed to go about tlie work To morrow, shall see meet. This
being near about Six Miles from Springfield Bounds to that Place,
They are to begin thereabout at the Great River, and thence to Run
on upon a West line at least Six Miles or more, and Charles Fery, Jo-
seph Leonard, Samuel Harmon and Joseph Harmon, are appointed to
attend them in this work for running the Line, and Marking it out.
And what they shall do herein ; they are Speedily to make Return
thereof to the Committee.
The Return of the Persons above mentioned, which were appointed
to lay out the Bounds of this Plantation, is as followeth.
We began about half a Mile below the Island in the Great River
at the Falls; upon the top of a rising, or Hill ; Wlieye there had heeih
a re.Uar dug.* being about Eighty Rods above the Brook, on the East
Side of the Great River : commonly called Saltonstalls Brook, against
which, we Marked a Great Tree on the West Side of the Great River.
'J'he first Tree we marked, being a large White Oak, standing 2 or 3
Rods from the Bank of the Great River. The 2*^ Tree we marked was
a Black Oak in the Range about 6 Rods further Westward, and so
running on upon a West Line Six Miles, Marking several Trees in the
Range, we fell under the East Side of the Foot of the Mountain.
The line running about 20 Rod to the Northward of a pretty large
Marsh, or Meadow, which lay on the south of our line, and over tlie
swamp whicli goeth down on the Back Side of this Meadow, about 2
Rod to a Great Black Oak, which we marked on all four sides. That
this is a True account of what we have done :t Witness our hand this
21st day of March 167^.
'I'hese Persons went on the Range but six miles, but tlie line is to
go on further We.-t, a Mile and a Half more, to .Make Seven Miles and
a Half, and so this Return is accepted by the Comm"'^.
So the North Line, by Reason of Westtield Bounds, Can be but
Four ]\liles and a half. J
Thus Cooper Geouge Colton
Chakles Feiiry Joseph Leonard
Samuel Harmon Joseph Harmon
* This cellar may have lieen dug w lien the first attempt to settle the Town was
made in IGtJl.
t See p. 10. p. 49.
\ Sie Town Linec, pp. 12, 49.
(30 ACTS OF THE COMMITTEE.
PUBLIC GEANTS.
April 2(i 1672. Present at a Meeting of the Comm'^^, and at Stony
Brook —
John Pfnchox Geo Coltox
Lt Tho^ Cooper Bexj" Cooley
We laid out High Street, Determined the Place for the Meeting
House, having appointed the " Minister's Lot ''* and a Lott for the
Ministry — which is to cojitinue for that use forever. These lying
Near where a Highway is to run from High Street Westward, over
Muddy Brook to the Lots in the Westward Division, and so to tlie
Commons, The Lot for the Ministry being a little Northward of this
Westward Highway: and on the East side of High Street And here-
abouts We determine the Meeting House$ to be set ; Having ordered
some Vacant Land here, for a Training Place &c. By settling in the
Streets on both sides, so that here it may be 30 Dr 40 Pods broad for
the use af ores'*, and thereby Room enough left on the Hill, or High-
land there for Training and other uses on either side of the Meeting
House. Here are also some Lots reserved for hereafter, to be Granted
to Usefull Persons as Need may be for their Dwellings, either on the
East or West Side of High Street.
We have also agreed, and appointed, and determined That the§ One
Hundred Acres of Land for the General Court or Country's Use, shall
1}" and be measured out on the South side of Ston}' Brook, Where the
good Land is ; that is upon the rising Hill, where Northampton Eoad
Comes near into Springfield Road, it being opposite to High Street,
and not far from the Place where the Meeting House is intended to be
set. The other 400 Acres|| for the Country to ly at the South West
Corner of this Plantation ; taking in a pretty large Marsh or Meadow
under the East side of the Mountain Foot, adjoining to the South Line
of this Plantation.
Mr. Pynchon undertakes the building of a Saw MillTT according to
the Grant of Land made, and proposed for Incouragemenl. thereof
which he ingages to take care for building of it in some Convenient
Place on Stony Brook, as soon as may be, and when Inhabitants shall
appear anything Considerably settling themselves there.
* The " Minister's Lot " of 30 acres was given to the Rev. Joiin Younglove, the
first minister, in 1679. The Second Baptist Society now own about 12 acres of it,
upon wliich they built a parsonage in 1840, near tlie spot where stood John Young-
love's House. See p. 74.
t Tlie " Lot for the Ministry " of 20 acres, is continued for that use, being leased
by perpetual lease. See p. 19.
JThe first Meeting House was located by the Committee upon tlie Common (now
the park), and there built, about the year 1(J80. When the 2d Meeting House was
built in 1700, the site was clianged to the " top of the Hill against the burying
])lace," as at present. See pp. 57, 58.
§ See p. 28.
II Now in E. Granby.
IF See pp. 21,62.
ACTS OF THE COMMITTEE. 61
ADDITIONAL ORDERS.
Jan'y 10th 167f At a Meeting of the Comm"=« for this Phmtation
Present J Py>fCHON Capt Holyoke
Lt Tho' Cooper Geor. Coltox
Benj" Coo ley Rowland Thomas
For further Incouragement of Persons to PLant and Settle at tliis
Kew Plantation: The Committee for these affairs having studied
with Resj^ect to the attendance unto the General Courts Grant, to
make the terms as eas}^ as may be to such as will carry on that Plant-
ation : Do declare and order, That in the Grant of Lands there to any,
they will henceforward act towards, & have Consideration of all Per-
sons under a three fold standing, or capacity.
1*' As Petitioners, and such as obtained the Grant of the Plantation
of the General Court. 2'^ As Men of Estates who may be able to lay
out Considerable sums to advantage the Place. 3'^'^ As good Honest
Planters, though of Meaner Estates, Who must do mostly their Own
Labor, and according to each Capacity in which Men stand : the terms
of their Grants shall a little Vary, so as may be easiest for the Grantees,
and most advantageous to the speedy Planting, and Settling the Place
which shall be, and are as followeth :
1*' All the Petitioners to whom or at whose suit, the Honored Gen-
eral Court granted the Plantation, they shall hav^e, enjoy, and hold
their several Portions or Quantity of Land Granted thenv, or to be
Granted them upon this Condition (viz). That the\" or an 3^ other good
Honest Inhabitant by their means, and procurement, be Settled, In-
Iialjiting, or Dwelling upon such their Lands there Granted them at or
before the beginning of October 1675, & shall continue such Inhabi-
tant there to dwell, and abide for at least Three years after that Time.
2'"^ The 2'' Sort of Men are Men of Estates : able to carry on Build-
ng, Fencing and further Improvement of Land: and this sort of Men,
such of them as' the Comm'"''' shall see meet to Grant Portions of Land
to, shall enjoy, & hold their several Portions of Land, then Granted
them on this Condition (Viz) : that they Lay out their Estates thereon
in Building, Fencing, and Improving as hereafter is mentioned : That
is to say ; that before the 1st day of October 1675 they have fenced in
and brought to Improvement, either by mowing, or Plowing at least ten
Acres of Land, and have also built a House thereon, of at least twenty
Five foot in Length, and finished for Dwelling in, and have also setled
'thereupon some Good Honest Inhabitant, such as the Comm"''" shall
declare their allowance of, and shall continue such Inhabitant there to
Dwell, and Improve their Land for 3 or 4 years longer Unless they
attend and perform this : Their Grants fall and becoaie Void & Null ;
and all the Charges they have expended shall be lost and forfeited :
and the Comm'™ may dispose of all as they see Cause to any other per-
son ; The Grants being made and accepted on these Terms.
3"^'^ The third sort of Men : namely : Men of less Estates, such of
them as the Comm'"" shall make Grants of Lands to: Tliey shall bold
and enjoy their several Portions of l^and (Jrante<l them upon Condition
tliey be there Iidiabitiug, being fully settled there themselves in their
own Persons, and with their Families, such as hive Families : So as it
62 ACTS OF THE COMMITTEE.
may be in the Judgment of the Comm'" triil}' accounted the place of
their residence, and settled aboad, by the 1st of October 1675, and do
from that time continue there to Dwell, and Improve their said Land
for 3 or 4 ^-ears longer, and it is agreed that for after Grants, the
meaning is for Grants to be made after October 1675. All that have
Grants shall Continue there to Dwell for seven years according to for-
mer Provision made thereabout.
SAW MILL GRAls^T.
Granted to Mr. Pynchon the Privilidge of Stony River, and the
streams belonging to it for the advantage of building a Saw Mill* &
Libert^" to set it at any time where he shall Judge most meet and con-
venient for him, he being to have the whole use and privilidge of the
streem or streems for that purpose, and for a Corn-Mill, if he shall set
up one, & also the free use of what timber may be I^eedfull for Boards
Plank, or the like which is growing on the Land, Intended for Lots,
which he may fetch for that purchase out of such Land till Persons
that take up their Lots come to make use of them : or that the Comm'"
see reason to Restrain his further taking Timber out of them for the
Saw Mill : when yet notwithstanding any Timber he may freel}- take
out the Commons for Boards or any such like uses, the use of Timber
for sawing being allow*" to the Mill out of the Commons according to
former Grant without any restraint Whatsoever.
PAYMENT FOR LANDS.
March 19th 167f At a meeting of the Comm***
Present J Pynchon Lt Cooper
Benj" Cooley Capt Holyoke
. George Colton Rowland Thomas
It is ordered that that the purchase moneyf which Mr Pynchon
laid out for this Plantation! several j-ears since to the Indians '• Pam-
punckshant" and "Ishnoasqu" Being about thirty Pounds then, and
no way being found to Reimburse him, It is therefore upon his adven-
ture of staying for the pay; till Men have Grants & so the pay for
their shares Come in ; Be stated at forty Pounds, & So ]\Ir Pynchon is
to take it of the severall Proprietors; at several times as they Come;
and Run the hazard of getting it according as Inhabitants shall Come
in, and so to be allowed Forty Pounds and in this sum he is to allow
& pay for his own Grants, or Portions of Land as other men do. Ex-
cept that alotment which he hath as a Petitioner — And for the pro-
portioning of the Meet share for everj^ man to allow toward this Pur-
chase Money, & other charges for settling the Place : it is concluded
and determined : that all Persons that have or shall have Grants of
alotments there : shall pay & allow as followeth.
A 40 acre Alotment O-' 13" 4
A 50 acre Alotment 0"' 16"' 8 -r-r^, ■ , ■ ., , -r.
A 60 acre " 1'-' 0"' 0 ^> hich is after 4 Pence per Acre
A 80 acre " !'• 6-' 8
* Tlie first saw mill was built near the mouth of Stony River, in 1673. The dam
was built in 1(J72. See p. 21.
t See statement of this account from Mnjor rynclion's Account Book on pp. 20, 21.
t See Pynchon Deed, p. 51.
ACTS OF THE COMMITTEE. 63
Every Proprietor being upon his Grant: is in three Months after
to pay his share of this monej', and it is to be endeavored, that every
one pa}^ at least 12d of it in money : That a little money may be on
hand to pa}'- what is, & must be hiid out in money. All the aforesaid
sums payable by every proprietor or Grantee ; shall be paid in to Mr.
Pynchon, at least the first payer shall pay it to him ; & Mr Pynchon
is to take Notice of all that he receives : and give an *Account of all ;
and when he hath received this £40. allowed him; and for wdiat else
he shall disburse or lay out for the Place : then the rest in his hands
if any there be : is to go and be alowed Towards other Charges of the
Plantation which Mr Pynchon is to pay if any overplus be in his
hands. It being also agreed that all persons shall pay the afore ap-
pointed proportion if Mr Pynchon has his due, for the Publick bene-
fit and advantage of that Plantation, as the Comra"'^ or Select-Men
shall order : who are to look after, arid Eeceive all that may remain, for
the Town Use.
HIGHWAY TO FEATHER S^
Ordered! That a Highwayf of 16 or 20 Rods wide belaidout in the
most Convenient place about the midst of the Lots in High Street;
to pass from High Street to the other Street Range of Lots in Fether
Street.
Granted To Goodman Watson 50 acres
" '• his Son John Watson 50 " all on the terms
" '' John Millington 40 " formerly proposed
" " Stephen Tavlor 60 ''
" " John Taylor 50 "
a u ^i^ Pynchon in Feather st 80 acres, as a petitioner to
the Gen' Court for the place.
" " Nathan' Cook 40 acres.
HIGHWAY TO SAWMILL.
A High way tat the lower end of High St, and to the Saw Mill being
to lye along by this Lot in the front, for a matter of 30 or 40 Rods
from the front : and then to go a little aslant, or across this lot and the
rest : southward as may be most convenient for a Road.
Dec 10th 1673. At a meeting of the Committee
Present J Pynchon • Capt Holyoke
Lt Cooper Benj* Ashley
Rowland Thomas
Granted to Timothy Hale a 60 Acre Allotment, to front upon High
Street, and Run back Eastward Twelve score Rods in Length, as the
rest of tlu)se Lots do, This Lot to Ly next to John Millington's on
the Nortli side of his : betwixt Millington and George Jeft'ery, and it
is determined that if it be Convenient for the Road unto the Saw Mill
to go across part of this Lot: that tlien to slant it toward the Rear :
it then shall & must so do. This Highway to the Mill being to go
aslant all the Lots, from Nathan' Cooks upper side, to the lower side of
this Lot, according as is Most Convenient for the Way.
*See p. 20. t See p. 71. X See p. 71.
64 ACTS OF THE COMMITTKE.
^Granted to Mr Pjnclion who liatli with great charges Carried on
tlie hviilding of a saw Mill at Stony Brook, to Incorrige Men there to
Settle ; and hath now effected the same : That his Lot neare hj the
Saw Mill, which according to the first Grant was a 60 Acre Alotment :
shall lye on both Sides of Stonj-Brook ; and along by the Great RiA-er ;
«& that there shall be some additions to it, Namely : About 20 or 30
acres, so much at least to ly on the South Side of Stony Brook, and
having this addition he is to take the Land altogether where he hath
built the Saw Mill, adjoining to it, and is to take up with this Land
so as to Kelease, and not Challenge any Share in the j^resent Meadow
to be laid out, & So this to be accounted for the Sixty Acres first
granted; and Mr. Pynchon accepts it accordingly, without any por-
tion in Meadow at present; but not releasing his share, and right in
after Divisions which by former Grant is to take place; according to
a sixty acre alotmenf. This Alotment is to run from the Saw Mill
Dam Southward, till it coiiie over the Brook, Gutter, or Swamp, and
then to run strait up the Hill upon the High-land until it come
against the point, or Great Kock in the Brook, b}- the Great River
Side. It being to turn off Eastward to the Great River at those
Rocks in the Bank, and lower end of the low land at the point by
the Great River, and so to take in all the low land by the Great
River. A convenient ^and meet passage is to be allowed thro this
Land hereby Granted, for Carts to go into the Commons ; and for
l^assage to Windsor. The rest of his Land for his Alotment lys on
the North side of Stony Brook, and goes np Stony Brook also, from
the Great River a pretty way above, where the Saw Mill and House
stands, to a Black Oak Marked J. P. where it turns off from Stony
Brook Northward from the outside, and west side of the Swamp by
marked trees in the Range; till it come to the south side of Feather
Street Lots, and so turns Eastward, and goes down to the Great River,
by, and adjoining to the Lot, now Timoth}- Palmer's Lot.
December 24th 1673. At a meeting of the Comni'^*^ for StonyBrook
Plantation — Present
J Pykchox L^ Tho^ Cooper Capt Holyoke
Geo CoLTOJf Ens" Bexj'' Cooley
Granted: To the Lots in Eeather St, as an addition to those Lots
(they being inferior to some others,) that men's Lots there. Especially
toward the lower end of the Sti'eet, and so uj^wards as far. as to the
Highway that goes into High Street, may & shall come some Rods
further out Eastward, to the Higher Land where it is most conven-
ient for the street or highwa}^ to go.
Whereas ! Such Inhabitants as shall have Lots and live in Feather
Street ; have not the like passage into the woods as others, & are like
to be straitened for Commonage, & turning out of Cattle ; it is there-
fore agreed, and determined, & ordered, that all the Land before
Feather Street on the East of it to the Great River; Shall forever
lye Commont for the benefit of the Inhabitants there ; and that no
Lots or Land on the East side of Feather Street, shall at any time
* See !Sec. 16, pp. 58, 60 62.
till tlie later liecords this is calltd the Little Common.
ACTS OF THE COMMITTEE. 65
hereafter be given out, or Granted to any person, Whatsoever, Except
at the very lower end two or three Lots be allowed to go to the Great
River, otherwise all the land shall be left common, and be for the
free feed of Cattle, belonging to those Inhabitants, or Proprietors, &
is hereby Granted in common to such persons as ai-e, or shall be the
owners or rightful possessors of the alot""'' in Feather Street, and to
no other. Nor shall it be granted out in several Proprieties, to them
but it shall forever lye Common as afores** for all their benefit, &
Commodity, and Pasturage, and Free feed for their Cattle ; and espec-
ially Sheep, from Time to Time forever.*
April 20th 1674 At a meeting of the Comm*^* Present
J Pyxchox Catt Elizur Holyoke
L"" Tho^ Cooper En** Cooley
IvowLAND Thomas
Granted Joshua Wells, 50 acres. John Filly, 40 Acres.
Agreed to propound it to the General Court for settling the Bounds
of this plantation, according to the fRsturn of the Persons who made
an Essay in Mar. 1671 what is entered three leaves back so far as
was there done ; that it may be confirmed as the south bound, and that
the North Bounds be up to Springfield Bound : Viz: at the Gutter,
Avhich is about half a mile or Three Quarters of a Mile South of .the
Three Mile Brook : from Lt Cooper's^ House. The North Bounds of
this New Plantation to go to that Gutter or Slow, Where, by the
Great Kiver Side on the North Side of the Gutter on the Brook, or
rising within 2 or 3 Eod. Where the Gutter emptieth itself into the
Great River, are two tall middling Trees marked Springfield : as their
Bounds, one a Walnut, and the other a Red oak, which stand within
2 or 3 feet of one another, and from thence to run directly West
along by, and adjoining to Springfield line, till it come to Westfield
Bounds ; which is al)Out four miles and three Quarters, and then to
turn Southward, and follow Westfield bounds or line, as far as they go
south; and at the South Side of Westfield Bounds, to go out again
further West ; so as to make seven and a half miles from the Great
River. From this North line of this new Plantation, & their utmost
south line which is about half a mile from the foot of the Island in
the Falls : This plantation's tract of Land to be full seven miles and
a half from the Great River. This was accordingly confirmed by tlie
Honored General Court, in May 1674, to be the bounds of this Planta-
tion, and the Plantation Called and named
June 24tli 1674. at a meeting of the Comm'" for ordering the affairs
of this New Plantation noiv called Sfiffielil.,%
Present : John Pykchon Cap^ Elizuk Holyoke
L"^ Cooper Rowland Thomas.
Granted to Hugh Roe, 60 acres. Thorn' S])encer, 60 acres. Judah
Trumbull, 50 A. Joseph Trumbull, 50 A. Edw** Smith, 50 a.
*Iu 1732 this common was divided anioiig the Proprietors of tlic Feather Street
Lots.
t Sec pp. 49, .59. jOiic of tlie Committee.
§ Tiie name confirmed and establislied June, 3d, 1674. See p. 50.
y
jres
acres
50
Timothy Palmer
50
50
Sum"- Eoe
50
50
Jolm Burbank
50
acres
acres
50
George Norton
60
• 50
Laiiiicelot Granger
60
50
John Hodge
in High st.
60
acres
iz: Tho
' Granger •
40
Geo Granger
40
66 ACTS OF THE COMMITTEE.
July 17th 1674. The Comm*" for Suffield Plantation met.
Present J Pyxchox Cap^ Holyoke
L^ COOPEII EXS'^ B. COOLEY
Granted to
Anthony Austin
Walter Holliday
Abr-" Dibble
Anthony Austin's, Timothy Palmer's, and John Burbank's Grants
above, were in Feather Street.
Sept 14th 1674.
Granted to
John Barber Jr
Thomas Barber
Thomas Remington Jr
in feather Street.
To Goodman Granger', Viz
two Sons 40 acres, apiece,
Jan" 28th 167| The Comm'*« for Suffield met.*
Present J Pynchox Capt Holyoke
L'^ Cooper Quakter Master Coltox
EXSIOX CoOLEY EOWLAXD ThOMAS.
Agreed and determined, to fill up the place to lOOf Families, as
speedily as may be, and that the Meadow be accordingly Proportioned.
There being 500 acres of Meadow in the Place according to the Re-
turn made, by them appointed to Run it over. It will probably hold
to every one their proportion, and it is agreed that those in Feather
Street being remotest from the Meadow, should be first suited with
their Proportion. $Mr Pynchon being willing to build a Corn Mill
for Incoviragment of People to Settle in this Plantation; there is
therefore now Granted to Mr Pynchon the free and full use, and lib-
erty of the Stream, or Streams of Stony-Brook, & Muddy Brook at
Suffield ; without Molestation or Disquiet, He building and setting up
a Mill for Grinding of Corn there. No others are to have the use, or
Liberty of the Streams for that purpose. And he hath liberty to take
lip liis sixty acre alotment for the s'^ mill where he sees meet^ which
he takes up accordingly ; by Thomas Spencer in High Street. Agreed
to run the line for the bounds between Springfield, and Suffield to-
morrow: Now the season is so good, by the hard snow for bearing,
that it may be run all the waj^ between Springfield, and Suffield, from
the Great River Quite to Westfield Bounds, and measured how far it
* This was the last meetinc; of the Cotiiniittee before King Philip's War, and
the last at which they were ever all a.«semble(l.
J^ieut. Cooper was killed Vw the Indians in the attack on Springfield, Oct. 5, 1675.
Capt. Holyoke died Feb 6. 1676. His son Samuel was afterwards appointed
Captain, and was a distinguished Indian fighter. — Hubbard's Indian Wars.
tSee Sec. 1. p. 53.
JSee Sec. 16, p. 57.
ACTS OF THE COMMITTEE. 67
is; and that Sam^ Marslifield be desired for Springfield, to go along
with the Comm'"^ for Suffield.
''This line was run accordingly on the 29th day of Jan'' 1674. by
Samuel Marshfield. John Pjniclion. Lt Cooper. George Colton. Benj"
Cooley & Rowland Thoma;>; and many trees were marked in the line
with S. P. for Springfield on the North Side of the tree, and " S " for
Suffield on the South Side of the tree; and it being measured; it was
found to be *four miles and three Quarters, directly West from the
Great River to Westfield line, or East bounds at the Mountains.!
December 20th 1676.
Present John Pynchon Benj'^ Cooley
George Colton Rowland Thomas
The Settling of Suffield having been some Time obstructed by the
War with the Indians ;t which necessitated such as were there to re-
move the last year, and put a stop to many others that were coming
to that Place, And Whereas, Thro the favor of God in scattering the
Heathen, and giving us some Quiet, 'there is hope of resettling there.
The Comm"'^ have therefore thought meet to declare that altho, there
be a forfeiture of Some Men's Lands; yet they will take no advantage
therefrom against any person, that doth intend to go on ; and will
manifest it by coming to settle there in 18 months — Provided, such
persons as are not actually upon going thither, do declare to some of
the Comm'*'* within 40 days their Intendments, and full Resolutions to
Settle there, and carry on by that Time (viz) in 18 months, which
will expire 20th of June 1678, and whosoever shall not go on or en-
gage to the Comm*^^ as afores'' that they will accordingly go on ; The
Comm'" may at pleasure dispose of their Alotments, forfeited to such
as will settle there.
Hereupon Diverse persons willingly and readil}^, were upon motion,
in order to their return to the Place, & Several more all gave in their
names that they intended it, and would attend to the above proposal.
So the place began a resettling, many having Confirmations of their
Grants, which would otherwise have been doubtful to them.
Feby 21st 167 f The Comm'^^ for Suffield met.
Present John Pvnchon Benj" Cooley
Geokge Colton Rowland Thomas.
Granted to Samuel Kent 60 acres. Tho' Parsons 50 acres. These
2 Lots ; as also Tim° Pidmor formerly ; their alotments are alloived to
go down to the Great River.
Granted to James Barker 50 acres.
" to James Rising the §Lot at the lower end of High Street
below John ]\Iillington, next to Stony J-viver ; & it be made up 50
acres. Granted ! Benj" Dibble 40 acres; Tlio" Remington Jr 50 acres.
*Tlie survey of 180.3 says 5J<^ miles anil sixteen links. See p. 49.
t Now Rising's Noteii.
X Tliis is tiie first allusion to Kinsj Philip's War in SufBeld Hecfirds.
§ Now owned by Byron Looinis.
68 ACTS OF THE COMMITTER.
April 4, 1677. *
The Committee for Suffeild Mett.
Present John Pyxchox
Bexj. Cooley
Geo. Coltox
Row"-" Thomas ] Granted to—
Isack Caliebread 50 acres.
Timotliy Eastman 50
Joseph Eastman 50 —
& liberty to Peele Barke on y* commons, for his Trade of Tanning.
Granted to John Lawtou 60"'=" the lot w'=^ was intended for Edward
Chapman.
It is agreed & concluded, That as a meete compensation for ye g''
charges y® Committee have bene at in munageing the affaires of Suf-
feild; to pVent any charge to y* People thereby, That there shall be
foure hundred acres of land, laid out for y* s** Committee, to be devided
among them as they be a Committee, equall}-. But as some of them
have spent more time than others, & beeiie at more expence, so, they
are to have a little larger quantity of y* land, w'^^ yet is not to exceed
400 acres in y* whole, »& such of y"^ Committee as are deceased, for y*
tyme they spent ; are to be considered for some share to theirs, for
y^ tyme past, but this Grant of 400 acr* hath reference also for y* tyme
to come, being y* allowance for so long as y* Comittee shall continue to
Manage y* afeires of this Plantation, without any further allowance
to be made to y"", only That this land shall not be Ij'able to paj^ any-
thing toward y* Purchase Money, & it shall belong, and is Granted to
y^ Committee, free without being engaged to Build on it ; or upon any
forfeiture w'^^ other lands are lyable too, neither shall the Committee
be Rated for it, at least not for a long tyme, this land being allowed y"*
as a Recompence for their service, now 7 years Past, besides for all y*
is to come. This also being consented to, by y^ Inhabitants, & such as
have had Grants, to whom it hath bene p''pounded, & to know whether
they would not rather allow y** Committee some smale sum for their
charges, & expences, & they would release this land : 18 Months being
allowed y*" Inhabitants for y^ same who declining it. This Tract of land
for y* Committee is stated to ly next y^ gr' River,t above feather street
betwixt y" 2 brooks,^ toward iSpringtield, & this land allowed y* Com-
mittee, was formerly agreed on for this Purpose, & set aside, being
Run over by the line, for tliis end, & laid to be here, as judging it least
p''judice to y* place to state it here, out of all divisions or quarters now
intended for settling Inhabitants on.. Granted! To Thomas Coply,
who formerly had a Grant, and it is now confirmed to him to be 60 acres.
Granted Thorn : Taylor 50 "
Sept 25th 1677, The Committee for Suffeild Mett :
Present Johx Pyxchox Bexj Cooley
Geo: Coltox Row"-" Thomas.
* Tlie copy from the original recoril begins here. See Preface.
tOpposite Tliompsonville. See p. I'S.
t" Rawlings Brock" at the Douglas Kish place; and Deep Brook at the Greg-
ory P"ish place. See p. 73.
ACTS OF THE COMMETTEE. 69
Agreed, & concluded to o' utmost to Indeavor, the settling of Persons
in as compact a way as may be, as well for y® comelyness of the
Towne, as for y" security, & safety of People, by dwelling pretty neere
together ; & therefore doe intend to settle jiisons in y" Doble street in
High street: neerer then formerly, at least for all henceforward, none
to have above 12 Rod in breadth, & o' desire is that all Persons that
had former Grants ; now in their new setling would come neerer to-
gether, and leave those out Places they were building on before y*
war;* especially that westward toward Northampton Road. And to In-
courage some y' have manifested their readyness, & desire, so to doe ;
we doe Grant to y™ that Tract of land on y" west side of High streete,
w*^*" is a little above George Nortons, that they shall have 6 or 7 acres
apeice : (viz) John Taylor : Thos Taylor : John Lawton : Joseph Har-
mont : Nath' Harmonf : John Filley t : Jonath' Winchellt : These
Persons to have here 12 rod in breadth apeice, & to run y' breadth
from High Street, back in length to Muddy Brook : This is for y'" to
Buihl here, & settle together, & is to be accounted as p''' of their Alot-
ment. Further we doe agree that above these, on this west side of
High streete ; we will settle mens lots at 12 rod broad, to p'vent living
at a distance by Granting greater breadth to any. Also on the east
side of y® streete, from Goodman Roest upward we will settle men but
12 rod in breadth ag't y" Streete,
It is ordered also : That in ffeather streete where they are settled at
too large a distance, we will yet Indeavor to settle some together for
better defence, & Therefore About Good'" : Remingtons, there being
land at liberty, w'^'' may serve for this end, & so southward to, & ag"
y* Highway that leads into High Streete, §There shall be 8 or 10 smale
lots, about an acre & quarter a Peice, for such as will come. & settle
there neere together, about 4 of y'" to be taken out of y' Highway w'^'"
leads to y^ other streete, & so leave y* Highway but about 4 rod broad
on y* iirnie land, & y'' rest of these lots to ly a little neerer toward
II Good'" Remington's.
October 30th 1677. ■' John Pyxchon. Geo Coltox
Present at this Meeting B Cooley & Rowld Thomas
Granted to Zerul>babel Fyler for a house loiH to dwell neere y'
Neiglibors there, 12 rod broad, next to George Norton** on y'' North
side of him, to run y' breadth back from High Streete in y" Front,
downe to Muddy brooke, west, tliis being allowed, as p" of His
Alotm', & he Building on it : — Granted to Tho: Copley fja lot next to
Geo : Norton on y*' south side of liim, of about 15 or IG rod broad at
y* front next Higli Streete, &, so to run back to y" River, that is to
say, Muddy & Stony Brooke: he building & Settling on it; tliis be-
*The last allusion to King Philip's war.
t These 4 lots are now Miss L. E. Uatheways'.
Jllugh Hoe.
§These Lota were not built upon.
ydoodm : an abljreviation of Gooilman. This title was given to eMerly men of
good repute The wite of sucli man was called " Good wife or Goody."
^Ni)w Calvin (/ S[)encer.
**Now I. L. Spencer and C. C. Spencer,
tt'l'his Lot is now owned and occupied by Martin J. Sheldon.
70 ACTS OF THE COMMITTEE.
ing p""' of his Alotm*, & y^rest of his hmd to be made np in some other
place. i
Granted : That Sam" Koe, his lot of 40 acres shall ly next his father
Hugh Roe, on y* jVorth side of him, upon condition that he y'= s**
Sam' Roe take, in & accomadate Steven Taylor, on y* Korth side of
him w"' land for convenient dwelling, by way of exchange of land w"*
him. And for y*^ accomadating of Steven Taylor out of Saml Roes
lott above s"^, He hath agreed before y* Committee, That Steven Tay-
lor shall have *13 rod & quarter broad on y* North side of this the s*^
Sam' Roe's lot, for Sixe score Rod long back from the front, for w"=''
Sam' Roe is to have Ten acres out of Steven Taylors Alotment, In-
diffierently & equally laid out. And Steven Taylor is to make & main-
taine halfe y*^ fence" between them & Sam' Roe y* other halfe, And
Steven Taylor is to Build & settle hereon. —
ffor y' settling of Robert 01d,t That he may come in among y*
Neighbors in High Streete, There is Granted to him on y* west side of
High Streete, Northward of Jonath : Winchell 12 rod in breadth. To
ly next to y*^ Highway on y* North side of y' Highway, that goes over
Muddy Brooke to several mens land, & so to y*" common ; here Robt
Old is to have 12 rod broad fro™ High Streete & to Run back to
Muddy Brooke, this being p* of his Alotm*. Next to this lot of
Robert Old, wee doe reserve, & set apart Three lots on this west side
of High Streete for hereafter, to be Granted to some useful persons. —
Granted Timothy Eastman (who hath not yet fully pitched his lot)
That he shall have that lot in ffefhev Streete, a little off fro' Goodm :
Remington', w'^" lyes south fro'" Remingtons, by y'' Highway that goes
fro' feather Streete to High Streete.
June y* 12th 1678. The Committee for Suffeild Mett at Suffeild.
Present John Pynchon
Benj CooLEY Geo: CoLTON
Having Consideration of y^ most convenient setling of Highways,
wee upon view of y^ Places,^ Doe determine as followeth 1"- That y*
Highway Downeward toward Windsor, is best to goe over Stony
brooke a litle below Tho Copleys,^ to turne out of High Streete,
where we have Pitch y* stake in y*" front, for y* lower or south side of
Tho Copleys lot, there the way to turne to y^ sow west (though
Posibly a smale lot or Two, may hereafter be allowed to be there) &
so goe a litle slanting fro' his lot downe by y'' River a litle way &
§then Passt over Stony River just below Tho Copleys land w'*" is on
y* sow west side of y" River And thence this way as it will be y® Road
to Windsor; so also it serves to goo to y* stone pit|| & into y^ woods.
*TliiB Front is now occupied by tlie Banl<, Thomas Archer, & D. HhIb Lots.
jTliis Lot was on tlie North corner of tlie Iliiihwa}' to West Snfftild. Tiie old
cemetery containing l^o acresflrljoinedits Nortli Kast corner. The Congrepational
Parsonatie, an additionto tiie cemetery, and several dwellings are now upon it.
|Now M. J. Sheldon's.
§This ford was about 4 Rods below the present bridge.
llThe " Pit " seems to have been free to all from which to quarry stone for build-
ing purposes. It was near " Luce's Gristmill."
ACTS OF THE COMMITTEE. 71
Also we Determine That y^ Highway, * out of Higli Streete to
the Mill, ]y betweene Nathanel Cookes lot & Major Pyiichons Corne
Mill lotjt w'^'^ he takes up iu High Sti-eete. This way to be taken out
of these 2 lots & "to about 3 rod broad, & for 30 or 40 rod fro' y*" front
of them, to run straite in y" line betweene them, & then tiirnB south-
ward aslant Nathanel CookesJ lot, & all y*^ lots downwards as will be
most convenient for y*^ Highway, & Passing to y^ Mill. The High-
way into ffeather Streete, upon view of all places, & considerations of
suting y*^ Inhabitants, wee judge it best where it is laid, & doe there
state it to ly 12 Rod broad, betweene Steven Taylor's lot w*^*^ was
allowed out of Saml Koes lot, & Abraham Dibbles lot. Abrah
Dibbles§ lot lying on y* ISTorth side of this High-way, 12 rod in
breadth, This Highway to, and from ffeather Streete, as it comes into
High Streete, it is to turne a litle off at the Norwest corner, Taking off
some few rods of y*^ corner of Abrah Dibbles lot, & so rounding of it to
sute w"* y" Highway w"'' is to goe by Jonath Winchell westward. ||
Abrah Dibble being to have allowance in y* bredth ; for what this
way takes from him.
Also a HighwaylT we determine, to be laid fro' High Street West-
ward to goe over Muddy Brooke. This way to turne out neere about
y" Meeting house Hill, & to ly along by Jonath Winchells lot* on
y*^ N^orth side of it, w^'' Highway is to be 10 or 11 E,od in bredth, & to
Run y'bredth tillit come to y'' **New Bridge w*^** is made over Muddy
Brooke, & there to goe over y' Bridge ; & whereas some p'' of that
Bridge & y'^ going on to it, is s'' to be in Jonath Winchell lot, & so a
litle corner of his land must be made use of for y** way. We doe
order: That therefore so much of his land as is needful, shall be taken
off to accomadate j^ way sufficient w'hout p'^judice to it, for \v^^ he
shall have allowance out of y*^ Highway, & y' i y way of addition to }'"
bredth of his lot: This Highway when over Muddy Brooke is to be
8 rod broad, & run y' bredtli still westward along by Natluuiel Har-
nionstt land, on y* north side of it, till it come to a Devission of land
there, formei-ly alloted to several p''sons, & falling into a $$ Highway
there out of w*^'^ it presently turns Westward into y" commons. §§
Benja Dibble (his Alotm't being formerly Granted) having noe place
assigned for his Building lot, is now allowed, 12 rod in breadth, |||| on
the North next to his father Abrah Dibble, w*^'^ 12 rod broad running
fro' High Streete, back eastward twelve score rod long as his fathers
doth, & makes eighteene acres ; so that to make up his Alotm', he is to
have 22 acres some other where. Granted to Tlio Hucksley an
*Mill Lane.
tTlie HorHce Kinjj Propcrtv.
jNow owned and occupied hy Ilenry P. Kent, Esq.
§Novv owned and occupied by Win. L. Looniis, Esq.
llTliis Lot was on tiie South corner of Ilijili street and West Suffcild road, and
contained fi acres more or less. It is now chiefly owned by Miss Louise E. Ilathe-
wav. The Kailroad Depot is upon it.
IVVest Ruffeild Road.
**The first bridf^e built in Suffeild.
ttNow owned by Miss Louise E. Hatheway
JlNortliampton IJoad.
§§Now West Suffeild.
IIIIThe Town Houbo is on this lot.
72 ACTS OF THE COMMITTEE.
Alotm' of 60 acres, whereoff he is to have in High Streete* on y"
North side of Benja DiLLle in bredth 13 rod & halfe w"^ being 12
score rod long, make 20 acres compleate. And his other 40 acres is to
be taken up other where. It is ordered : That next to this lot of Tho
Huoksley shall be a lot for y^ ppriety of y* first Minister,t & then
next to y*" minister lot, on this east side of High Streete, There shall
be Three lots of 12 or 13 rod broad reserved for some usefull p'sons
(as there is reserved also on y" west side of this streete) one of w"^ lots
w'" addition to it, shall be for y* use of y* mini^ry forever. — Kext
above these lots Northward, Granted : to W™ HorsfordJ 12 rod in
bredth, & as much in some other place, as to make him up a forty
acre Alotm'. This p^-ided he come & settle thereon by Michalstide
next, else it to be void. (He fell off presently.) Granted to Edward
Buries or Burlison an Alotm* of 40 acres whereoff, for his Horn lot he
is to have 10 rod in breadth on y- east side of High Streete : He was
at last allowed y* §lot Northward, next to W™ Horsford aforemen-
tioned ; not to exceed 12 rod in bredth, w"^ makes 18 acres here, & y*
rest of his lot, he is to have more remote. For y'^ settling of Goodm :
Grangers Alotm*'* formerly Granted: It is agreed that he shall 1}^ on
y" west side of High Streete, over ag't Edw*^ Buries or thereabouts :
There Goodm : Grangers hom lots to take place for himself & his 2 sons
Thomas, & Geo: Granger, 12 rod broad each of them, w'^ is in y*
whole 36 rod in breadth, & to run in length fro' High Streete back to
Muddy brooke ; p'vided his sons settle, & Build on their lots in some
short tyme — The rest of their land to ly more remote.
Granted to Peter Eoe, an Alotmt of 40 acres. John Hodge is
allowed for a lot to build on to ly next to Zerubbabell ffyler, on y^
west side of High Streete, there to have about 12 rod in bredth on y*
North side of Zerub ffyler & to run back to Muddy Brooke, & this
land to be acco'ted as p*^' of his Alotmt of 60 acres. Granted to M'
Pynchon 12 rod in bredth northerly of John Hodge aforementioned,
& southerl}^ of John Taylors lot, & so to run from High Street back
westward to Muddy Brooke — This is to compleate his corn mill lot
(w"^'' was Granted & laid out to him on y*^ east side of High Streete,
almost right ag't this, or a litle more southward) to be full 60 acres
according to Grant. Also Gfanted him j^* foure acres of meadow^ on
Muddy Brooke, (w*^** was intended for Saml Taylor) lying next to &
downe streame from Mr Pynchons former IMeddow there, this being
p" of his Meddow for his Corne Mill lot. The other 2 or Three acres
yet wanting to his Corne Mil lot, he is to take up where he can find
it, as being yet belonging to it. — Granted to John Severans : An
Alotmt of 60 acres, & to have p't of it for a || House lot in high
streete, a litle below Tho Cople^-s :
Cctob' SO*'^ 1678. The Committee for Suffeiid Mett.
Present John P3'nchon Benja Cooley
Geo: Colton Rowland Thomas
*No\v Thaddeus H. Spencer's place. See p. 34.
tJolm Younglove, now owned by the 2d Baptist Society and Arthur G. Pomeroy.
See p. 74.
jTliis was for many years Warner's Hotel propert}', now Day avenue.
ijNow \Vm. Gay's Heirs.
llThis Lot is part of the Homestead of Henry Endress.
ACTS OF THE COMMITTEE. <0
Granted to John Pengilly 60 '"'"''
To Edward Allvn Sen^ 60 "
) John'^Allyn* 40 "
To his 3 sons V-Edw Allyn Junr 40 "
) W" Allyn 40 "
They desiring their Alotm*' at the upper end of feather streete, he-
tweene _y* 2 brooks f toward Springfeikl, in that Tract of land formerly
laid out for y*^ Committee by y^ greate River side.J The Comitee be-
ing willing to ifmote the setling of Inhabitants, Doe for y^ accomada-
tion of Present Setlers on y*' land, & to incourage y*^ Plantation, agree
to take their 400. acres of land in some other Place, Either about Pipe
stave Swamp; or where else they may se meete to take it, & so Relin-
quish-y® Place aforementioned, that y* Allyns & other Inhabitants may
settle thereon. Upon John Scots motion, who formerly had an Alot-
ment though not fully setled, wee doe now Grant him where abouts
he formerly was taking up a lot, up above High Streete, about a mile
Korward of y* Meeting house hill, where he shall ly, or have his whole
Alotm' together, to Run in length fro y** Highway on y® west, about
eight score Rod eastward, or more, thorow y* swamp or lowland up to
y* hill or highland, where y^ Road|| now leads to Springfield ; here he is
also to have his Meddowe in this Peice of land, his Grant being besides
y" Meddow 60 acres. Granted to James King 60 acres. To Sam'
Bush 50 acres.
May. 19. 1679. At a meeting of the (-omittee for Suffeild. Pres-
ent : J. Pynchon. Ben: Cooley. Geo: Colton. Rowl'd Thomas.
Granted to Joseph Segur y^ lot intended for W" Horsford, south-
ward of Edw: Buries ; 12 Rod in breadth ag* High Streete, & 12 score
rod in length back eastward : Edw: Buries lying on y^ North of him,
& the reserved lots on y* South : This being 18 acres, he y^ s'^ Joseph
Segur is to have 22 acres more, in some other Place, to make up his
Alotm' — 40 acres. Granted Goodm Remington's 2 Sons. 40. acres
apeice, viz.: John Remington, 40 ''"^^ — & Jonathan Remington, 40 acres.
Granted to Leiut Anthony Austin for his 2 sons. 40 acres apiece.
Viz : To Richard Austin 40 acres. To Anthony Austin Jun 40. acres,
to ly on y* South Side of Stony Brooke, neere y® gr't River, toward
Windsor.
Granted Goodm : Kent, for his son ) ,p, "
c w ^z ^- T A 1 ^- t f ( 4'' acres,
oam" Kent J un, an Alotm' ot )
Granted: David Winchell, toward making up of his Alotment 60.
acres ; That he shall have 12 ro(J in bredth, on y* west side of High
Streete, to Build on, next to Good"" Granger, on y' south side of him,
* " 1091: Upon some motion tliivt there may be a ffery stated over ye Great River
at the House of Jolin Allyn of Sufileld : Tiiis Courte doth a[)prove & appoiiite Jno
Allin of Siiffield for ye atfiiire & he to require & be contente with 4d ye horse & 2d
j-e man " — llampshiro Court liecord, Vol. A.
This was the first ferry at Siiflield, and was some distance north from the present
(Lovejoy's l^Vrry). It was atterwards " Trumblo's," then "Gillies," and later
" Truinble's Ferry" from " John I'ennilly " and " Joseph Trumble," who were tlie
owners many years before and after 1749.
t Hawlins lirook and I)ee[) lirook.
I Opposite Thompsonville.
II Sprinj^ifield Uoad now called '■ Crooked Lane."
10
74 ACTS OF THE COMMITTEE.
& SO to run back to Muddy brooke, & there also to have a little Peice
of land, on y' west side of y^ Brooke, about one acre, If it be free, for
conveniency, & Passing to his other lands. Granted : Sam" Kent, as
p"t of his Alotm', to have 12 rod in bredth on y* west side of High
i^treete,* Next to David Winchell, on y^ southerly side of him, & so ly
next to y« Reserved lots ; w'^'' adjoyne to this lot, & are southerly of it,
& to run back west to Muddy Brooke, as y' other lots there doe.
Granted: to Deacon Thomas Hanchet, an Alotm* of 60. acrest on the
east side on High Streete. 40. acres to Tho Hanchet Jun. 40 acres
to John Hanchet. Granted: David ff ro : 40. acres, & to ly on y^
Korth side of John Scotts : That is to say 12 rod in bredth there &
to run in length fro y*^ front or Highway on y" west, back eastward
to y" Hill or highland where y'' Eoadt now goes. The rest of his
land to make it up 40 acres to be laid other where. Granted: to Oba-
diah Miller an A]otmt of 50. acres, & that he have 30. acres of it on
y* South of John Scot, That is to say, the bredth to be twenty Rods
fro John Scot Southward, & y* length of it to be from y« Highway or
streete on y^ west, back eastward 12. score rods towards ffeather Streete ;
y^ rest of his land to be laid out other where. Granted : Daniel Canida
toward y^ gr't River above feather streete, (North of John Pengilley.)
50. acres. Granted : Symon Gowin (above Canida,) & next y* Brooke
w'^'^ lyes on y^ North side. 60. acres, his bredth to be, 40. rod, & his
Meddowe to be in this lot.
November 17.*'' 1679. At a meeting of the Committee : Present,
John. Pynchon. Geo : Colton : Rowland Thomas, ffor Incouragement
of § Mr. John Younglove to come to Suffeild, who hath beene sought
to wt'' respect to being their Minister, & to Preach y^ word of God to
y« People there : There is Granted to him y' s^ M' Younglove an
Alotm' of foure score (SO) acres, whereoff 30. acres of it to be on y^ east
side of the way in High Streete,|| To ly on y' North side of Tho:
Hucksley; 20 rod in bredth. & adjoyne to y* reserved lots, & 12
score Rod in length back eastward toward ffeather streete. (This be-
ing. 30. acres of it,) the other fifty acres is to ly & be measured out
over Muddy Brooke, on y* west side above y'= Bridge, & so to Run up-
ward, he is have his Portion of Meddow there, If it be there, else
to be made up other where. Agreed & ordered : That about thirty acres
of medddw or more, neere Stony brooke & sow west from Good"" Roes
be set apart & reserved to acomadate y* lot for the Ministry, & y^ re-
served lots; & also what meddow is yet remaining on Muddy Brooke
above y' w'^^ Mr Younglove is to have, to be likewise kept for y* same
Purpose.
Jan. ye. 20"'. 1679. The Comittee for Suffeild Mett. Present: Jo :
Pynchon. Ens: Ben. Cooley. George Colton. Granted: to AVilliam
*The House Lots of Samuel Kent & Sam' Kent Jun''- later the Homestead of
Hon. Gideon Granger, are now occupied by the Conn. Lit: Institution.
rA portion of this land has remained in the family by direct descent.
jThen called " Springfield Road," now " Crooked Lane."
§The firat minister.
llThe parsonage of the 2d Baptist Society is on this lot.
ACTS OF THE COMMITTEE. 75
Pritchard, a lot in ffeather streete ].ying betweene John Burbank &
John Barber, & that it shall be made up an Alotment of. 50. acres.
Granted : To Michaell Towsley .40 acres
To John Rising .40 "
August y^ 10'\ 1680. Granted : some Alotnients to ly on y^ South
side of Stony Brooke, neere y^ greate River, about a quarter of a mile
of fro Mr Pynchon's Saw mill lot as followeth. To Mr. Edmund Mar-
shall. 80. acres To Rich'' Wooleworth. .60 acres
To John Huggin 50 "
Granted: James Barlow, (in high Streete p't of it.) 50 acres.
Granted : several Alotm'* to y® p''sons next mentioned, who are for
their Horn lots to ly beyond, or at y^ upper end of High streete, on y®
North side of David ffro, & so goeing Northward the}' are to have there
32 rod in breadth a Peice, a Highway* of 10. or 12. rod broad to run
fro y® front of tliese lots back eastward to y^ Road, & this Highway to
ly next to David ffroo, & then these lots begin here where they have
about eight or Ten acres apiece, & y* rest must be laid out in some
other place. So that their whole Grants are (viz) James Taylor. 50.
""'^^ Luke Hitchcock. 50.""*^' John Barber. 60.""'^^ Sam* Taylor. 50."""
Jonatli Taylor. 50. ''"'' Tho : Cooper. 50."'^^'^^ Victory Sikes.SO"""' W".
Brooke. 50.*"''^ Ebenezer Brooke. 40.""^^
Decemb"' P'. 1680. The Committee for Suffeild Met. Present : John
Pynchon. Benj Cooley Geo : Colton. BowVd Thomas. Granted : to Na-
thanel Cheny. 60. ""•=* To Grigory Gibbs. 40. ""'='' p't of it. (viz) 12 rod
in bredth on y* west side of High streete. Granted Steven Taylor 3
rod in bredth at y® front of his lot in high streete & so to run back
slanting off to nothing in y* Reere. & this is pVided it doe apeare
that there is so much there on y* North Side of his lot besides y^ Higli-
way. Granted to Sam" Lane 40'''^''''^ his Hom lot to be on y® west
side of the Streete, in High Streete North of Grigory Gibbs, there to
have .12. rod in breadth & to run back to Muddy Brooke.
At a meeting of y* Comittee for Suffeild June. 27"^. 1681. Present
J. Pynchon. Ben' Cooley Geo: Colton. Granted: some Alotm'' be-
yond y^ saw mill, & on the Southward side of Stony Brooke where Mr
Marshall, Wooleworth, &c, have their Alotm''. — Granted there
To John Mighill ^«° .eO.''"^^ To John Mighill Jun. 40.""^'
To Tho : Migliill .40."^^"=' To Tho : Steevens 50'"='■'^^ Granted to John
IngersoU.t 50.""''' Also to his son Ingersoll 40""*-"' Provided :
Goodm : Ingersoll settles there next Summer, & that y* father carry on
for his son, & discharge all Rates &c. Tliese for their dwelling lots are
to have 12 rod broad apiece on y" east side of High Streete Norward of
Goodm Towsleys lot : Then next above Goodm Ingersolls lot on y'
North side of him : It is agreed & ordered That there shall be forty
Rod in breadth laid out for y* iMinistry for ever. Here on y* east side
of High Streete is stated y* land for y" Ministry fol't}' Rod broad &
twelve score Rod in length back eastward fro y® street, \v^^ w"' y" Home
*Tlii8 Ilifiliway or " lane " a.« it was called, is now tiie road from II. Ilalliday's
to Henry Fuller's, and was called "Crooked Lane" for many years. Now the
" S[)rinfjfield Road " is called " Crooked Lane," and the old " lane " wliicii gave the
cotrnonien is without a name.
IDid not settle. J. Pynchon 2(1 had his lot.
76 ACTS OF THE COMMITTEE.
lot* of fonrteene Eod broad Northward of Mr Youiiglove, & next lot
but one to Mr. Younglove, make the eighty acres formerly ordered to
be set apart for y* Ministry, That is for y*' use and Impve"' or Main
tainance & support of such as shall Preach y* word of (jod to y' Peo-
jDle in Suffeild according to y* order & first Settlement thereofi, as in
page 4.* sect. 12"^. j The foure score acres there mentioned as agreed
to be set apart, is now here Pitched, y^ very Place where it shall abide
& be continued (viz) as afore mentioned in these 2 Places on y* East
Side of High Streete : first, 14. rod in breadth for y" Howse lot ; North
ward 12 rod fro y* Eeverend Mr Youngloves lot ; & then about half a
Mile further Northward. 40. rod in breadth more; acljoyning to y^
North side of Goodm : Ingersolls lot. All w*^'^ breadth &\l]fa 54. y'
whole breadth : all w*^*^ Punning back Eastward full twelve score rods in
length, makes uj) j'^compleate Eighty acres reserved ; Set ap't, & stated
for y^ Ministry forever : as in jia' 4"", & not lyable to any allienation
therefrom : |And for y* Alotm' for a Schoole w'^'' as in j^age 4''^ was
ordered & agreed upon : This Alotm' is likewise Determined to ly in
High Streete, betweene y* lot of James King on j^ South of it, & y*
lot of Michaell Towsley on y* North of j" Schoole lot. This School,
Alotm* here stated is in breadth ag' High Streete on y* front, 30 rod,
& runs back estward 12 score rod in length, & is to remaine forever
to y® use & support of a Schoole in Suffeild, »& y* of a Grammar li^choole
when it can be obtained, namely when y^ Place is Capable of having
such a Schoole : & then to be Imployed to noe other use or Impv'em'.
Jan 2.^ 168^. At a meeting of y'' Comitte for Suffield Present :
John Pynchon. Ben Cooley. Geo : Colton Eowl'd Thomas. Granted : to
Timothy Palmer, Judah Trumble, & Joseph Trumble : to each of them
Ten acres apeice more then their former, or first Grant, So that by
this addition to their Grants tlieir several Alotm" are sixty acres, that
is to say each of y™ to have sixty acres apeice.
Mr. Glover :§ having formerly a" Grant of An Alotm*, »& Moving to
have it for his Son Samuell, Accordingh' there is Granted to Mr Sam'
Glov'er 60""^'*, & to have for his Horn lot|| 12. rod broad in High Streete,
next to Mr Younglove, on y** upper, or North side of him, betwixt Mr
Younglove, & y* lot for y* ministry, & If it will holdo ut 13. rod & ^
or 14. rod ; y^ other lots there having there breadth y* is to say y* lot
for y* Ministry. 14 rod & y^ next lot above it 12 rod, tlien Mr. Glover
to have y^ bredth above it, so as to make him vp 20 acres or more
here: y* rest to Compleate Mr Glovers Alot™* 60.""''' he to take it
up where he may best sute himself, he goeing on w"' Impve'm' spedy-
ly. It is ordered that a ^Highway be laid out from High Streete
westward into y^ Commons, somewhat above Sam' Lanes lot, about 2
or 3 lots higher, there y** Highway to turne westward, where y^ Meas-
urers shall find it best & most convenient, & so as to take 2 or 3
*Knox's Hotel is on this lot.
tSee p. 55.
I M the first town meeting after SufEeld was received under ronnecticut Juris-
diction (in 1749), it was voted to sell and lease out this " School Lot" tor 999 years
for 1,000 pounds old tenor and having good land security. See p. 56.
§Kev. Pelatiah Glovtr of Springfield.
l|Now the Heirs of Rev. Ebenezer Gay.
f Now the road to Hastings' or Zion's Hill at the upper end of High street.
ACTS OF THE COMMITTEE. 77
Springs w"'^ are thereabouts into y® Highway. Whereas there was
*400 acres of land Granted & set ap' for y*^ Comittee (w*"'' was measured
out, & stated by y" greate River, betweene y^ 2 brookes,) as a Compensa-
tion for their expences and service, & so determined they shoukl have
it free fro paying Purchase or Rates. The Committee yet notwith-
standing (for Incouragem' of Inhabitants) releasing y^ Place to Ed-
ward Allyn & others y' were desirous there to settle, Agreed to take
it v]jin some other place, as appeares in page .22. w'** reference also
to pa 17. And now y* sd Committee being further desirous to accom-
adate y^ People of Suffeild : Doe yeild furtlier to relinquish some of y*
quantity, & take up wth less land at pnsent, & so their several shares
to be as followeth.
Major John Pynchon 80.""''^ Eenjamen Cooley 50.
Geo : Colton 50 Rowland Thomas 50.
Accounting y* right of M"" Holyoke, & Leiut Cooper, to be about
'J'hirty, or 35 acres apeice, for their officiating in their life tyme : So
that there is Given up to y** Inhabitants about 100 acres. The afore-
s'd Committee are also content that it shall continue Rate free, but
only Ten yeares from this tyme, & after Ten yeares, they yeild to pay
Rates for their land in p'"portion w"' other Inhabitants: This land now
])"portioned to y* Committee as aboves'd, They agree to take it up,
Either in f'Pips stave Swamp," or in some other convenient place:
& when they come to pay Rates, then to have with others their p'por-
tion in after divisions. Granted : to | James Smith an Alotmt of 50.'"'"''
iJv'uUd he settle on it next Summer, & y' for his Horn lot he have
y' 12 rod broad lying betweene § Michal 'Towsley & John Ingersoll.
Granted : to Mr || Joseph Pynchon an Alotm* of 80. acres, p'vided he
Build a howse on it, & bring 8 or 10. acres in to Imp'vement in foure
yeares tyme or thereabouts. Granted : to Sam' Bush an addition of Ten
acres, & to have this 10 acres by his Meddow for conveniency of fenc-
ing. It is ordered : That there shall be a Highway laid of Two or Three
Rod wide, to Pass over y* Brooke where Sam' Bush his Meddow is, to
goe betwixt him & Goodm.. Grangers Meddow; yet not to p'judice
Bush his Meddow, but to run straite to y'' highland.
Granted : to Joseph Leanord an Alotm* of. lO.""*""- & to have p't of
it for his Hom lot below Obadiah Miller's, viz: 12. rod in breadth there.
This was Granted him in May. 1681, Provided he goe on av"" Im-
pvem' & settle at Suffeild by May 1082. Granted to John Petty
(w'^'' was Granted y* .19.'" of ]May 1(379. & slipt Recording or entring
in y" right place; But is as followeth) : In y^ Lowland southward of
y* long hill below Springfield Bounds, There is Granted to John Pet-
ty,1[ to ly together 60.""** It is to Run .80. rod north & south, &l
mostly to ly on the west side of y' Brooke, yet so as to come over it
* See pp. 68, 73.
tTlie road to Windsor Locks passes through Pipe stave swamp.
I Did not settle.
§ " The County Court at Springfiehl IGDl border Miclml Towsley of Suffield, to be
wliipl 1.5 laslies : his wife 10 lashes, anil their daujzhter Mary 8 lashes, all upon ye
naked back, well laid on : tor lying, making desperate speeches : tlircatning burning
to their neighbors, & killing at least one swine." — Hampshire Court Kec, Vol. A.
p. 12.
II Son of Major Pynchon.
t Did not settle here. Died in IfigO.
78 ACTS OF THE COMMITTEE.
eastward to a square, & to y^ highland there, & hath Three yeares
t3-me allowed for Settlem' on it fro this 19"* of May. 1679. & y®
Grant is upon Condition of Setling on it by y' tyme. Granted to Mr
tW"" Trowbridge an Alotni' of .50.'"="'* Also to his Son *Thomas
Trowbridge 40."'"^^ Granted : to Tho. Barber, his Two sons, Joseph
& Ben jamen Barber, that are Twins. 40.""''* Provided : that y* father,
Tho Barber, pay & discharge all Kates & charges y' shall arise upon
this Alotm' fro tyme to tj^me, till they come of age, & the Grant js to
y"" both If they live to Injoy it, & in case of death, then y^ surviver to
have y^ whole. Granted to Goodm. Remington an addition of Ten
acres of land besides former Grants. Granted to Timothy' Hale, about
|Two acres of land, on y^ west side of High Streete, Southerly of Tho
Copleys lot, Tho Coplej^ being allowed first to take full 4 rod broad
next to his lot, all y^ length fro y* front, back to Stony brook, this
foure rod in bredth being due to Tho Copley. & allowed him in Lew
of land over y^ brooke taken fro him for y*High way. The remainder
after this 4 rod : is Granted to T'™ Hale, to y® Highway y' goes over
Stony brooke, j^vided noe p''judice bely it to y^ High way Granted
to Zerubbabell ffyler, for his son an Alotment of iorty acres. .40 :
"FT"Nrm ^ ^^ ^^ y^ ^^^^ ^^
■ ( y* Committee.
* Did not settle. Was at this date 23 years old, and unmarried.
t Wm. was living in Xew Haven, and his brother Thos. was a man of distinction
there. He wa.s invited to teach the first school in Suffield with a salary of XIO per
annum for 5 years, and a sum for each scholar, in addition, according to law.
t The dwelling house of H. Endress is upon this land.
§ M. J. Sheldon's dwelling house is upon this strip of land.
■*
DOCUMENTARY
History of Suffield.
S E C () 2s J) P E R 1 O D
1682-1715.
CoLLEfTED. THAXSCHIHED. AND PUBLISHED
HEZ. S. SHELDON
500 COPIES PRINTED
llAiriFDHI), CONN.:
Fkkss ok TiiK Cask. fyOCKWuoD & Hhainakk C*».mi any.
1^82.
DOCUMENTARY
History of Suffield,
SECOND PERIOD,
1682-1715.
COLLECTED, TRANSCRIBED, AND PUBLISHED
BY
HEZ. S. SHELDON.
500 COPIES PRINTED.
HARTFORD, CONN.:
Press of The Case, Lockwood & Brainard Company.
1882.
N
He u$e JUcf s
To
Firsi Setilevs.
By
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JosepkPcm»Y 5 a. I
Jfctr I
Jt.h'n Ho<Jge 8. 2. 1 "
jl.ivid VVinchill S-..1 18.1. U. R W.
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Miri'.stry Ltt to <X 4 I- ft <V .
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James K1T5. is .1. 12 . R vv
.,..!.■ 1''.' ?'M'"'=t"".r -5^ & '< f' ^
F!a.mu.e{ Bush IB a. )a r w.
Jo n i-tKm VV.nllVill (.. i
? Joseph H Rimon. t. i
«r MalhAniel HiimoTi.fe.R
M Johri T»,i0T, t>. «.
? Mij' Johnp,„tht.n. '..K.
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JohA Wa-vitKet, )J a. M ■" '
BsaTfiomasH&ncKat IS a H R w
J;<lv»«rJ Burl'ison. 18 5.. IX R vv.
Joseph Se| ars ''8a..li.Rv<
Mnii5-l.TY Hcrr.e l,c,i. io 'j,, )4 r vv.
Rkw JpK-n Vi;u.nfl»<e 3og..io.Rvv.
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frv, G^.-,^f Mo,io„.M,R
Bvtn 4.^«£ »f $*,..>, Bic
Tu
Spenser So.
Nifj Jcha PyntKon . to. i
^^jljax- — I.ti7H..
Nilii.n'.eJ Chcn.j J. t
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RoaJ to MHI. Ilc79 3. K»«li
Timothy Hfcle Sen. bo. ,1
Jim.s «;i;
HelKixypr Ih-b-Ung Lj JJI 7'>t"^^cmlSt bosior-
Teaike. Street
House - Lois
To FiTsl Seitlers.
1U71- 34.
By
H S. Sheldon.
1882..
W&Y* Of "Roads,
?'^vh
"g"oa"a~fo r<nu.*«o;;r
^§:^3ax,.
Sowih 8pk*i<1 oi Plantaiiow
'.vre y-wWr^ _> Boston
CONTENTS
PERIOD II.
PAGE,
Outline Sketches 79-96
The First Town-meeting, 79: 98
The First Voting List, 97
Proprietors 79
Settlers and Founders of Families, 80-84
Colony and Town Lines, 90-96
Town Acts, 98-195
The First Meeting-house. Its Canopy, Pew, Pulpit, Gallery, and sale, 133 : 26: 39
The Second Meeting-house, . 80: 134: 35: 37: 38: 39: 54: 58: 59: 77
Town Ministers, 84r-90
Votes to procure 3d Minister, George Philips, Stephen Mix, Nath' Clap, 114-133
Dwelling House and land for 3d Minister, 113-130: 34
Votes to procure 3d Minister, Mr. Chancy, 158: 59; Mr. Hale, . . 160-63
Dwelling-house and land for 3d Minister 162-176
Second Division of Common Lands, 107-109
Church Embodiment, 130
Seating the 2d Meeting-house, 141:42:65:68:69
Settlement of Benjamin Ruggles, 133: 38-130: 39
Settlement of Ebenezer Devotion, 161: 65; His Marriage, . 165
The First School-house 143:43:47
Horse-houses and Honse-block, 147: 76
Westfield Line, 103:07:14:38:43:47
Simsbury and Salmon Brook Line, 139: 44; 46: 51: 54: 55: 57
South Line of the Plantation. 100; 01: 07: 44: 46: 51: 55: 69: 71: 83
Springfield Line perambulated, 156
Iron Mines and Iron Works, 137:51:53:90
Copper Mines and Ore, 157:75:76:83:86
Wood for the Minister 129: 30: 38: 43: 48: 53: 55: 64
School-masters and Schools, 99: 118: 19: 33: 34: 25: 37: 43: 46: 50: 63: 63:
Fulling Mill, 165. [64: 76: 78: 83: 85: 89
Control of Common Lands taken from tlie Town 187-195
Pounds and Pound-keeper 150: (i5: 71: 89
School Lot. 113: 33: 45: 63; Ministry Lot 163
Burying Place, . . . " 103:105:33
Town Pay regulated 100:106:19:31
Mills ... 104: 108: 109: 36: 65: 74: 75
Sheep 125: 45: 50
Sabbath Days, pcoiili' notified, setting the psalm, . . 105:108:64
Highways, 101 O'.t: 06: 16; 33: 35: 36: 39: 40: 41: 44: 50: 53: 65: 66: 67:
68: 69: 74: 83: 90: 91. High St., 102: 182
Swine Ill ; 13; 37; 44: 50; 54: 60
Town MectJM'jrs rcuulatwl. and Duly of Voters, 9S: y9: 109: 12: 18: 33: 33:
46: 52: 55: 72: 73: 78
CORRECTMS AND ADDITIONS.
FOE PERIODS I. it II.
P. 10, fourteenth line from bottom, for "is" supply "was supposed to be."
P. 11, thirteenth line from bottom, after "Acres " add " 6.240 of it was given to
Enfield. 1,019 to Suffield."
P. 12, bottom line, for o,000 read 3,000.
P. 17, sixteenth line from bottom, after "Deaths" supply "Marriage publica-
tions were not transcribed."
P. 24, Samuel Marshfield. s. of Thos. of Dorchester, was b. 1652, d. at Spring-
field. 1692.
P. 28, Joseph Leonard's 40 a. was sold to Joseph King for £25.
P. 28, the Ingersoll Grants were sold to John Pengilley for £65.
P. 30, TVm. Allyn was a collier in 1729.
P. 30, Ebenezer Burbank was a cordwainer in 1726.
P. 81, fifth line from bottom, for 1678 read 1675.
P. 31, sixth line from bottom, after "Ruth" supply "Denslow."
P. 32, "James Canada, a stranger, was sick and died at Springfield. Sept. 12.
1689" (Spfgd. Rec).
P. 33, "Gregory Gibbs "" was born about 1625. (See Giles Gibbs' will. Vol. 1,
Conn. Col. Rec.)
P. 33, Simon Gowin d. at Springfield, 1693. (Will, Vol. I. Col. Rec.)
P. 37, ninth line from top, for "John" supply "Samuel."
P. 38, seventh line, for "Timothy of Windsor" supply "Thomas of Rowley."
P. 41, Thomas Smith was a "tanner."
P. 41, Stephen Taylor sold his Hou.se Lot in 1699 to Richard Austin for £150.
P. 44, Timothy Wolworth was Town surveyor 1751. and had list in 1775.
P. 45, Robert Old, Jr., was a first settler of Brimfield (now Mon.son).
P. 53. the first sentence was added by the transcriber in 1771.
P. 66, In note at bottom, read Capt. Holyoke died Feb. 5, 1676.
P. 72, Wm. Horsford preached in Springfield, 1654.
P. 85, Benj. Ruggles was horn Aug. 11, 1676. In first line supply comma
after " neglecting," and omit it after " pay."
P. 96. line thirteen from top, for " Simsbury " supply "the wilderness."
P. 99, in note at the bottom, after "record," for "of" read "in."
P. 102, line eighteen from top, for "Barker" read "Barber."
P. 103, in note, for "North" read "Crooked Lane."
P. 107, to last note after p. supply "147."
P. 110, in note, for "3,129" read "3,000."
P. 140, Highway from Kent corner southerly toward " Taintor Hill."
P. 168, "Springfield Road," called "Crooked Lane." 1710.
P. 168, in note, for "1833" read "1831."
P. 172, twenty-seventh line from bottom, supply "months" for "years," and
"escaped" for "was redeemed."
P. 174, in note, twelfth line from bottom, read (See pp. 29: 126).
P. 182, to note, supply (See p. 102).
P. 178, bottom line, for " Hall" read " Hale."
OUTLINE SKETCHES.
THE FIRST TOWN MEETING.
Most of the early settled towns were founded under grants from the
general court to companies, or individuals, with certain conditions,
such as those in the Suffield grant, without any more formal act of
incorporation.
Eleven years had elapsed since the grant was made, and two of the
committee had died. The remaining members having more than ful-
filled the conditions of the grant, and desiring to be discharged,
procured an* order from the general court of Mass., by which a meet-
ing of the inhabitants qiialified to vote was ordered to be held March
9, 1682.
The first town meeting was held March 9, 1682. There were thirty-
four qualified voters, including Maj. John Pynchon.
The list of voters, and the record of this meeting in the " old book,"
is in his handwriting. No moderator was chosen, and he probably
served in that capacity. Five selectmen, a town clerk, two highway
surveyors, a land measurer, and a sealer of leather vvere chosen to
serve one year. No treasurer was chosen, or needed, as neither taxes,
salaries, or debts were paid in money, but in grain, provisions, etc.,
tlie prices current of which were regulated by a vote of the town, and
was called "town pay."'
From this time the town records are made up of the names of town
officers, votes about receiving inhabitants, laying out highways, settling
town lines, setthng and providing for ministers, and for schools, build-
ing and repairing, and seating the meeting-house and school-house, tak-
ing care of, and dividing the common lands, providing for the poor, etc.
A careful examination of the records of families makes the entire
p()l)ulatioii about three hundred souls. Twenty-five of these family
surnames an; nmv represented here, by lineal descendants.
I'HOl'RIKTORS.
The persons to whom the committee made grants of lands, had become
the " proprietors," or owners of the township. Thcu-e liad bei-n dis-
*No record of this onliT i.s lound in tlio ('<il()iiv Acts.
11
80 OUTLINE SKETCHES OP
tributed by the committee 6258 acres. The remainder, amounting to
more than 15,000 acres, was owned, controlled, and divided by, and
among these proprietors, as the majority directed. In 1682, sixty-two
proprietors were heads of families, thirty-four unmarried; and some of
these were boys. Sixteen others, including the committee, none of
whom settled here, disposed of their rights and franchises to admitted
inhabitants and permanent settlers.
Deacon John Hanchet, who died Oct. 23, 1744, aged ninety-five,
was the last survivor of the original " proprietors " of the town of
SufBeld.
THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE.
The second meeting-house was erected between Aug. 26, and Dec.
16, A.D. 1700.
Its site was '' on the top of the hill against the Burying Place." The
same substantially as that of the present congregational church edifice.
Its master-builder is unknown, but he was probably from one of the
" upper towns."
It was "40 foot square, clapboarded and shingled." It had a
gallery, and probably two rows of windows, although the height of the
structure is not recorded. The sum of sixty pounds, one half in silver
money, and one half in town pay, was voted to defray the cost.
It was ready for use Jan. 7, 1702, when difBculties occurred
about the seating, and the services of Col. John Pynchon were required
to adjust this formidable question, a matter that caused our ancestors
a deal of anxiety, and is not yet altogether at rest.
The first meeting-house was probably located, and built upon the
common, as a temporary structure, and was used about twenty-two
years.
The second was a more imposing affair, and with but few external
changes, stood until April 25, 1749, when it was taken down to give
place to a more modern structure.*
SETTLERS AND FOUNDERS OF FAMILIES.
1682-1715.
Jacob Adams, son of Robert of Newbury, Mass.. was born there
Sept. 13, 1651, married Ann Allyn, April 7, 1677. Children: Dorothy,
born June 26. 1679; Rebecca, born Aug. 26, 1680; i-emoved to Suf-
field, had children: Jacob, Daniel, John, Abraham, born Nov. 10, ] o87 ;
*Seetownacts, 1699, 1700, 1701,1702, 1708, 1710, 1711,1722, 1723, for building and
seating the meeting-house.
SUFFIELD HISTORY. 81
Ann, Elizabeth, born Aug. 16, 1692; Sarah, all of whom were men-
tioned in his will. He bought his brother John Allyn's farm near the
ferry, and became a prominent man in town matters. He was a rep-
resentative at the general court for the years 1711, 1714, 1717; dying
at Boston in Nov., the latter year. His four sons settled here, and
had families. The family name is yet represented here in their
posterity.
Joseph" Fuller (carpenter), the SuflBeld settler, and ancestor of all the
SuQield Fullers, was gr. son of John of Newton, Mass., the immigrant,
and son of Joseph' (carpenter) of Ipswich. He was born there July
4, 1685. Joseph, Sen., was a soldier under Capt. Turner in the Falls
fight in 1676. In 1696 he bought of Samuel Bush his SuflBeld pro-
prietary grants, which included his eighteen acre house* lot in High
street, adjoining John Hanchett's. He did not remove here, but in
1714 deeded these lands to his son Joseph,^ who married Bathsheba,
daughter of John Hanchett, Sept. 18, 171.5, and became a pei-raanent
settler here. His descendants have not been numerous, but usually
substantial and honored inhabitants. Joseph^ the SuflBeld settler, died
March 7, 1 744. His children were Mary and Bathsheba, born .Tune 11,
1716; Mary died April 17, 1717; Mary, second of the name, born May
8, 1718; Sarah, born May 31, 1720; Hannah, born Oct. 3, 1721, died
Jan. 2, 1722, and Joseph^, born Aug. 25, 1726, who had five children,
and died at SuflBeld March 25, 1807.
Joseph Pomrey, ancestor of all of the name in Suffield, was the son
of Medad of Northampton, and grandson of Eltweed of Windsor,
the immigrant. He was born at Northampton, June 26, 1672, and
married Hannah Seymour, Nov. 29, 1692. By a vote in town meet-
ing 1699, he was invited to settle, and abide here, and to follow his
trade (blacksmith) for the benefit of the town; with the added wish
that it might "please the Lord to bless him with health, and strength
so to doe."
Forty acres of land was given lam " for inheritance." He re-
moved here in 1699. His children were: Hannah and Eliakim, who
died young. Hannah, second of the name, born July 15, 1702; Benja-
min, born Nov. 19, 1704, who became a distinguished minister and
reformer at Hebron, Conn. Nathaniel born Jan. 23, 1707, settled in
SuflBeld; and Noah, born Oct. 20, 1709. at Suffield. He was a captain
at the time of his death which occurred Dec. 16, 1712. Col. Seth Pom-
* Now owned by Doct. J. K. Mason and Chas. F. Loomis.
82 OUTLINE SKETCHES OF
eroy of revolutionary fame was his nephew. Eltweed Pomeroy is
behev^ed to have been the progenitor of all who bear this surname in
this country. His descendants have been very numerous, some dis-
tinguished, and generally prominent, and substantial inhabitants in the
communities where they dwelt.
Quinton Stockwell, (husbandman,) lived at Hatfield, and removed to
Deerfield where he was captured by the Indians Sept. 19. 1677, and
carried to Canada. The story of his sufferings and captivity is told
in "Remarkable Providences," by the Rev. Increase Mather. He
took the oath of allegiance Feb. 8, 1679, and about this time re-
moved to Branford, Conn. Aug. '24, 1683, he was admitted an inhabi-
tant of Suffield, with a gift of forty acres of land for his settlement.
Hisf homestead was eight acres at the upper end of High street, west
side.
His children by his wife "Abigail," were John, b. Oct. 8, 1676;
Eleazur, born at Branford, Nov. 16, 1679; both were married, and
had families recorded in SuflBeld.
Quinton Stockwell was an esteemed and respected inhabitant, serv-
ing the town in many of its local offices.
He died January Tl^ 1715. His widow died May 5, 17;>0. Not
long after, the surname disappears from our records.
Mr. Joshua Leavit (Inliolder). Bought the house-lot with build-
ings, that had belonged to the first minister, for tlie sum of 127 pounds,
A:D. 1714, and settled here at that time. He bought the proprietary
rights of John Watson, was Clerk of the Market in 1715-16, and
Sealer of Weights and Measures for many years; was a Lieutenant in
1729.
He was the son of " Josiah," of Hingham, Mass.; and grandson of
John the immigrant, who was first at Dorchester, then at Hingham.
He was born at Hingham, Aug. 1, 1687. Married Hannah in
1714; children recorded at Suffield, are Hannah, born April 1, 1715,
died Oct. 23, 1732; Joshua, born Mar. 1, 1716, died Oct. 31, 1732;
Freegrace, born August 12, 1719; Jemima, born November 10, 1722;
John, born July 16, 1724; Ichabod, died in infancy. Hannah his
wife died November 24, 1726. He married second wife, Mary
Winchell, January 29, 1730; children, Jonathan, born January 11,
1731; Hannah and Mary, born April 16, 1733, and after their father's
decease, which occurred October 22, 1732.
t Old Book, p. 69.
8UFFIELD HISTORY. 83
•'Princess," his negro slave, died November 5, 1732.
His son, John Leavitt. married Abiah Kent, June 20, 1745;
twelve children are recorded to them. Their third son, "Thaddeus,"
was a man of note; was one of the Commissioners for Conn, to estab-
lish the State Line in 1803. He died in 1813, in the sixty-third year
of his age. None of the name are now to be found in Suffield.
Asaph Leavit (carpenter), brother of Joshua: Bought George
Granger's house-lot on High street, supposed to contain eight acres,
for the sum of forty-five pounds, and settled here, A.D. 1714. He
married Ruth Devotion, March 28, 1717. She died April 23, 1718;
for second wife, married Margaret Bissell of Windsor, August 30,
1722. He was Representative 1750-55 — 6 years. Appointed cap-
tain 1751.
Captain Asaph Leavitt died April 14, 1774.
Joseph Sheldon bought, August 1, 1699, for the sum of fifty-five
pounds, of Victory Sikes, his house-lot of twenty-one acres with a
mansion thereon. This lot was a first-grant to the Rev. Peletiah
Glover, and nearly 100 years has been the homestead of the Revs.
Ebenezer Gay, father and son, and now belongs to their heirs.
Joseph Sheldon removed from Northampton to SuflSeld at the time
of his purchase, and became at once a leading man in town affairs;
was Selectman in 1700-3; prominent in the Boundary difficulties with
Simsbury and Windsor; was made Ensign 1702; Captain 1707; was
Representative to the General Assembly at Boston, 1703, also in 1705,
and was continued in that office until his death at Boston, July 2,
1708, when the Governor, and both branches of the General Assembly
attended his funeral.
His descendants did not remain in Suffield. His son Joseph sold
the homestead, with the "mansion and buildings," to his cousin Josiah
(merchant), son of Thomas. Captain Joseph Sheldon was the fourth
son of Isaac of Northampton, born February 1, 1608; married Mary
the daughter of Joseph Whiting, and grand-daughter of Major John
Rynchon, 169-; children, born at Northampton, were Joseph, 1695;
who died same year; Amy and Mary: children born here; Joseph,
December 26, 1700; Rachel, born March 8, 1703; Benjamin, born
August 26, 1705. His widow married John Ashley, of Westfield.
By inheritance, and purchase they were owners of the Island in the
Connecticut River, AD. 1717; and of the Pyncbon * saw-mill lot, at
* See "page 64.
84 OUTLINE SKETCHES OF
the mouth of Stony Brook, which they sold to John Elhot, of Wind-
sor, in 1712, for 35 pounds.
SUFFIELD MINISTERS.
1680-1749.
JOHN YOUNGLOVE— The First Minister.
John Younglove * had a settlement in lands here, the same as his
successors, and received the house-lot with a dwelling upon it which
had been set apart for the first minister. In 1858 the First Congrega-
tional Church erected a monument to the "First Pastor," Benjamin
Ruggles, while not a slab or stone marks the grave of John Younglove,
the town's "First Minister."
His sons Samuel and James had families, and lived in SufSeld and
were prominent in town affairs. James died Oct. 21, 1723. There
is no record found of the death of Samuel.
The following record of a meeting of the inhabitants of SuflBeld, is
found upon a mutilated fly-leaf in the Old Book, and is the only
recorded act of the inhabitants before the organization of the town.
This record is in the handwriting of Samuel Partrigg, then clerk of
Hampshire Co. Court. The words and letters enclosed in parentheses
are supplied. In this vote the salary is mentioned. f
At a legall meeting of y<= Inhabitants of Suffield. Nov. y« 17th., 1679, it was
agreed and voted fory^ incouragement of M"" Jn" Younglove tto build him a
House, forty foot in length, twenty foot in breadth, and ten foot between
Joynts, and to shingle, and clapboard the same: and to set up a stack of
chimneys; either of brick or (stone) as shall be judged most easy to accom-
plish; onely M"" Younglove (giv)ing ten Pound of the three score we engaged
for this pres(ent year) and to find all nailes for the shingling, and clapboarding
(y'^ sa)me.
Further! Deacon Tho: Hanchet, Abraham Dil)ble, (Sam') Kent, Hughe Roe,
David Winchill, and Joseph Tru(mble, were) chosen as a Committee for to se
to the p'"formance of (this worke), and obligation: and we doc hereby fully
impower this (Committ)ee to let out the said worke to a Master Workman, or
(persons) as they shall se cause; and to agree with them for their (worke by)
the day, or let it out to them by the great, provided! the (In)habitants, as many
as doe desire it, may pay their (share in) this worke, in their hand labour; and
for their (pay we leave) it with our Committee to agree with them (as they se
cause), and if any man, after sufficient warning y' (y« Committee Give), shall
refuse or neglect to come to this (worke), we doe fully impower y'' Committee
to hire some other (in their) roome y' the worke be not hindred, and to fetch
* For his family Record see Sav. Genealogy, f See p. 16. if See pp. 72, 74.
SDFFIELD HISTORY. 85
from (any) person, or persons, soe refusing, or neglecting such pay, as (shall)
procure a man in his stead.
STEVENS.
May 26, 1690, the town invited Mr. Stevens* then a resident
and schoolmaster at Northampton, '-to come and dispense the things of
God unto us."
The following record upon a fly-leaf of the ''old Book" contains all
that is known of this effort to procure a minister, f
At a Legall Town Meeting, May y« 26, 1690 : It was unanimously agreed and
voted, by the Inhabitants, in the first place to make their application to Mr.
Stevens, now resident and Schoolmaster in Northampton, for to give him an
invitation to come and dispence the things of God unto us ; and in order there-
unto we have chosen a Committee of five men, vis.: Serj. Joseph Harmon,
Serj. Jn" Pingilly, David Winchill, Thomas Remmington, Anthony Austin,
who are to manage the affaii'e for the Town, and to doe their utmost endeavour
to procure Mr. Stevens, and in case of failour there: then to send or goe to the
Bay, and by the advise of Elders there, to procure some able young man that
may be likely bj^ the blessing of God upon his indeavours to be a repairer of
the breaches that have unhapily been made amongst us, and the reuniting of
us again together in peace and love.
BENJAMIN RUGGLES— The Second Minister.
Rev. Benjamin Ruggles was born at Roxbury, Mass., Aug. 11, 1674.
Graduated at Harvard College, 1693.
Aug. 1, 1695: At a Town Meeting of this date the following Pre-
amble and votes were passed:
" It having pleased God in his providence to incline the heart of Mr. Benjamin
Ruggles to come and give us a visit, soe that we for some sabbaths past have
had a tast of his laboui'S, and proof of his abilities and ac{;omplishment for
the work of the ministry: to the good liking, satisfaction, and content of us
his auditours": Therefore Voted : "To give Mr. Benjamin Ruggles a call to
return, and dispence tlio things of God to us, and that in order to his con-
tinuance and settlement amongst us, in due time may it please the Lord to
incline his heart to embrace the same."
For his " encouragement " the same salary and settlement were
offered, as to the preceding candidates. Mr. Ruggles was then 19
years of age, and his father, John of Roxbury, appears to have con-
ducted the negotiations for his son.
* Perhaps Timothy, son of Timothy of Roxbury, and afterward uiiQlKter at
Glastonbury, Coiui. See Sav. Gen.
f Other futile attempts were made, as will be found in the Town .Vets.
George Philips, Stephen Mix, Nathan' Clap were called, but declined.
86 OUTLINE SKETCHES OF
At a Town ]VIeeting, Aug. 23, 1695 : " It was then agreed and fully and clearlj-
voted in answer to Mr. Ruggles, his propositions, to concur with him as to the
digging of his son's well; and alsoe agreed to cut, make and bring him home
six load of hay for the space of four years, in which time we hope he maj' be
in a better way to supply himself."
Early in the year 1696, measures were taken to have the chimney
built, glass procured, etc., for the finishing the minister's house.
Mr. Ruggles was married Nov. 19, 1696, and the house (which was
erected before April, 1697), was so far completed as to be occupied by
him about this time. His first child was born before his settlement.
Jan. 12. 1697, the town voted to build Mrs. Ruggles a pew.
May 7, 1697, the inhabitants renewed the call of 169.5.
July 22. 1697. "It was agreed and voted to be at the town's cost to
send a man downe to the Bay to accompany Mr. Ruggles up," and
•'' Goodman Roe was chosen to attend that service."
Nov. 25. " Every man from sixteen years old and above," was
required to spend one day "in getting Mr. Ruggles his wood."
March 1, 1698. The negotiations which had been pending more than
two and a half years, now terminated.
A carefully-drawn contract, guarding well the interests of the min-
ister, signed by the selectmen, was placed upon the town-record book.
March 23, 1698. At a town meeting it was voted to invite several
ministers to advise " the Reverend Mr. Ruggles, and ourselves, respect-
ing our present circumstances, in order to his settlement amongst us
in the work of the ministry, as the law directs."
Accordingly, it was voted to "invite these gentlemen upon the place,
on said account, the last * Tuesday of April next ensuing."
The settlement was probably concluded at this time, as the subject
is not again alluded to in the town acts.
The title, " Rev.," given to Mr. Ruggles previously, would imply that
he had been already ordained to the ministry.
All that is known of his short ministerial life must be inferred from
the town records. No church records exist, and nothing is elsewhere
to be found from his lips or pen — tradition even being silent.
A new meeting-hoiise, and school-house (the first one) were built
soon after his settlement. The town also supported a representative
at the General Court ; which it had done but once, since it was set-
tled. It is easy to believe, that Mr. Ruggles was prime agent in these
progressive movements.
* April 26, 1698. (Sikes.)
SUPFIELD HISTORY. 87
* Family Record.
Mr. Benjamin Ruggles and Mrs. Mercj^ Woodbridge were joined in marriage,
Nov. y«19, 1696:
Their daughter Mercy, born Nov. y« 6, 1697.
Their son Benjamin, born August j'« 26, 1699.
Their son Joseph, born Januarj' y 80, 1701.
Their daughter Abigail, born Nov. y<' 6, 1702.
Their daughter Ruth, born January y« 29, 1703-4.
Tlieir daughter Appliia, born Nov. y" 19, 1705.
Their daughter Tryphena, born June y^ 22, 1707.
Mrs. Mercy Ruggles, deceased, June y« 28, 1707.
Mr. Benjamin Ruggles, himself deceased, Sept. y^ 5, 1708.
MR. RUGGLES'S HOMESTEAD.
In a deed f executed at New Haven, Conn., Oct. 7, 1724, Benjamin
Ruggles, who gives his residence as now in London, a mariner by
occupation, conveyed to Dudley Kent of Suffield, for the consideration
of 120 pounds, the homestead, formerly the dwelling-place of his father
the Rev. Mr. Benjamin Ruggles, containing by estimation 20 acres ;
bounded westerly: by the highway or town street, northerly: by the
house-lot of William King, easterly: by land of Jonathan Remington,
and southerly: by the homestead now in possession of Mr. Atherton
Mather. This lot was owned and built upon by the late Henry A.
Sikes, Esq., and is now in the possession of Leroy Gillett. It was
first the home lot of Peter Roe, and sold by him to the town, for a
minister lot, A. D. 1688 or 9.
NATHANIEL CHAUNCEY.
Within three weeks after the death of Mr. Ruggles, the Town voted
to make
" application to tlie Worthy Mr. Chancy of Cookenchaog (Durham, Ct.,) to
come and dispense the things of God unto us;" and "Deac. Harmon, Serj.
Hancliet, Serj. Adams are with all convenient speed to go to the Wortliy Mr.
Chancy ; and do their ])est indeavour to bring liim upon the place in order to
his settlement amongst us in the work of the Ministrie."
3Iarch 14, 1709: The Town voted "to send down to Mr. Cliancy for an
answer to wiiat hatli l)een proposed to him.'
He declined and was soon after ordained, and settled at Durham, Ct..
preaching there more than fifty years.;};
* Suff. Rec. of Births etc., old book, p. 26.
f See Book D, p. 484, Springtield Land Records.
I See Fowler's Hist, of Durham.
12
88 OUTLINE SKETCHES OF
HALE.
March 21st, 1709: "Corporal Jonathan Taylor, and Clerk John Kent, were
chosen to go down to Saybrook, to make enquiry concerning the Worthy Mr.
Hale, and to seek after a Minister." Mr. Hale was invited to come upon the
place " by way of tryall;" but declined.
EBENEZER DEVOTION— The Third Minister.
Aug. 2d, 1709: Mr. Devotion having already "given the Inhabit-
ants a tast of his labours, (&) some proofs of his abillities and accomp-
lishments for the work of the Ministery to their good liking and satis-
faction," the Town invited him to " stay with them," with a salary of
80 pounds a year for five years; and 100 pounds a year thereafter, and
for a settlement, agreed to give him " 150 pound as money, and 60
acres of land."
With this 150 pounds, Samuel Harmon's House Lot was bought,
and a Minister's House* was built upon it, and it was given to Mr.
Devotion as his settlement.
Oct. 16, 1709 : Voted ' 'to send a man down with Mr. Devotion to accompany
him in his jorny toward the Bay."
Oct. 31st: Voted "to wait for the Worthy Mr. Devotion untill Spring, ac-
acording to the advice of the neighboring Ministers. "
Feb. 16, 1710: The Town " by a full and clear vote: gave the Worthy Mr.
Ebenezer Devotion a further call, in order to his taking office upon him,"
May lOlh, 1710: " Upon the proposall of Mr. Devotion: the town ingage to
get him 30 cord of wood yearly." Also " It was voted to procure a drum to
beat upon, on the sabbath, for calling the assembly seasonably together;" and
if it should please God in his providence to make way for the ordination of
the Worthy Mr. Ebenezer Devotion; that they will be at the necessar}^ charges
thereof." It was also stipulated that " Veall shall not be accounted as a specia,
in any payment to Mr. Devotion."
He was ordained June 28, 1710. He married his first wife Oct.
4th, 1710, and the Town voted "by a clear vote to allow John Rising
3 shillings p'' day for himself, and his horse for y nine dales he was
out, when he went to y" Bay with Mr. Devotion, the when he went to
be married."
His pastorate was a successful one, of more than 30 years duration,
terminated by his death. Extensive revivals prevailed throughout
New England in the latter part of his ministry, and 327 members were
*This was the "porch house " and the third parsonage built by the Town.
It was located on land now owned by Miss Louise E. Hathewaj^ opposite the
south end of the Park. It has long since disappeared ; the well near by re-
mains; and one of the famous elms, probably planted by Mr. Devotion. See
Suff. Bi-Cen., p. 92.
SUFFIELD HISTORY. 89
added to his church in 7 years. One of the results of this increase
was the formation of the West Precinct in 1740, and the 2d Congrega-
tional Church Nov. 10, 1743.
The Rev'' Ebenezer Devotion* was born at Brookline, Mass., and
was the son of John, and grandson of Edward of Roxbur}'', j- gradua-
ted at Harvard College in 1707, and died April 11, 1741, in the Slct
year of his ministry, at the age of 57.
His father, John, removed to Suffield, and his will of Oct., 1732,
probated in February following, showed a good estate. The History of
Windham Co. J says, that John Devotion, with others § from Suffield,
formed a company in 1726, for manufacturing iron, and bought two
acres of land on the northeast side of the Willimantic River, includ-
ing the privilege now owned by the Willimantic Linen Co., and built
the first dam there in 1727.
EBENEZER GAY— The Fourth Minister. *
Ebenezer Gay, D. D., was the son of Lusher and Mary Gay; grandson
of Nathaniel ; great-grandson of John, of Watertown. He was born
at Dedham, May 4th, 1718. Graduated at Harvard College, 1737;
preached his first sermon at Suffield, Aug. 9th, 1741; and was
ordained to the ministry there, January 13, 1742. He was acting pas-
tor for more than fifty years. His son, Ebenezer, Jr., was appointed
his assistant, March 6th, 1793, and his active labors closed. He died
March 7th, 1796, in the 55th year of his ministry, and the 78th year
of his age. His widow ''Mary" died Oct. — , 1796. ||
* Savage.
f For his family see Book of the Ruggles Monument Celebration, p. 50.
t Vol. 1, p. 101.
t^ The others were Daniel Badger, Samuel Hatheway, and Joseph Kellogg.
II Extract from Rev. Joseph Lathrop's funeral discourse, delivered at the
interment of Mrs. Mary Gay, October 35, 1796:
"Mrs. Gay was not only respectable for her parentage, natural abilities and
acquired accomplishments, but highly esteemed among all her acquaintances
for her Chrisiian spirit and deportment; her easy, and agreeable sociability;
her liospilality to strang(!rs, and courtesy to friends; her eminent prudence in
the pul)lic situation, and connection assigned her by providence; her tidelity
and tenderness in the domestic relations; and her solicitude to render all happy
who were placed under the inspection of her eyes, or stood within reach of her
arms.
" A great blessing has she been, not only in her family, but in this Society.
By her discreet and exemphiry conversation, she has contributed, in her place,
to her consort's ministry, and to peace and good order among the people of liis
charge; and for them she has trained up a son to succeed in the father's place,
that the congregation of the Lord be not as sheep which have no shepherd."
90 OUTLINE SKETCHES OF
Family Record.
Ebenezer Gay and Mrs. Hannah Angier of Cambridge were joined in mar-
riage July y*^ 1742. She died April 20,1762; no children recorded. He mar-
ried 2<^ wife, Mary Gushing, of Scituate ; a daughter of Judge Gushing, Nov. 10,
1763. Their children were :
Mary, b. Sept. 23d, 1764.
El^enezer, b. Mar. 10, 1766, lived &died at Suflf. leaving no male heirs.
William, b. Oct. 16, 1767, " " " " " "
John Luther, b. Mar. 18, 1770, died Mar. 13, 1771.
"Doctor Gay* was so extensively known, and where he was known, so uni-
versally esteemed, that a full portrait of his character is unnecessary. He was
a man of strong mind, and siiperior learning, of a clear and discerning intellect;
a cool and penetrating judgment, unshaken fortitude, and inflexible integrity."
"In conversation he was pleasant, and intructive, and sometimes agreeably
facetious, and innocently humorous. He was easy of access, given to hospi-
tality, faithful in his friendships, free from dissimulation, tender in domestic
relations; a most obliging neighbor, and a lover of mankind."
" He was an able and learned divine — a scribe well instructed into the king-
dom of God."
"He was a wise and judicious counseller, and an entertaining, and instructive
preacher. His public discourses were composed with attention, and enriched
with sentiment. His style was neat, pure, and elegant, yet easy, and familiar;
and while it descended to the lowest capacity, it was suited to the most refined
taste."
' ' He was steady in his principles ; but despising bigotry, he ever manifested
an amiable liberalitj' of spirit. He never was severe to censure, or forward to
condemn those of different sentiments ; but disposed to think candidly, and
hope charitably of all, who appeared to possess the Christian temper."
"As prudence marked, so peace attended his steps through the whole course
of his ministry, and the harmony with which it commenced has been continued
to the close."
"In a word, he passed through life with a character pure and unstained, and
finished his course with the serenity of Christian hope." "In the latter part of
his life he suffered much from bodily disorders, which often confined him for
weeks together. But before he was wholly disabled from the labors of the
ministry, he was happy to see his people disposed to provide him an assistant,
and united in the choice of his son to serve with him in the gospel."
"After this transaction he, under increasing infirmities, protracted his life
three years, and then closed this mortal scene. "
COLONY AND TOWN LINES, f
When the Connecticut Valley was settled, both Massachusetts and
Connecticut claimed jurisdiction over Waranocoe (now Westfield),
which was then a place of great importance, for its beaver trade with
the Indians.
* From Rev. Joseph Lathrop's funeral discourse,
f (See page 10. Additional and correctional.)
SUFFIELD HISTORY. 91
In 1640, Connecticut granted to its governor the exclusive right of
this trade there, for seven years, and the right to purchase lands for
that Commonwealth.
This right was disputed by the Massachusetts government, arid it
employed two artists (Woodward and Saffery), in 1642, to run the
colony line. They decided that the line was south from Waranocoe ;
and it was taken under IVIassachusetts jurisdiction, by a special act, in
1648. Connecticut acquiesced. The same year,* the Massachusetts
General Court extended Springfield's area on the east side of the
river south, to a point twenty poles below the warehouse, which they
had built there.
Bliss' History of Springfield | says :
" The warehouse was at Warehouse Point, at a house occupied by
John Bissell, nearly in the north line of Windsor. It was meant to
include all the land within the colony, according to the measuring of
Woodward and Saffery."
The grant for a new town (Suffield) out of Springfield's domain, m
1670, revived the boundary question, that had slumbered since the
matter of jurisdiction over Waranocoe had been decided.
The Springfield settlers must have believed that the colony line was
near the foot of the falls, as no grant was asked for, or made below
them, either east or west of the river.
"Kittle Brooke "J had been Windsor's north bound from 1636, to
May 1671, when it was extended north two miles by the Connecti-
cut General Court. This new boundary line§ was defined as "begin-
ning at the mouth of Kettle Brook, (commonly called Stony Brook,)
against an island in the river, running west five miles into the wilder-
ness." This extension overlapped the Suffield grant, and transformed
Kettle Brook into Stony Brook, a name never before or since given it.
In a similar spirit, Massachusetts claimed that the " line had been
already run and settled many years since." It ordered, that this line
be extended twenty miles westward from the river. It was run twelve
miles only; and nothing further is recorded of this line of 1642 (soon
after conceded to be erroneous) but the following order, and report
from Major Pynchon, which prove that the Woodward & Salfery line
was about three miles below the Falls, instead of at Warehouse Point.
May 1671. || It is left to the care of Major John Pynchon to take care, and
appoiiite meete instruments to runne the south line of our Patent as farr as he
* Mass. Col. Rec, vol. II., p. 27.
f Bliss' Hist. Address, p. 11.
I Conn. Col. Rec., vol. I., p. 7; vol. II., p. 155.
^ Conn. Col. Rec., vol. V., p. 147.
il Mass. Col. Rec, vol. IV., p. 487.
92 OUTLINE SKETCHES OF
shall see meete : twenty miles westward from the Connecticot River, begin-
ning where Goodman Woodward left, or otherwise he shall find it most con-
venient.
In pursueance* of the order of the Honored General Conrt ]\[ay 31, 1671,
for the riming the south line of our Patent further Avest from Connecticott
Rj'ver; I went from Springfield to Windsor the 31st day of October 1671,
having Mr. James Taj'lor with me for the artist: besides the rest of the Com-
pany w^ I had got ready the day before.
We came to the house of John Bissall against the oldFerrj- place, in Connec-
ticott Ryver; at, or about the higher end of Windsor toune: where Nathaniel
Woodward & Solomon Saffery the former artists left off: and there wee
begunn, w<^'' Avas about halfe a mile from the Rj-^ver, & upon the rising of the
hill over the way, on the west side of John Bissalls house.
Wee set our compasse, & then measured directly west one mile, & at the
miles end, marked a red oake tree; east & west av"" the survej'ors mark
O 1671 & ^:
JP 1
Past on: went over a fence; came to the Ryveret, Aiz': Windsor Riveret;
ran through a little meadow, marked severall trees in the range before & some
at the meadow & one where a brooke runs into the Riveret; and another tree
b}^ the Riverets side; and then on the other side that River. Past on from the
first mile tree, marked as above; one mile more when for our second mile tree;
wee marked a great white oake in the lyne jp j'J^ g^fors miles
Past on still marking severall trees in the lyne, & set on O, the surA^eyors
marke, & at one mile further, came to a pine tree in the line; marked it as
M
before I67l M 3:
JP
Went on; marking severall trees in the line w"' the surveyors mark O, east
& west ; came to a pond which the line crossed being fiuety rod over, & going
on further for one mile more, came to a great pine tree w^*" stood neere a rod
& a halfe out of the line, & therefore marked it, neere the foote of it & on
M
the north side of it 1671, M 4.
JP
Passed on. marking severall trees in the line w"" O; came to a small white
oake by a little swampe or brooke, being one mile further, & marked it as
M
before, on the north side, it being halfe a rod to the south of the line 1671 M. 5.
JP
Passed on west, marking severall trees in the range, came to the east side of
a hill, one mile further, & there, upon the assent of the hill, marked a small
M
red oake in the line 1671 M. 6. '
JP
Passed on over the hills marking severall trees in the line & on the west side
of the mounteyne, beins another mile, marked a black oake in the line 1671 M 7
JP
Passed on doune the hill, marking severall trees in the line; mett again w""
the ryver. Viz' : Windsor Riveret, having gon halfe a mile from the former
mile tree. Passed over the river halfe a mile further, river and all, crossing
* Mass. Col. Rec, vol. IV., Part 2, p. 517.
SUFFIELD HISTORY. 93
the river agaiue in a boat & having passed some meadow, ascended the top of
M for Mass.
a hill by the river side, there marked a black oake ifiji
•' JP M. 8.
Past on, marking several! trees in the line w"" the surveyors marke & one
M
mile further came to a pine tree in the line; marked it 1(571 M. 9.
Going on still vpest, marking trees as the line as before, came one mile fur-
M
ther, to a black oake, and marked it as before, for tenn miles 1671 M. 10.
JP
Passed on, marking trees, and over a little swampe, and at the head of a
spruce swampe, being one mile further, marked a red oake as before jg^i ]\j
11 mile. JP
Passed on over a swampy marsh ; came to a great mounteyne ; went up the
mounteyne about a mile, raysed a heap of stones there ; called it Walnut Tree
Mountayne, and then marked a forked leaning red oake tree, which we marked
M
on the north side of that forke w"^'' goes to the north, ,TP & the east side of
M
JT
this North forke we marked ^^j, M, 12. Here wee ended our worke on the
S* of November, 1671, night coming on, and nothing appearing further west-
ward but mountainous laud as farr as could be seene.
JOHN PYNCHON.
LINE OF 1713.
The Return* of the Riding Commission of the continuation of the parti-
tion line. West of the Connecticut river: Viz:
We the Subscribers: hei'cunto being appointed Commisioner's by the
respective Governments: That is to say, Samuel Partridge, John Pynchon,
and William Dudley, Esq; on the part of the province of Mas.sachusetts
Bay: And William Pitkin, & William Whiting Esq, on the part of the Col-
ony of Connecticut: for running, aud stating the line, between the said Gov-
ernments pursuant to an agreement, made the thirteenth of July, 1713, by
commissioners appointed by said Governments, for that end. We met at
Suffleld, the twenty fifth of May 1714. From thence, we proceeded to the
line, between the said Governments, which we brought up to Connecticut
River, in October last; & found the said line, to run ninety Rods, to the north-
ward, of the North East corner, of Suffield Bounds, at the River. From
thence : we continued the line west, nine degrees north, three miles, & Sixtj^
four Rods; at which place, the line intersected the north bounds of Suffield.
From thence, continuing the line, until it intersected the East Bounds of
Westfield: falling eight rods South, of a white Oak Tree, which is the cor-
ner, between Sj)ringfield, »t Sufiield being five miles from the great River.
We continued the line, to the west bounds of Westfield: being four miles, &
thirty eight rods, where Ave made a heap of slones, about a large stake, west-
ward of a l)nishy Hill, and eastward of a small swamj), about ten feet south
of a white Oak Tree. Upon thv north side of said tree, we made those let-
ters, _^: on the .south side CV: on the ea.st side, SI': I V: \VI>: and on llie
west side, W^: ^\W; from thence, we contiiuied llu- line, about a mile A; a
half, to the begining of the mountain where we made a heap of stones, on the
* State Records, Deeds, Patents, etc., vol. III., p. 44.
94 OUTLINE SKETCHES OF
top of a brushy Hill; about twelve rods, east of a little swamp; and from the
first mentioned heap of stones, we run a line south, nearest twenty eight
degrees west ; two miles & an half, & about forty rods ; where we made a heap
of stones, round a white Oak, being the south west corner of Westtield; on
the east side of a small run of water, & the west side of a little plain, & is
four miles west by the needle, from the south east corner of said Town.
From thence; we proceeded to the south Bounds of Sj'msbury; measured ten
miles north, & find the bounds of that Town, do not exceed ten miles, from
south to north. We made a large heap of stones, at the north east corner of
said Town of Symsbury;* as formerlj^ granted, and settled by the Colony of
Connecticut. In which heap, there is one great stone, raised on End, &
marked, '^P. on the north side, & C. on the south side thereof. From
thence : we proceeded to the place, where the line run by Mess Partridge, Par-
sons, & Porter, intersects Symsbury, east bounds, & measured two hundred,
& sixteen rods northward, in said bounds : and made a heap of stones, in a
swamp, about a small Dogwood Tree, for the corner bounds, between Wind-
sor, S: Suffield, twelve, or fourteen feet northward of a Button wood tree: &
then went to the top of the mountains, or Turkey Hills; there made a heap of
stones in the north bounds of Simsbury, about a mile, and a half from their
northeast corner. Then: went to the north end of Montgomery, or Mana-
tuck; where we set a large stake, in a meadow, for the west, or northwest
corner of Suffield; near a brook, in the line run for the south Bounds of West-
field; being two miles, & twelve rods, from the southeast corner of said
Town. From thence : runs south by west, over said mountain, four hundred,
& twelve rods, into the north bounds of Simsbury ; where, we made a heap of
stones, at the south end of said mountain, almost at the foot thereof ; for a
west, or southwest corner of Suffield. all which lines corners & boundaries
are set fourth, & described in the plat made by us: Mr. Nathaniel Burnham,
& Mr. John Chandler, surveyors on the other side thereof : We also find the
land lying to the south of the line, between the two Governments, in the town
of Springfield; to be two hundred, & eighty seven acres. And the whole
Town of Suffield, as now bounded, is twenty two thousand, one hundred &
seventj- two acres; being eight hundred & sixty eight acres, less than their
Grant of six miles square. — And in the Town of Westtield; Five thousand,
five hundred, & forty nine acres. In the whole Twentj- eight thousand &
eight acres: For which so much is to be allowed by the province of the ]Massa-
chusetts ; to the colony of Connecticut.
NATHANEIL BURNHAM. WILLIAM PITKIN.
JOHN CHANDLER. WILLIAM WHITING.
Surveyors.
SAMUEL PARTRIDGE
JOHN PYNCHON
WILLIAM DUDLEY
June 15th, 1714 Read, approved, & ordered to be added to the former
draught, & report, concurred by the Representatives, consented l:)y J. Dud-
ley.
A true copy. Attest. — JOHN AVERY Sec'y
*Now the N. E. corner of E. Granby, and distant fiom the S. E. corner of
Suffield by the Perambulation of 1734, U miles and 44 r(jds.— Vol. III., p. 68,
Conn. Col. Boundaries.
SUFFIELD HISTORY. 95
BOUNDARY LINES.
SOME FACTS ABOUT THE ADJUSTMENT OF LINES BETWEEN
MASSACHUSETTS AND CONNECTICUT.
To the Editor of the Courant :
The question is often asked, Why the unsightly notch in the state line at
Suffield and Granby is found upon the map? And whj^a tract of more than two
miles square, embracing a large part of the now popular " Southwick lakes,"
and apparently within CJounecticut boundaries, should belong to Massachu-
setts?
The history of this boundary line extends through a period of nearly 170
years, ending with the adjustment of 1803. For many years after the settle-
ment of the Connecticut valley, the boundary line between the Massachusetts
and Connecticut colonies was supposed to be several miles south from the
present state line; and Westfield and Suffield both, incorporated and settled
by the Massachusetts colony, were supposed to be within its borders, as well
as Enfield and Woodstock, east of the river.
Soon after the settlement of Suffield (A. D. 1670), disputes arose about
boundary lines between the border towns; and it was ascertained that the true
colonial line, instead of being south of Suffield, was north of it. The history
of negotiations between the colonies, and of the quarrels between the towns,
for many years, would fill a volume. The materials for such a history are
abundant in the printed and manuscript records of both colonies.
In 1713, a joint commission was appointed to adjust colonial and town lines.
This adjustment, made without the consent of the inhabitants, asserted that
all territory south of the true colony line, which had been settled by the Mas-
sachusetts government, should abide under its jurisdiction. Connecticut was
to have other lands as an equivalent therefor. The commissioners reported
that "south of the line between the two governments, in the town of Spring-
field (now Agawam), there was 287 acres; and in the whole town of Suffield
22,172 acres; and in the town of Westfield, 5,549 acres; in the whole west of
the Connecticut river, 28,008 acres; for which so much is to be alloiced by the
province of the Massachusetts to the colony of Connecticut."
The allowance was an equal amount of wild land among the mountains in
the eastern part of Hampshire county, mostly within the present towns of
Pelham, Belchertown. and Ware. This land was sold by auction, at Hart-
ford, in 171G, for the munificent sum of 2 cents 14 mills per acre; or the whole
for the sum of 683 pounds, 500 of which was given to Yale college.
By this adjustment of the colony line, all of Westfield, all of Suffield, En-
field, and Woodstock were retained by Massachusetts. This was a matter of
great grievance to the inhabitants of those towns from that time until they
were permitted to enjoy the "Charter Rights" of the Connecticut colony,
within whose boundaries they were.
They remained tributary to Massachusetts until 1749, Avhen, upon their peti-
tion for the liberties and privileges of the Connecticut colony and charter,
they were admitted thereto.
That part of Wesllleld south of the line had no inhabitants, and conse-
quently remained unih'r Massachusetts jurisdiction, no one dissenting. It
extended south of the line more tlian two miles, and laterally to tlie width of
the town, or about four miles, with the ponds dividing it "near the middle,
from north to south.
November 7th, 1770, Southwick was incorporated; and this tract was
embraced within that town.ship, entire, until 1803, when, by the adjustment
of tlie present state line, that part of it, easterly from the " ponds," extending
to the top of the mountain (Westfield's ancient cast boiuidary), was restored to
Connecticut. This embraced less llian one-balf the "Notch," and has since
been a part of Sufiield. It is understood thai the inhabitants living easterly
from the " ponds "desired to l)e annexed to Connecticut, for the greater con-
venience of transacting town business, etc., while those living westerly, for
similar reasons, desired to remain under Massachusetts jurisdiction; and tlic
wishes of both were respected. Whenever (he west-side inhabitants desire to
live iinder the flag of the state (o which their territory geographical]}' and prop-
erly belongs, they will prol)ably be assisted and permitted to do so.
13
96 OUTLINE SKETCHES.
The tract, or " Xotcli," as it now remains, is situated in the southwest cor-
ner of Southwick, Mass., and contains nearly 3,000 acres, about 500 acres of
it water, which composes, perhaps, five-sixths of the Southwick, or Con-
gamond lakes, than which there are few finer in New England. It is bounded
north on the true or Colony line of 1713-14, 2 miles and 10 rods; easterly on
Suffield, beginning 99 rods below the South Pond, and by the east shore of
the ponds, to the state line, and of course very irregular; south, partly on
Suffield 135 rods and 11 links, and partly on GVanby 697 rods and 11 links;
west on Granbj^ 2+ miles, 51 rods, and 9 links.
Westfield and Simsbury both were incorporated before Suffield, and were
permitted to retain their original boundaries in the settlement of 1713, while
Suffield was obliged to accept what remained between the two. This was a
strip of land bounded west on Simsbury (now Gran by), 412 rods in width at
the west end, extending east to the top of the mountain 2 miles and 12 rods.
This gave Suffleld's western extremity a more attenuated appearance upon the
map before 1803, than at present.
It may be of interest to some Suffield people to know that the true line
between it and Agawam is 90 rods northerly from the present bound-stone at
the river; thence it runs west, 9 degrees north, to the south bound-stone at
Rising's Notch, which stone is 8 rods south from Suffield's ancient northwest,
and Springfield's ancient southeast corner bound. As before stated, the
ancient north boundary line of Suffield Avas retained, and Connecticut received
compensation for 287 acres now in Agawam. The south bound-stone, at Eis-
ing's Notch, being in the true line, by the survey of 1713-14, was fixed upon
as a place of departure westward, in establishing the state line in 1803. This
may answer a question often asked, why there are two bound-stones, 8 rods
apart, in the state line at Rising's Notch.
Most of tlie ancient towns in Connecticut have been carved up, to form
ambitious new towns and boroughs; yet Suffield retains its ancient territory,
as fixed by the first judicial settlement, and has been enlarged by the addition
of about 2,500 acres, lying between the top of the mountain and the lakes, as
before described. H. S. SHELDON.
Suffield, Feb., 1881.
TOWN RECORDS.
97
TOWN RECORDS.
*^ A list of y® Names of y® Inhabitants of Suffield, who according to y" Pro-
vision made by y' Country Law, have Priviledge and Liberty of Voteing in
all Towne affaires:
Major John Pynchon:
Mr. John Younglove •
Lieut. Antho : Austin *
Ensigne Geo : Norton •
.7ohn Mighill Sen'
Timothy Palmer x
James Barker x
Tho : Parsons X
Judah Trumble X
Joseph Trumble x
Serj" Sam' Kent •
Tho: Remington Sen"" x
•John Burbank X
Isack Cakebread X
Edw" Allyn Sen'' X
Serj* John Pengilley X
W™ Brookes
Taken this 9'h of March 16|i
Victory Sikes
Tho: Cooper
Luke Hitchcock
John Barber Sen'
Obadia Miller.
James King •
Tho : Hanchet Sen' •
John Hanchet •
Tho Hucksley •
Launcelot Granger •
Serj» Joseph Harmon •
Hugh Roe •
Corporal Tho : Spencer •
Corp: Zerubbabel Ffyler
Timothy Hale •
James Rising •
Tho: Copley
A further continuation of y' names of Such as are Voters in Suffeild.f
David Winchill Abraham Dibble
Edmond Marshall Jonathan Winchill
Timothy Eastman
* This List of the voters at the tirst Town Meeting is recorded in Maj. Pyn-
chon's hand writing. The check marks indicate two Tickets for Selectmen,
who where voted for by ballot. High St. vs. Feather St.
Those chosen having . . . . ' . 16 votes.
Opposition . . . . . . . 10 "
Absent, or not voting, . . . . 8 "
Total, ......... 34
f This li.-^t is in anotlior hand writing and recorded at a later date.
98 TOWN ACTS
TOWI^ ACTS.
March the 9th, 16||: At a Genei'all Toicne Meeting in Suffeilcl: for y" choice
of needfull Officers: and to order matters of General! concernment for j' wel-
fare of y place ;
The Committee formerly impowered (& whose acts as they are recorded in
y" former p' of this Booke, stand good, & vallid; b}' order of y^ Genr" Court)
Being present (in order to their discharge, & so leaving the managing of all
y= affaires of y" Towne, henceforward, to y' Inhabitants hereoff, according to
Law) Have now (according to order of y^ last Gen"" Court, October 12th, 1681)
at this Legall and full Meeting of y* Inhabitants ; By their full and cleare vote,
& free choise of those who by Law are to act, made a Hopefull & quiet set-
tlement, as followeth.
By a full and cleare vote, it is agreed to have five Select Men j-earely, to order
y" affaires of this Towneship, & that they shall be chosen by Papers.* All
Persons that shall have liberty of Voteing, to write & give in y" Names
of those five p^sons they would have to be y' Select Men, & those 5 that have
y" most votes, to be y^ Select Men for y" yeare, being quallified as y' Law req".
Accordingly choise was made, and the Persons chosen who are y Select Men
for the year ensueing, are :
Lieu* Anthony Austin, Serj'» Sam' Kent,
Tho^ Remington Sen', John Barber Sen',
& Joseph Harmon.
Who are to take care of all things for y welfare & good of y" Towne, to
manage ct order all y" prudcutiall affaires thereoff, according to their best Dis-
cretion ; and to act in all resjiects according to y° Laws of this Collony for a
j'eare, till a new choise.
Lieu* Anthony Austin is chosen clarke for y' Towne, to write, and enter all
Towne acts, to Record Grants for Lands &c : to keepe y' Towne Booke faith
fully, & enter all things of a Generall nature : who is yearly to be put to vote
for continuance, as y' Towne sees cause.
Serj* John Pengilley&Thos Copley are chosen y* Surveyoursof all Highways
belonging to Suffeild, for y* yeare ensuing, to call & req' the Inhal)itants in
proportion to worke thereat, for making, repairing and amending thereof t, as
shall be needfull in their yeare.
f Sam' Marshfeild of Springfeild (who being p'sent consented Iheretoe) is
cho.sen measurer, for the Land to be laid out in Suffeild y yeare ensueing; and
p'ticularly to yffect all of old w'' he had taken in hand ; and to state or settle such
Highways as he is acquainted vf^, and what else of former Grants he can be
procured to doe; as also any new to be measured, and for other new Grants, or
what Sam' Marshfeild cannot effect ; Joseph Harmon is to doe, and is accord-
ingly chosen to & for y' worke.
Luke Hitchcock is chosen Sealer for Leather.
Agreed, & ordered : That y" first Tuesday in March yearely. Be the Generall
Towne Meeting, for choise of Select Men, & all needful Towne Officers, from
yeare to yeare, & that the present Constables .shall continue till y' day of new
Choise.
* Ballots. t See p. 24.
OP SUFFIELD. 99
Agreed, & ordered that y* selectmen doe choose one among themselves, &
agree before hand who shall be Moderator at any Towne Meeting; w"^'' man
shall p'pound matters, and manage, or order speech, & silence, & carry on all
y' affaires of that Meeting.
Voted to Invite M' Trowbridge for a Schoole Master to Teach Schoole in
Suffeild, and to allow him by rate from y" Inhaljitants, Ten Pounds pr annum,
for tive yeai'se, and what y' allowance for schollars according to Law shall
amount to besides.
The Grants of Alotmcnts, to Edward Griswold,* & Nathaniel Bancroft,* by
y^Comittee are continued to them ; p'vided : they come to a resolution about
their Settling thereon, by Michalstide next.f
Nov' y' 17"" 1682: At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffeild it was
agreed, & Voted, to receive some more as Inhabitants into the Towne ; & accord-
ingly at the same time was Granted to : —
James Stevenson, 40. acres.
Thomas Smith, 40. acres.
Jn» Hodge, 45. acres.
Lazarus Miller ("next his fathers), 20. acres.
Jn^Millington, 10. acres.
To M' Younglove a parcel of Land lying by Muddy Brook, an acre or two, or
thereabout, butting upon his owne Land for his benefit in running his fence
strait.
To Serj°' Kent, for his son Samuel ; a home-lot, next his owne, on the west
side of High Street; containing 12 Rod in breadth: provided he build upon it,
and fence it by next March come twelvemonth.
To Samuel Lane, an addition of 3 Rods Wide to his home lot.
To Thomas Hucksley, for his son:f a Lot of 12 Rod wide; on y West Side of
High Street, adjoyning to Lot of Sam" Kent Jun"'; provided he build upon it
and fense it, by March come twelve month.
March y" 6"' 1G;*|. At a Generall Towne Meeting in Suffeild; for the choice
of needfull officers, and to order matters of a generall concernment, for the
welfare of the place; accordingly choice was made, & The persons chosen
who are y° Select Men for y ensueingyeare, are:
Serj" Joseph Harmon
Serj" Samuel Kent
John Barber Sen'
Serj" Tho: Hucksley
Serj" Ju" Pengilly
Timothy Hale & Judah Trumble n\\ c-hosen Constables for this ensuing year.
Anthony Austin chosen Recorder for this year.
Jonathan Winchill, Samuel Taylor, Goodman Allin Sen' ,& Timothy Palmer,
are chosen Suvcyours of all Ilighwayes belonging to Suffeild, for the year
ensuing.
*Bolh of Windsor. Did not sdllc here
I The Record of Maj. Pyuchou's liand writing in liie " Old Book " ends here.
; Thomas, Jr., was then 14 years old.
96;j39j)4
100 TOWN ACTS
Good" Granger, chosen Measurer of Land, to be Lay'd out in Suffeild for
y year ensuing.
Jonathan Winchill, chosen Sealer of Leather for the year ensueing.
*It was agreed, & voted y' the standing prizes of corn for this Towne as it
shall pass from man to man, and for the defraying all publick charges, as
Rates &c; shall be as fdlloweth; Viz! Wheat at 4/^ perbushell; Ry at 3/^
pease at 3/', Indian Corn, at 2^/Q'^ per bushell.
That all our highways within the precincts of this Towne might be thor-
oughly made, and repayred : and everj' man do his due proportion of that
work; It was agreed, and Voted: that all the Highwayes belonging to the
Towne: The Countrey Rode excepted: should be divided into four squaderns :
and as equall a Division made as may be, both of the men, and wayes, accord-
ing to the discretion of the Select Men, or such as shall be appointed for that
service.
It was agreed and voted: That the South line, or Bounds of the Towne,
should be run the 7"" of this Instant, March : from end to end, as far as our line
goes, and the Land within the line, Layd out in second Division Lots for the
Inhabitants; & the men chosen to do it are these:
Serj'' Joseph Harmon, Rob' Old,
Jonathan Winchill, & John Hodge.
It was also Voted: that the bounds between Westfield, and us, should be run
as soon as the season will conveniently permit; and that the Select Men shall
appoint men to attend y' service.
It was agreed, and voted, and ordered: that Tow ne-dwellersonely, shall have
the priviledge of the Commons : but as for the Proprietors of Land in this Town-
ship yet: they shall have no priviledge at all of the Commons to dispose of, or
carry away any timber from off the same.
It was agreed, and Voted : That there should be no more Land granted out
to any stranger except such men appear as may be beneficial to y' Towne.
Granted to Rob' Old, by a cleare vote, a parcell of Landf lying below y
burying place, provided y" s* Old : lay downe as much of his great lot : as the
Select Men Avho are appointed by the Towne, to take a view of this parcell of
Land, shall judge meet : in Lieu of the same, & that such a part of Land be
Layed downe, as may be benificial to the Towne.
Granted to Timothy Estman by a full & cleare vote : That his Lot should
run out Eastward as far as Good" Remington's Gapp, and from thence upon a
strait line, over to the Highway, that leads to High street.
According to the vote of the Towne, Mch y' 6"" 16|| for running y' South line
or bounds of the Towne: the persons chosen attended y' service y" next day
follownig, w"*" was y" 7"" of March 16|| : and this is the returne which they made.
:): We run the South line, or bounds of the Towne, new marking of the trees,
which were formerly marked ; all along in the Range : till we came to the foot
of the Mountains: where there is a great black oak, marked on all four sides,
where the six miles ends : that was formerly run ; and from thence we run a
west line a mile and halfe: we marked severall Trees in y" line; as we went —
* The towns fixed the prices at which grain should be received in payment
of all private debts, town rates, ministers, and schoolmasters.
f This lot was bounded, east on the burial lot and of the same width, ex-
tending westerly far enough to contain four acres.
X See pp. 49, 59, 90, and 10.
OF SUFFIELD. 101
the line run at the lower end of Pickerele cove, about Sixty Rods west upon
y" plains, where we marked a white oak on two sides, East and North with (J.
I. L.) upon one of the spots, or markes. "We marked also severall trees foi'
alotm°" within our bounds, for after Decisions. This is a true account of
what we have done.*
The Select Men being mett together June y" 7"" 1683 viz! Serj Sam' Kent
Serj Jos: Harmon, Serj The: Hucksley, Serj Jn° Pengilley, John Barber Sen'
To consider of, and settle some highways: did y" conclude, order, and deter-
mine that the Highway from Spriukfeild bounds dowue allong by Goodman
Allins should run along where it now goes, slanting through Symon Gowins
Lot to the top of the Hill : four Rods wide, and y° all the f Land between it
and the River downe along to Goodman AUin Sen" House: thereto turne again
by his barne, and so along as his fence now goes, four Rods wide; and so
through Good" Cakebread's Lott, to Joseph Estman's tree by his hovill, and so
to a stake, & then to a stubb y' they marked and to runne four rods from Isaac
Cakebread's line out to the end of Joseph Eastman's Land, and then to turne
up by Isaac Cakebread's Lot in y' Lot y' was formerly ^Nicolas Rawlins: his
lot: to run the whole length of that lot twelve Rod wide, and then to run
up to the old road : and so to run along y" old Rode f oure rods wide till it comes
to Sprinkfeild or High-street rode; allso there is a drifft-way left between
Simon Gowiu's Lot, and Good"" Allin Sen' his Meddow Lot forever. Also the
Highway from Gowiu's Lot to Sprinkfeild Bounds is to be left twelve Rods
wide.
March y' 5"" 16ff: At a Generall Towne Meeting for the choice of needfull
officers to order matters of a generall concernment for y° wellfare of y" place ;
accordingly choice was made, and the persons chosen, who are the Select Men
for this persent yeare are— ( Dea Th° Hanchett Thomas Cooper
^ Serj John Pengilly Edward Allin Sen'
( Victory Sikes
--, . , 1 i James Barker.
Constables, j ^^ ^^^.^ Winchell.
Recorder, — Anthony Austin, y
Land Measurer, — Lancelot Granger. ]-
Sealer of Leather, — Samuel Lane. J-
Surveyors, Thomas Taylor, Jonathan Taylor, )
Joseph Trumble, Joseph Eastman. )
*The original grant of 1670 was six miles square. The act of 1674, estab-
lishing boundaries, extended the south line 7i miles due west from the bounds
at the Great River. The south line had been run six miles to the foot of the
mountain, and bounds set in 1672. (See p. 59.) By this report of 1683, the
former line wa.-. perambulated and extended 1| miles further west. The pre-
cise location of this line and its terminus west of the mountain cannot be de-
termined. At the River — it must have been near the present ferry — passing
near East Granby Center, thence west to " Pickerele Cove," which was proba-
bly some point on Salmon Brook. " Kittle Brook." by act of the Conn. Court,
in 1636, was the nortii l)ound of Windsor until 1671, when it was extended
two miles further. This extension covered a jjortion of the Sullield grant. In
1710 tiie Conn. Court stated the north boimd of Windsor "to be a line begin-
ning at the mouth of Stony Brook, running west by the needle five miles, into
tlie wilderness." This line was run and ditches made every eighty rods
throughout the line.
f A portion of this land upon the river bank has been taken by individuals
without right.
X Of Newl)erry, Mass. From him "Rawlins Brook " derived its name. He .
bought land there, abandoned it in King Philips War, and never returned.
102 TOWN ACTS
It was agreed, and voted: y Jonathan WinchiH' small Lot on y'' west side of
High Street should run back to Muddy Brooke its full breadth as it was first
stated by y*" Committee, the *bridge being now removed higher w"*" occasioned
y taking off a little corner at y* foot of y' bridge, for y" accommodating of
y same upon w""" condition y"' said Winchell doth lay downe to y" highway
againe y' halfe rod w'*" y' committee tooke out of y* highway & added to
y' side of his lot as a compensation for what they tooke from his lot at y' foote
of y' bridge.
It was agreed, and by a full and cleare vole determined, «fc concluded
y' y' old way or roade to and from Sprinktield, through Highe street, should
run where it alwaies hath, & now 'doth run, it being judged of all hands to be
y most feezable vt far less charge for y" Towne to maintaine.
It was agreed, and voted y' ever}' man shall have a convenient way to his
Land & y' no after grant shall hinder any man of y' priviledge.
By a full and clear vote Thomas Taylor was admitted as an Inhabitant into
y' Towne.
Agreed and voted to give Mr. f Tillton an invitation into Towne.
Agreed & Voted y' Jn" Barker sen' should have y' lot y' was formerlj' granted
to Luke Hitchcocke for his sonns.
At a Legall Meeting of y« Inhabitants of Suffield August y 24"' 1683. It
was y" agreed & voted to receive Quinton Stockwell as an Inhabitant into the
Towne, and accordingly was granted to him an alotment of forty acres for his
settlement. This act through some neglect of }'"■ Select Men mist its entry in
the due place, but j'et is a true act of the Towne.
At a Legall Meeting of y Inhabitants of Suffield April y 10"' 1684. 1^». It
was agreed, and Voted : for y future to make, and confirme those acts of the
Committe, tP^ge the 3'', in refference to the manner of defraying the public
charges, and time how long men shall settle upon their Land, before they shall
have any powre to sell, allianate, or dispose thereof; and this act to continue,
and stand in full force untill the Towne shall see cause to pass an act to the
contrary.
2''. It was agreed, & voted to fence in y burying place this yeare; and that
the charges about it shall be defrayed out of the " purchase money," §wliich is
due to the Towne.
3''. It was agreed & voted that Good"' Roe, Serj' Harmon & Jonathan
Winchell should settle j " bounds of y*" burying place, and allsoe the front range
of y* lots from David Winchils to y burying place.
4"''.^'. It was agreed, & voted to admit Obadiah Miller an Inhabitant into
the Towne and accordingly granted him the allot"" which was Lazarus Millers
provided: he paj' his brother Lazarus what shall be judged meet for thelabourc
he hath expended upon it.
* On the West Suffield road, over Muddy Brook.
+ Hon. Peter Tilton settled in Hadley.
J Sections 4 and 9, pp. 54, 55.
§This "purchase money," was due from settlers, for lands; the overplus
after Maj. Pynchon had received his pay, went into the Town Treasury to pay
Town charges. See p. 25.
OF SUPPIELD. 103
5"''y. It was agreed, & voted that Serj' Joseph Harmon, & Nathaniel his
brother, should take in some Land, on the north side of their lot; for conven-
ience of running their fence strait, provided: they lay downe as much Land on
the east end of their lot, in liew of what they take up (on y'= north side of their
lot) & if there be enough there y^ is at the east end, if not, y" on y west end
of their other lot, opposite against it.
6"''y. It was agreed, & voted y ' Serj"^ Joseph Harmon, & Jouath" Winchill,
should be in a readyness to run y" Line betwixt Westfield, and us, upon warn-
ing given by Westfield ; they being chosen by y" Towns for that service.
7"''>'. It was agreed, & voted to ratify to Good'" Copley y" sale of John Mil-
lingtous Land y^ s'^ Copley defraying all debts and dues, due from the said
Milliugton to the Towne.
8">'J. It was agreed, & voted, tliat y Select Men should settle a way of
twenty rod wide between* Swaimptield, ik feather street lots, and that y= re-
mainder of y' land which is not allready layed out shall be for a perpetual
common never to be lotted out to any man.
9"''>. The Towne taking into consideration y troubles y' arise by reason of
persons taking up Land without order from y Select men ; for y prevention
whereof for y future; it is agreed, & voted, That no person whatsoever y'
hath Land to take up, shall have any Laud measured out to them, except they
first get an order under the hands of y Select men; to y Measurer, signifying
their approbation of it; & what Laud shall l)e layed out contrary to tliis order,
shall become void and of none effect.
According to y act of y Towne, page y" 85"'; The Select men met togetlier,
April y 14"' '84, & settled y highway from High street to Springtield liounds,)
in manner as followeth: between Obadiah Millers home Lot, and Th(mias
Coopers home Lot, layed y way 12 rod wide, and y" we came to 8 rod wide,
and soe holding y ' bredth all y way through y lot with trees marked facing
to y highway until we come at Towseleys tree, & y" we marked out y" west
side of y higliway, as farr as James Stevenson's home-lot, which is to bear its
bredtii to Sprinkfield ])ounds, where it may be most convenient.
At a generall Towne meeting, March y 3'' 16|f for tlie choice of needfull
officers to order matters of a Generall concernment, for the welfare of this
place; accordingly, choice was made, and the persons chosen who are j"^ Se-
lect-men, constables, & other officers for tliis present yeare; are as followeth:
TENSION Norton,
Skkj. Kknt,
fueled Men. ' Skiu. 1I.\k.mon, ,
Thomas Rkminuton.
Ai'.KAii.vM Dir.iu-r...
<^^"*'"'^'^'''- /Timothy Palmku.
*A name given to the "little common" lying between Feather st. and the
Great River.
f Runs north from High st. through the North School District.
14
104 TOWN ACTS
Town Clerk — Anthony Austin.
Measurer of Land — Thomas Stevens.
Sealer of Leather — Samuel Lane.
Highway Surveyors — Quintou Stockwell, Nathaniel Harmon, Timothy East-
man, Samuel Kent, Jn'.
* Tytldng Men — Corp' Spencer, Ju" H anchett, Th" Copley, James King,
Timothy Eastman, Edmond Marshall.
Sizer, & Sealer for Weights & Measures — Victory Sikes.
f The Towne not being able to pay their money rate, did jointly agree, and
by a clear vote engaged themselves to David Winchell, Constable, for his lenity
stand, & fall with him, & bear y"* damage y' shall accrue to him there by.
It was agreed, & voted to give to Richard Woollworth about a quarter of an
acre of land for his convenience of building ; in y place where his house now
stands.
Granted to David Froo, by a full & clear vote, seven rod wide out of that
Highe-way which was left between James Taylor, and him ; on that side next
to his owue laud, and to be accounted as a part of his forty acre allotment.
It was agreed, & voted that all Lands Granted to persons in this plantation
shall be Recorded, and enrolled to them, and their heirs forever; y^ is to say;
such Lands as are yet to Record, & enroll, & for such as are already enrolled.
The Towne doth hereby declare, that they are soe granted, & doe by this act
ratifie, and confirme it to y"', & their heirs forever.
It was agreed, & voted : That if any able man, or men doe appear to erect,
and set up a saw-mill, and grist-mill, upon Stony river, for sawing, & grinding,
and to grind corn for the sixteenth part ; & sell the Towne for their use, boards
both pine, and oak at 3s. 6"^ per hundred; they soe doing; y" the Towne doth
Grant to him, or them all their right in the streames of Stony Brook, and Muddy
Brook, for y*use; and allso the liberty of y commons for cutting of Loggs,
but not at all to Damnitie y*^ :(: Major; provided: he come up to the same
tearms.
*Tything Men were first chosen in Suffleld in 1684. Their duties were vari-
ous, and it was deemed a \eYy important and responsible office. They were to
"inspect all licensed houses of entertainment and to inform of all disorders, or
misdemeanors committed in them, to present, and inform of all idle, & disord-
erly persons, prophane swearers, or cursers: sabbath breakers, and the like of-
fenders." They were called informers; and were much reverenced by the law
abiding, and much feared by the transgressor. Their insignia of office was ' ' a
black staff two feet long, tip't at one end, with brass about three inches; as a
badge of their office, to be provided by the select men at the charge of the
Town."
fThe inhabitants petitioned the General Court for relief; being poor and
importunate received the following answer :
In ans'' to the petitions of Springfield & Suffleld, being much of one tenno',
the Court having read & considered the contents thereofdoe judge that sundry
expressions therein doe deserve sharp reproofe : neverthelesse ; considering the
difficulty of procuring money in those places, doe order that the inhabitants of
the said townes of Springfield & Suffield, shall not be compelled to pay money,
provided that, in liew of their proportions to money rates, they doe pay their
rates in good merchantable corne, at one third partlesse price than is set in the
country rate, and deliver the same to the Treasurer, at Boston at their owne
charge; casualties of the seas excepted; and this order to continew uutill the
Gennerall Court take further order herein. Mass. Col. Rec, vol. 5, p. 483.
I Major Pj-nchon, see page 62.
OF RUFFIELD. 105
By a full, & cleare vote. Jonathan Winchill, David Wincliill, & Joseph
Harmon, were chosen to meet with y^ gentlemen of Westfield, y- 16"' of this
instant, March ; to run y** perambulation line.
At a Legal! Meeting of y Inhabitants of Suffield, Aprill y 6"', 1685.
1"'. It was agreed, & voted that y contract between J"" Scott Sen' ; & Oba-
diah Miller Sen', about their exchange of Land; should stand good, & vallid.
2"''. By a full, & clear vote: Ensigne George Norton, & J"" Barber Sen",
were chosen to treat with y" Major Fynchon in order to y procuring a * Deed
of sale of y Towncship, y' we purchased of him.
S'"y. Granted; by a full & clear vote unto Serj. Samuel Kent, liberty to
digg a fwell, about a rod & a halfe, or two rod without his front fence, in y<*
street, provided : he shall secure it at all times, from all damages, that may
come thereby.
4"''>'. Lancelot Granger, by a full, & clear vote was chosen Measurer of
Land, with Thomas Stevens, for this present yeare.
51111.V j^y ^ f^u ^ clear vote agreed to Give Serj. Thomas Hucksle}', if he
accejits of it (or to any other per.son if he refuse) for the digging of y Graves,
these prizes following; viz, : four shillings for grave for all growne persons, y^
is from sixteen years old, & upward: & two shillings sixpence per grave for
children, provided: he or they whoever undertakes it, shall dig all graves for
growne persons five foot deep, & for children, four foot deep.
gthiv Agreed, & voted: to begin the Meeting on y Sabbath at nine of the
clock in the morning, & at half an hour after one of y clock in the afternoone;
& that the Townsemen shall upon y towns cost procure a ladder; allsoe a red
flagg, to hang out for a signe ; that persons may know the time for assembling
together.
7thi,v Agreed, & voted : to give leave, or liberty to y proprietors in feather
street, and Highe Street, beginning at Goodman Dibbles lott, and soe upward,
taking in Mr. J"" Pynchons lot, to fence it in as a common field if they se
cause.
gthiy Agreed, and voted: to beat cost of buying a |new booke, for Record-
ing of their Land over again.
At a legall Towne meeting, Dec. y 25"', 1685.
1"'. Granted to David Winchill, three acres of Land, lying between M'.
Younglove, & Good"' Lawtons Land, & his owne home lot.
2'"'. Granted, to W"' Pritchard, four acres of Swamp iiaiul. lying on y'
east of, and joj'ning to, his owne Land, which he hath tai<en up, l)y the side
of y long hill, a little above y ^Deep Brooke.
3'">'. Granted, to Edward Smith ten acres of Lanil, adjoyning to ids otlur
twelve acres, wliich he hath taken up upon IRattlesnakc Brooke.
* Sec p. 51 for Deed.
f This well situate in front of Ihc Tnsliliite buildings still rcmidns, but was
fovennl a, few years since.
I This was not done. i^ Deep Brook is above Lovejoy Ferry — empties
into the Goimecticut River.
II " Rattlesnake Brook," takes its rise in Rattlesn.nke Swami>, runs along the
border of Hattlesiiaki^ {'lain, and crosses the Rattly Road in West Sullieid by
the Steam Grist Mill, lately erected.
106 TOWN ACTS
4"''>'. Granted, to John Hanchet, ten acres of Land adjoining to his own
meddow, upon Stony Brooke, provided: he make a dam & flow it, & in case
he alter his mind, and se not cause to flow it, then this Grant to be void, and
y Land return to y Town again.
5*'^. Granted, to Serj. Thomas Hucksley, ten acres of Land, adjoyning to
his meddow, upon the same conditions that J"" Hanchets ten acres were
granted to him.
6*'''^. Granted, to Thomas Granger, a parcell of Laud, being a part of the
lot granted to Lazarus Miller, & lying on y east side of the Highe-waj', that
leads to Sprinkfield.
7thiy Granted to Victorj'^ Sike.s, liberty to lay downe twenty eight acres of
land, which he hath already taken up, and to take it up again, either all, or
part upon the little plain, on y" west side of y *Saw-mill Brooke.
gthiv Agreed, and voted: that the purchase money should l)e payd, one
quarter part of it this year, in current. Merchantable Corn, and soe J'early un-
till the whole be pay'd.
9thiy_ Agreed, & voted, that y Town charges this yeare, should be paid out
of J'" purchase money.
10"''>. Agreed, and voted: that those persons who formerly had a grant of
ten acres of land apiece, upon y*^ plain, upon y" west side of Bushes Bridge,
to improve for y space of ten yeares, and then to lay it down againe for com-
mon ; shall now, if they see cause, take it up for Inheritance, and injoy it
forever.
March y' 23'', 16|4.
The Select-men. viz. Ensigne George Norton, Abraham Dibble, Serj. Sam'
Kent, Tho. Remmington, Serj. Jo* Harmon, being met together, took a view of
y north line of the Highway; which line is the south bounds of Abraham
Dibbles lot,| between High street, and the rear of feather Street Lots, a liun-
dred rod from y Street, and we doe conclude, and agree, that the liounds
which the Committee chosen by the County Co" have set, be the north bounds
of the highway; and the south bounds of Abraham Dibbles Lot, a strait line,
one hundred rod from the front, to a Wallnut tree, marked by the Committee.
At a meeting of y= Select men, April y<" G"' 1685, we Layed out the Highe
way. on the South side of Thomas Copleys ifHome Lot, & joyning to it, eight
rods wide from y' street, to Stouey Brooke, and soe Southward eight rod wide
along by the Brooke, to Good'" Severans Home Lot, and soe to pass over the
Brooke eight rods wide.S
At a Legall meeting of y Inhabitants of Southfield, Aprill y 5th, 1086: for
y choise of needfull officers, 'to order matters of geuerall concernment for y*
welfare of this place; accordingly, choice was made &y men chosen for y"
ensuing yeare arc as followeth.
Select Men — Abraham Dibble, Serj. Samu' Kent, David AViuchill, Serj. J""
Pengilly, Anthony Austin.
* S. Branch of 3-mile Brook.
•)• Now W'". L. Loomis' Homestead.
X Now Martin J. Sheldon's Homestead.
§Here was a ford a few rods south of the present bridge. In 1715 a
bridge was completed there. Its cost was 11 pounds 10 shillings.
OF SUFFIELD. 107
Constables — J"" : Eastman, Jonath : Winchill.
Recorder — Anthony Austin.
Land Measurer — Launcelot Granger.
Leather Sealer — Sam' Lane.
Sizer & Sealer of xi^eigMs <£• measures — Victory Sikes.
Surveyors — J"* Harmon, J"" Hancliet, .ludah Trumble, Timothy Eastman.
Fence Viewers — Tho: Copley, The: Hancliet, Ed: Allen, Hen', Edward
Smith, Sen'.
TytMng J/ew— Sam' Kent J'", J"" Allen, W'" Pritchet, Nath' Harmon, Sam'
Bush, Jno: Scott, Sen'.
At Legall meeting of y Inhabitants Jiuie y 18th, '86: It was agreed, & voted,
y' all necessary charges expended about y*' Widow Jeffries at present, unlill we
have opportunity to address ourselves to authority, for further advice about
her; shall be defrayed out of y" Town Stock. It was allsoe then agreed, &
voted, y^ every proprietor that is now resident, & accounted as a Settled In-
habitant in this Towne; should have an addition of twenty acres of Land
apiece, as part of their Second Diiusion* to be layed out in a conmion field, or
common fields; as shall be judged meet, *fc least prejudicial! to y' commons.
There was alsoe for y stating, or setling of this Division according to this
order, a Committee of eight men chosen, viz: Edmund Marshall, Judah Trum-
ble, J"* Harmon, Corp' Spencer, David Winchill, Launcelot Granger, J" "
Pengilly, Jonathan Taylor, who are desired to take y first convenient season to
officiate in, & perfect this Division according to order, we say y first conven-
ient season; our meaning is, between this, and y last day of November next;
that, soe men if they please, may have time before them to make improvi^nient.
At a Legal Town meeting June y 20"', 1686: It was agreed, & voted: that
if any person, or persons now Inhabitant in Suffeild, shall take y pains to
jange about y comrnons, & take a view of y damages sustained by Windsor,
or other Strangers, in falling, and working up our Timber, & carrying it away;
he, or they, for their pains in soe doing, shall have all y Timber they finde soe
fallen, & wrought u\) within our bounds; to dis{)ose of for their owne use, ct
benifit.
1 '. At a legall meeting of y Inhabitants, December y 22'"' 1680. It wa.s
agreed & voted: to raise all rates (for y defraying of all publique charges), as
formerly, according to mens Grants, & according to y act of }"■ committee,
entered in page y 3'', of this booke.
2'fiy Agreed, & b^' a full A: clear vote: made choice of Mr. Marshall, Serj.
J"" Harmon, and Jonath: Winchill, to renew, or run y South line, or bounds
of this plantation, from y Great Kiv(;r, to y utmost l)ounds thereof Westward,
& tiiey are desired, & doe ])roniise to enter upon that service to morrow, wliicli
will be y 23' of this Instant, f
3'"> It was agreed by a full, iV: clear vote; choice made of Mr. Mar.shall,
David Winchill, & Jonath: Taylor, to be in readiness wlicu Westfield shall
call, to run, & settle y line % betweenc y'" & us ; and alsoe lo give y'" full power
*Tliis plan of a 2d Division was not adopted.
I No report is recorded.
iThe Westfield line was settled in 1703, see p.
108 TOWN ACTS
in y« behalfe of y* Towne, to agree with Good"" Thomas, or Mr. Marshfield to
go along with y"\ & to be helpfull to y"' in this business. It was allsoe agreed,
that if either of these men should by Gods Providence, or some urgent busi-
ness intervening; be incapacitated for this service; y" 3^'' other two shall have
full power ti> make choice of a tbird man to joyne with y"'.
4ti,iy By a clear vote Good"' Sikes was chosen to read, & set y psame on y
Sabbath day.*
5thiy jBy a, clear vote, Serj» Hucksly was chosen to keep a publique house
for entertainment.
At a Generall meeting of y Inhaliitants of Suffield ; March y 1^*, 16||, for
the choice of needfull officers, to order matters of a general concernment for y^
welfare of this place, accordingly choice was made, and the men chosen for the
ensuing year are as followeth.
Selert Men — Edmond Marshall, John ]\Iighel Seu% Serj' Thomas Huckslej',
David Winchill, Timothy Palmer.
Constables — Thomas Copley, "William Pritchet.
liewrdei- — Anthony Austin.
Land Measurers — Lancelot Granger & Judali Trumble.
Sealer of leailier — Samuel Lane.
Sizer & sealer of weights & Measures — Victory Sikes.
Sirrrci/ors (The old ones or the men chosen in '8(j) Jo- Harmon, John Hanchet,
Judah Trumble, Timothy Eastman.
1*'. It was agreed. & voted; y' any person, or persons which have formerly
obtained Grants of Land in this plantation : either from y committee, or Towne,
shall see cause to throw up all, or a part of theire Grants soe obtained: for the
prevention of trouble that may be occasioned thereby; he, or they, shall in
some convenient season, before y' rates be made for y*" yeare in which they re-
sign it up, or return it to y Towne; come and declare their purpose, at a Le-
gall Towne meeting; and in this way, and noe other; shall any mans resigna-
tion of Land be accounted Legall & authentic.
2'. Agreed, & by a clear vote made choice of John Mighell Se"^ & Jonath"
Winchill Sen', to treat with Collonell Pynchon, in y' Towns behalf about y'
Mills.
3''. It was agreed, and voted; to employ David Winchill, «fc Judah Trumble
to goe upon Discovery of what meddow there is beyond the mountains, and to
make a return to the Towne, of w' number of acres they shall Judge there is;
in order to an equall Division thereof among the proprietors.
4"'. By a full & clear vote; granted to Quintan Stockwell, three or four
acres of Swamp Land, joyning to his meadow, for y conveniency of fencing
it.
* After the minister had read the psalm, or hymn (owing probablv to the
scarcity of books), it was custom for the Deacon, or the person appointed, to
read the first line, and lead the singing, "set y' psanf," which would be read
and sung line by line thoughout in this manner. The practice of lining the
psalm was continued here until 1781.
t See p. 34.
OP SUPPIELD. 109
HIGHWAY TO Y= MEDDOWS.
Layed out y highe-way to y" meddows 4 rod wide; beginning at Bushes
Bridge,* and soe running westward on y" south side of y" pine plain field, untill
it come to the west end of it, & then y" way to goe upon y° common, where it
is most convenient. The proprietors of y field engaging to make, and main-
tain a sufficient Bridge, at all times, over the valley, or gully lying against Ben-
jamin Dibbles lot; for the use of y Towne, and this during the time, or soe
long as tliose proprietors sliall hold, or make use of that field.
By, Thomas Hucksley,
David Winchill,
Timothy Palmer.
Select Men.
f For the more regular, and orderly beginning of Town Meetings, at a Legall
Town meeting of the Inhabitants of Sufiield, it was agreed & voted that for
the future; fifteen of the Inhabitants, with the Major part of the Select Men,
who shall be accounted a part of that number; shall have full power, to begin,
carry on, and manage the meeting, and all their acts to stand good and vallid,
provided : that all acts past before the time of the day at which the meeting-
was warn'd to begin, shall be accounted illegall, and invallid.
At a Legall meeting of y Inhabitants of Sufiield ; Jan" y= 20"', 1687 ; it was
agreed, and voted : to allow C-'olonel Pynchon the twelveth part of all grain for
his tole, provided: his honor doe engage to errect, or build a substantial Grist-
Mill for y" use of y" Towne, with a Sufficient house over it for the securing of
mens corn ; and to keep it in good repaire from time to time, except some Provi-
dence of God put in a barr for a season.
SuPFiELD, Jan. y« 3o"' 1687.
In answer to this vote of y" Towne now sent mee, I intend by Gods assist-
ance : to build a sufficient corn mill for y« accommodation of y* Towne, with
a sufficient house &c. as above expres'. Those w"'' have engaged perform-
ing according to y ILst sent me of help in work, with others that have told me
the}' will alsoe contribute, soe full}' as not to be behind their neighl)Ours; all
w'' I tliankfully accept, and sliall as speedily as I can agree w"' workmen,
carry on, and indc-avor to effect all for yo'' Ijetter, and more comfortable ac-
commodation.
.lonx PvNcrroN.
SECOND DIVISION.
At a Legall Towne inceting, March y« 6"' 168 j : It was agreed and voted;
that every present proprietor in tliis plantation, should have an addition of ten
* Near the Homesteads of George Fuller, and Joseph Leonard.
f This order was repealed Jaii^ 1*2, IfiSlJ.
110 TOWN ACTS
acres for twenty, and soe equivalent for greater Lots, as a *Second Division;
if their pleasures be to take it up, and that the Wood, and Timber of this
Second Division, shall be free for any of the Inhabitants, to make use of; un-
til! such time as men shall fence it in.
Granted to Jonathan Winchill 4 acres of Land at the East end of his Med-
dow, and adjoj'iiing to it.
Granted, to Thomas Copley : six or ten acres of Laud, at the slows com-
monly called the dirt}' f.slowe, and Lying between his owne Land, and Zerubba-
bel ffjiers.
JAt a Geuerall Towne Meeting of y" Inhabitants of Suffield, May y* 21'',
1688; For the choice of needfull officers to order matters of a General Con-
cernment for the wellfare of this place; accordingly choice was made, and the
men chosen for this Ensuing yeare, are as followeth :
Select Men. — Abraham Dybell, Serg'. Thomas Hucksley, J"° Mighell, Joseph
Eastman, Samuel Lane, Timothy Palmer.
Constables. — Rob* Old, Samuel Kent.
Commissioner. % — Anthony Austin.
Recorder. — Samuel Lane.
Measurers of , Land. — Jacob Adams, David Winchill, Judah Trumble.
Sealer of Leatlier. — Jonathan Winchill.
Sizer and Sealer of Weights and Measures. — Quintan Stockwell.
1st. At y* same Town meeting, it was agreed, and voted: to choose six
men j^early, for Selectmen, Townsmen, or Overseers.
3*">. It was agreed, and voted for to impower y Selectmen, Townsmen,
or Overseers of the Towne for to lay out, and reserve for the encouragement
of a minister, one liuntlred acres of Land in the Commons, where i\\ey shall
judge it most convenient.
At a I^egall Towne meeting, June y 2S"', 1(589: for the choice of necessary-
officers, for the ordering the prudentiall affaires of this place; accordingly,
choice was made, and the persons chosen for this ensuing yeare, are a"s
followeth :
Select Men. — David Winchill, Corp' Tho. Spencer, Joseph Eastman, Anthony
Austin, Quintan Stockwell, Judah Trumble.
Constables. — Serj' J"" Pengilly, J"" Kent.
Recorder. — Anthony Austin.
Surveyors. — Thomas Copley, Jonath. Taylor, Edward Smith, W'" Prichet.
Land Measurers. — Jacob Adams, David Winchill.
Sealer Leatlier. — Jonath" Winchill.
Sizer and Sealer of Weights and Measures. — Quintan Stockwell.
* This required about 3,129 acres, and was mostly laid out and recorded bj^
David Winchell and his son Joseph. It was taken in small lots in all parts of
the undivided common. East of the Mountain.
f South of Stony Brook, between South st. and Windsor Locks Roads.
X All town meetings except the annual for the election of Town Officers,
were forbidden at this date, under the ride of Edraond Andross, to prevent the
people from consulting measures to redress their wrongs. It will be seen that
no others were held in Suffield until Andross was deposed. The first special
meeting being that of April 18, 1690. See Trumbull's Hist, of Conn., Vol. 1.
§ The Commissioner acting with the Select Men, were the Town Assessors.
OP SUPPIELD. Ill
March y* 4"', 16f § : At a generall Town Meeting of y'' Inhabitants of Suffield,
for choice of necessary officers to order the prudentiall affaires of this place ; ac-
cording!}' choice was made, and tlie persons chosen for this ensuing yeare, are
as followeth.
Selectmen. — Anthouj^ Austin, SerJ Tho. Hucksley, Tho. Remtningtou, Ed-
ward Allen, Sen'', John Mighell, Sen".
Recorder. — Anthony Austin.
Constables. — Jacob Adams, Xathaniel Harmon.
Surveyors. — Thos. Copley, "Walter Halladaj-.
Land measurers. — David Winchill, Jacob Adams.
Sealer of LeatJier. — Jacob Adams.
Sizer & sealer of weiyhts & measures. — Victory Sikes.
Fence meioers. — Victory Sikes, Edward Smith, Joseph Harmon, Peter Roe.
Haward. — Robert Old, Sen'.
Jacob Adams proposes to the Towne for the exchange of y' part of y" lot y'
was Simon Gowins, which lyes between y'' rear, and y" higheway.
At a legall meeting of y" Inhabitants of Suffield April y= 18"' 1690: It was
proposed th', and by a clear vote carried, to petition to this Co'''° to be holden
at Northampton y° 23'' of this instant ; against * Mr. John Youugloves preaching
any longer amongst us.
Agreed, aod voted: y' }"- order of y" Towne respecting hoggs going free in
y<^ commons, without yoakes, and rings; shall be, and is now repealed and j"
Lawes of y common-wealth to be executed.
April v" 23'', 1690: Thei«e being great damage sustained within this Towne
by swine; not only in cornfields, meadows, and pastures; but alsoe in the com-
mons:— For the prevention whereof, it is therefore ordered: that after the
publication hereof, that all swine going upon the commons, shall be sufficiently
yoaked, and ring'd from the twentieth of March, to the twentieth of October;
and for the prevention of Dam-age being done, b}' Swiues rooting in meddows,
and pastures, both Jjefore fences are made up, and fields enclosed: and after y
fields are broken, it is ordered that all swiue going at liberty shall be sufficiently
ring'd the yeare round; — and if notwithstanding this order, any man shall pre-
sume to let his swiue goe on the commons without yoakes, and rings; it shall
be lawfull for any man to impound all such swine, provided: that no man
shall iniiiouud them any where J)ut in the common poimd erected by y" Towne
for y^ end. And tlic owners of such swine .shall upon demand or otherwise as
they shall agree; pa}' to the person that impounds Ihem i"* per head for all
such swiue, as often as they iire impounded, and in case of refusal!, by Warrant
from the Select-men to y" Constable; all such forfeitures sliall be taken Ity dis-
tress; and delivered to tlie person that impounded the Swine. And if any man
taking Swine doing him damage in his Cornfields, meadows, pastures, being
sufficiently yoalvt and ring'd according to this order, and shall eitlier by dog-
ging y'", or any other cruell usage, maime, or kill tlieir neighbors swiue, they
* See PI). 16, 84.
15
112 TOWN ACTS
shall not only loose ail their owne damage; but pay double to the owner, for
all such damage done them in their swine.
And further considering that this order being dulj'^ executed, though it may
be a good expedient for the prevention of Damage done by Swine ; yet without
some further prudent care be taken, it is not likely, some man being soe exceed-
ing remiss, and careless about their fences; that the end aimed at will be
thereby attained. It is therefore ordered : that all cornfields, pastures, & in-
closiers, shall be inclosed with a sufficient five raile fence, or that w^hich is
equivalent thereunto, and shall be soe judged by the fence viewers, and that
all fences, where damage maj' be sustained in corn, or mowing ground, by cat-
tels treading, or feeding, shall yearly be set up, and sufficiently repaired
against y« greater cattell by y« 10"" of March; and against lesser cattell, and
Swine by the tenth of Aprill ; and that the fence viewers chosen by the Town
for that Service, shall yearly; within two daies after the Severall times prefixt;
(especially if complaint be made to them) take a view of the fences; and where
they find any defective fence for x*" first time only; to give notice to the owner,
or owners of such defective fence; setting y'" a time for the repairation thereof,
signifying to them withall, that if it be not done within, or at y" time set; they
must expect j° severity of y" order following:
It is alsoe ordered that y" fine to be layed upon y' delinquent for deflective
fence, shall be four pence per length, or six pence per rod, which after y first
time y overseers shall exact of y' delinquent, and kef p a true account of ; and
once in y" yeare return it to y" Selectmen, y number of lengths, or rods to-
gether ; with y« names of ye delinquents, who shall issue their warrant.to y"
Constable, to gather such fines ; the one half whereof, shall be the fee of the
fence viewers ; y" other half for y« Townes use ; and if after due notice given
by y* fence viewers, any man shall refuse, or neglect to repaire his fence :
when y^ fence viewers shall themselves, or by hiring men, repaire such fence ;
and y« owner of y" fence, shall pay y'" double for their paines.
Whereas :* there has been great disorder in our Towne by reason of men's
unseasonable comming to, or wholly absenting themselves from Towne
meetings ; wiiereby much precious time hath been spent unprofitably ; many
uncomfortable Debates have been occasioned ; for the prevention whereof for
the future ; it is therefore ordered : that when anj^ Towne Meeting is orderly
warned, that is the persons spoke to, or order left at the house where they
dwell, by the Select-Men, or any other man ; That the Town shall hereafter
appoint for that worke ; or any neighbour which either he, or thej' shall
desire to do that kindness for y'". If any person soe warned shall come unsea-
sonably to, or wholly absent himselfe from such meetings ; he shidl paj'
for unseasonable appeai'ance. Six pence ; for being whoUj^ absent, half a
Crowne : except some extraordinary business, or eminent Providence put in a
barr ; and that it shall be allwaies in the power of the Select-Men, either to
mittigate, or wholly to relinquishe this fine, if thej^ shall see just ground soe to
doe. And all such fines from time to time, and at all times, to be added to y"
delinquents ToAvn rate in y^ yeare in which they commit their trespass.
It is ordered that where sundry persons shall agree to ly in a common field
together, and cattel, or swine shall be taken doing damage in s'' field, by reason
of deffective fence ; the owner, or owners of such fence, being legallj' con-
victed thereof, shall pay all Damages.
* Reaffirmed in a town meeting Dec. IG, 1700.
OF SUFFIELD. 113
At a Legall Town meeting Decern''. 1690 : Granted to Rob*. Old * a strip of
land lying against y front of his owne land, beginning at j" South east corner
of y" burying place, and soe running a slant, till it come to nothing ; at y"
South east corner of his front.
At a Legall Towne meeting Feby^ 12th '9f . It Avas agreed, and voted ; y*
the Severall Summes which were given, and annexed to men's names being
deducted out of the bill of Towne Charges : that it shall be a finall issue of all
debates about the ministers f house, and for the future. Lovingly, and Joyntly
to carry on that worke ; and that all charges which is the Townes duty to de-
fray, in, and about the same ; shall be defrayed by way of Rate upon the
whole Towne ; all other votes to y" Contrary Notwithstanding.
It was agreed, and voted : to pay halfe of Mr. Phillips, his rate, this instant
Feb.
It was allsoe agreed, to make a rate of £60 : — £30 for Mr. Emerson, X £30
for M'^ Yoanglove ; and Levie it upon the whole Towne. Jacob Adams only
Decents from the Towne acts ; Mr. Phillips, his rate only, excepted. me7n.
This vote to be tried once more by a more full assembly, for j^eople's better
satisfaction.
At a Legall Towne Meeting March y" S'' 16f^ for y" choice of necessary
officers to order y^ prudential affaires of this Towne, accordingly ; choice was
made, and y« persons chosen as followeth, viz. :
Selectmen — Serj. Joseph Harmon, Victory Sikes, Serj. David Winchill,
Jonatli" Winchill, Jonath" Taylor.
Recorder. — Anthony Austin.
Constables. — Peter Roe, Edward Smith.
Surveyors. — Tho: Copley. Walter Holladay.
Ldnd measurers. — David Winchill, Jacob Adams.
Fence viewers. — Quintan Stockwell, W'" Prichet, Tho: Granger, Samuel
Kent.
Sealer of leather. — Jacob Adams.
■ Sizer & .fealer of weights t6 measures. — Victory Sikes.
1"'. At this general Towne meeting, granted to James King liberty to
improve an acre or two of the School Lot,§ during the Townes pleasure, or
till the Towne shall have occasion to make use of it.
2"''. Victory Sikes at this generall meeting proposed to y° Towne, for y«
remainder of Lazarus Millers Lot, for an allotmept for Jonathan Bagg.
* See liis grant, p. 70.
f An cH'ort had been made to build a dwelling house by suljscription for
the 2(1 minister when one should be obtained.
X Probably John, of Salem, and perhaps the first school master. See Sav-
age Gen., Vol. ii.
^The scliool lot, like the ministry land, was leased for a long term of
years, and a sum of money paid, which was loaned by the town — taking
notes and mortgages therefor. These were called the School Bonds, and the
I)orrower i)ai(l interest, which was used for the supjjort of schools luitil 1856.
The School Lot is now occupied under the lease by Ebeuezer Pease. Sec
page 56.
114 TOWN ACTS
1"'. At a Legall meeting Aprill y' Cth '91, it was agreed, and voted: to com-
plaine to y° Cor*« at Springfield ; of "Westfield incroaching upon us, and soe to
have a triall for the setling of our Towne bounds, betwixt us, and them.
2'"'. It was at this meeting agreed, and voted, to improve Joseph Eastman
to goe up to Hadley, to interceed with the Worshipfull Mr. Tillton;* to man-
age a petition in the Townes behalfe at the General Cor'-'; the Towne at
present being low, and not soe capable of doing of it y'selves.
1'''. At a Legal Towne meeting Aprill y 17lh. T)l : It was then agreed, and
voted to finishe the Clapboarding of the Ministers House, f to board and
shingle the roofe, to digg and stone up the cellar; and to underpine the house
this summer, in order whereunto; by a clear vote the Selectmen were Chosen,
and impowered as a Committee, to manage this business, and to Carry on the
worke according to the Towne Vote: either by imploying men by the day, or
letting it out to workmen by the great, according as they shall judge it most
convenient, and advantageous for the Towne; and likeliest for the more speedy
accomplishing the intended designe. They arc alsoe impowered if they shall
se it convenient, and likely to be accomplished; to implo}^ and agree with
men for the making, and burning the l)ricks for the chimneys this summer.
2"'!. At this meeting the act passed Feb. y"^ 12"* '90 for y" inaking of a 60£
rate, 30£ for Mr. Emerson;:}: and 30£ for Mrs. Younglove; and to levy it on y«
whole Towne, which was entred in y* other side of this leafe, page 95, with a
memoranda in y^ margent, was ratif j'ed, and confirmed by a Cleare vote.
At a Legall Towne meeting Sep' y" 18"*, 1691, It was then, agreed, and voted;
to renew our call, to Mr. George Phillips, § another yeai'e, upon further triall,
and to give him fifty pounds for his salary, one quarter part in wheate; the
rest in porke, pease, ry, Indian corn, and flax.
At a Legall Towne meeting December y 15"*' 1G91 : It was agreed, and voted :
to imploy ]\Ir. Phillips in y'' work of y® ministry, for halfe a j^eare longer.
At a general Towne meeting for the choice of officers, March the 1''169^:
to order the prudentiall affaires of this Towne ; accordingly choice was made and
the persons chosen are as followeth.
Select men. — Serj. Joseph Harmon, Scrj. John Pengilly, Serj. David Win-
chill, Thomas Remmington, John Hanchet.
Constables. — Thomas Smith, J"" Mighell Sen'.
Eecorde?'. — Anthony Austin.
* Hon. Peter Tilton was first at Windsor, Conn. Removed to Hadle_y, 1660,
and held important Town and Colonial trusts. His daughter Mary, married
Joseph Eastman of Suffield. See p. 102.
fThe " Minister's House," begun in 1691, was finished in 1698.
i See preceding page.
§ He preached here about eighteen months, ending about July 1, 1692. He
was settled soon after at Brookhaven, where he was minister forty-two years.
OF SUFFIELD. 115
I
Land meamrer. — David Wincliill.
Sealer of leather. — Jacol) Adams.
Surveyor. — Rob' Old.
Sizer & sealer of weigMs & measures. — Victory Bikes.
Fence viewers — Natli' Harmon, Timothy Palmer, Victory Sikes, Sam' Kent.
At this meeting, Goodman Allin gave notice to y'" Towne, tliat he did resigne
up 2 of the Lots which he hath liitherto payd rates for; unto their proper
owners, it desires the Towne to take notice of it.
At a legall Town meeting May y" 2'^ 1692: 1*'. It was agreed, and voted:
for the future to raise all rates for the defraying of Towne charges, the one
halfe upon first Grants, the other halfe upon heads and stock; and for this
halfe rate for Mr. Phillips, which is now to be made; to rate stock, and heads
at y« Countrj^ prizes.
2''. It was agreed, and voted : that all y" Rateable Inhabitants of this Town
shall faithfully give in a list of their .stocks and heads by y" 10"' of this inst
May: to some of y^ Select-men; and if any man shall willfully neglect to
bring in a true List as aforesaid, by y'' time prefixt: he shall forfeit for such
neglect, upon Conviction, twenty shillings for y" use of the Towne; to be
taken by distress, by Avarrant from y® Select men.
S"*. It was agreed and voted: y' Thomas Smith* should have full liberty to
peele barke, on y"^ Commons, for the iise of his Trade.
At a Legall meeting of y>= Inhabitants of Suffield July y 8"' 1692: It was
agi-eed, and voted: to make our application to y" Reverrend Mr Solomon
Stoddard, f Mr Edward Taylor, :t Mr Samuel Mather, § & Mr Daniel Brewer; ||
Being destitute of a minister, for their advice, and Councill; who they shall
judge may be a likely, and sutable person to dispence the word of God to us;
and after our long, and bitterly to be lamented differences, to be a repairer, and
healer of our breaches; and instrumental to unite us, and bring us againe into
one: and in order thereunto have made Choice of Serj' David Winchill to
acquaint these Gentlemen with the Townes desin; therein r which we desire to
be done with all Speed; (he business being of (^reat weighl, and importance.
And further the Towne doth promise by Gods assistance; to follow the advice
of these Gen"men herein until! we are Supplied. They alsoe made Choice of
.Tonath: Taylor fb be in readiness for to goc for the Gentleman, which these
Gentlemen shall pitch, or agree upon.
At a Legall Towne meeting Octo'' y"^ 7"' '92: by a cleare vote; the Towne
made choice of, and imjiowered thaire trusty freinds; Ensigne John Pcngilly,
and Serj David Winchill, to goe to the Bay"! foJ" n. minister, and to ask in y"
ToAvnes behalfe for some easement of the Countrev rate.
* Thomas Smith was a tanner. See p. 41.
I Of Northampton.
X Of Westfield.
^Of Windsor.
If Of Springtield.
•[Boston, iu Massachusetts Bay.
116 TOWN ACTS
At a Legall Towne Meeting fEeb y 13"' 169f : it was agreed, and voted: to
give y® Reverrend Mr Stephen Mix a call, to come and dispence the things of
God amongst us, and to give him sixty pounds a year, and his fire-wood, for
his salary.
IIIGHAVAY.
June y" 30"' 1691.
We layed out a Towne high way,* on y" north side of James Taylors 10
acres, and the north side of David Froos home lot that he bought of James
Stephenson, bounded by two black oaks, one of either side of the way, (near
the road that leads to Springfield,) four rods wide, and soe going westward
over a small brooke, where wee marked a swamji white oak, on the northward
side of the higheway; and an Elmne, on the south, soe passing on west to a
stake, and stone on the North ; and a Stubed Bushe on y« south, near Froes
house; still -passing on westward, untill it meet with the new beaten road, that
leads over Bushes Bridge; six rod wide, adjoining to the front of the ten
acre Lots.
Jonathan Winchill,
Davjd Winchill,
Victory Sikes,
Jonathan Taylor,
Joseph Harmon.
Granted by the Committee to Timotliy. and Joseph Eastman, 10 acres of
meddow, five apiece, lying upon Stony Brooke ; but by reason of an oversight,
not being entred in its due time, and place; the Committee gave order to
myselfe to enter it, which accordingly I have done, Sep' 1690:
At a generall Towne Meeting Mar:y®-7"' 169f: for the choice of needfull
officers, to order the prudential affaires for the welfare of this place; accord-
ingly, choice was made, and the persons Chosen for this present yeare, are as
f olloweth :
Select Men. — Cap' George Norton, Corp' Edward Allen, Corp' Timotliy
Palmer, Corp' Victory Sikes, William Pritchet.
Commissioner. — Ensign John Pengilly.
Towne Clarke. — Anthony Austin.
Constables. — James King, & Thomas Stevens.
Surveyors. — Jonath" Taj'lor, Sam" Kent, David Winchill.
Tything Men. — John Hanchet, Thomas Copley, Thomas Remmington.
Fence vieicers. — Serj Hackslej', J"" Kent, Edward Smith, R^-hard Austin.
Land measurer. — Jacob Adams.
Sealer Leather. — Jacob Adams.
Sizer & sealer of weiglits & measures. — Victory Sikes.
At this generall meeting it was agreed and voted; to send Sei'j David Win
chill, and Anthony Austin Jun', to accompany up Mr. Mixf from New Haven,
to our Towne.
*Now the north highway, leading westerly from Crooked Lane, by the
dwelling house of Jonathan E. Sikes.
fMr. Stephen Mix came to Sufficld, remaining but a short time. He was
settled at Wethersfield the next year, and continued there forty-four years,
and until his death, Aug. 2S, 1738. He was son of Thomas Mix of New
Haven, and a graduate of Harvard College.
OP suffjeld, IIT
At a Legall Towne Meeting, March y" 27'" 1693 : it was agreed, and unani-
mously voted, to renew our Call, or invitation to Mr Stephen Mix for his con-
tinuance, or settlement amongst us, in the worke of the ministry ; and for his
encouragement thereunto, they have aS unanimously agreed, and voted; to give
him for inheritance, the house, together with the land it stands upon; which
by grant is twenty acres; and to make up that twenty acres, eighty acres in
out Land; as good, and as convenient, as they can. And for his salary, to give
him sixty pound per Annum, and his tier wood. It was allsoe agreed, and
voted; that besides what the Towne hath allready agreed to doe, toward the
finishing of this house, as appears in page the 96 of this Booke; they will alsoe
build the chimneys and fill the Avails.
The Towne of Suffield ; alltho they are not such a number of freeholders, and
other persons qualified according to Charter, as that they are enjoined by Law,
to send a Representative, to serve at the Generall Assembly;* yet having a
liberty by Law, to send one if they saw good. They having a case of con-
cernment to manage at said Assembly; judged it meet to send a f Representa-
tive for that Sessions; but he being now returned home again, the Towne be-
ing legally met together, July y« 3'' 1693, and considering the state of the
Towne, that they are poor, and not able to beare the charges of sending a Rep-
resentative, and paying him for his time ; have agreed to discharge, or free
their Representative from that service, and to ly at the mercy of the honoura-
ble Assembly; hoping they will consider our poor, and low condition; and not
take advantage against us, soe as to Impose anj^ fine upon us.
The Reverend Mr. Nathaniel Clap,:^ having according to his promise accom-
plished his visit, and given us some taste of his labours to the good liking, and
great satisfaction of all, both old, and j'^ouug; and now being upon a return,
Therefore, the Inhal)itants of Suffield being legallj^ met together, August y*
21"', 1693, did unanimously, and with one consent agree, and vote, to manifest
to the Reverend Mr. Nathaniel Claj) their sincere, and hearty desire of his re-
turne to them againe for continuance, and settlement amongst them; in the
worke of the ministr}'; promising by God's assistance, to carry towards him, in
all respects becoming christians; and to submit themselves to him as their
Minister, according to the rules of y« gospell. i^nd for his encouragement
thereunto; it was also agreed, and voted : to give him for his Salary at the
present, sixty pounds per Annum, in provision pay; at y*" prise currant; and
to finde him his tire wood yearly. And as it shall please God to increase our
numl)er, and bless us in our estates; to add thereunto. It was allsoe agreed,
and voted ; that if it should please God to incline the heart of Mr. Clap, to a ■
* A Town iiaving 30 qualilied voters miglit send a representative, if it de-
sired. A Town having 40 voters was recjuired to sejid one, and pay him :>
shillings per day while upiin the journey to and from Boston, and while in
session.
•j- Capt. George Norton, who was tlie first Representative from Sufiield.
^Mr. Clap prcaclied here about 18 montlis. He tlieii settled at Newport,
R. I., 1695, remaining there during his lifetime. He was a man of great
ability, and died unmarried in 1745, in tlie 78Mi year of Ills age. (Allen.)
118 TOWN ACTS
complyance with their motion, and attendance on their call, soe 'as to returne,
settle, and spend his dayes amongst them, in j" worke of the ministry: then
to give him for inheritance as followeth, viz: A Dwelling house with a porch;
the House containing about forty and two foot in length; twenty foot in
breadth, and fourteen foot between Joynts; and to clapboard, shingle, under-
pin, fill the walls, digg, and stone a cellar, under one roome of said house ;
and to build a stack of chimneys. This house, together with the lot it stands
on, containing twenty acres more or less, eight whereof is within fence ; about
four acres broken up, and about two acres planted to an orchard, and to make
up this twenty acres, one hundred, in as convenient a place as they can.
It was allsoe then agreed, and voted, to use their utmost endeavour, to pro-
cure a School-master, to teach children, and youth, to read, write, & cypher.
At a Legall Town Meeting, May y^ 17'\ 1693:— By a full, and clear vote;
Anthony Austin, John Pengilly, and David AVinchill, were chosen as a Com-
mittee, for the procuring of a Minister, & to officiate therein untill a minister
be procured upon the place ; in order to a settlement, who are to act in this
affaire, by advise of the Counsell Chosen by the Towne for y"^ end, as ap-
pears by the Record,* page y 97: of this Booke.
2'"*. It was agreed, and voted: to waite sometime longer, to see whether it
may please the Lord yet to incline hisf heart toward us.
3''. By a cleare vote, Jonathan Winchill, John Kent, it Quintan Stockwell,
were Chosen as a Committee, to agree with, and imploy men to carry on the
worke, until it Ije compleated; which the Towne hath engaged themselves in*
about the Ministers hou.se, as appears by Record:}: page y 96^'' of this Booke.
4"'. It was agreed, and voted; that the money which Mr. Mix returned to
his brother Pantrys, for the Townes u.se, should he delivered by the Select-
men, to the committee, chosen to procure a Minister, and to be kept in their
hands for Mr. Mix, if he returns to us again: if not, then to be laved out to
defray the charges of procuring another ]Minister.
At a Legall meeting of y* Inhabitants of Suffield, October y" 5''' 1693 : It was
agreed, and voted; that as an addition to the former Towne order, in refference
to the more orderl}" assembling of the Inhabitants at Towne meetings, as in
page 95 § of this Booke: That, all such persons who are now resident in the
Towne, and are allowed now by Law to vote in Towne affairs, being duly, and
orderly warned to anj' Towne meeting, and .shall either refuse, or neglect to
attend such meetings, besides the fines already imposed upon such delinquents,
as in page afore said; they shall loose their Votes, and that all acts past by such
as shall orderly attend: shall stand good, and Vallid without any Violation, or
Interruption by such Delinquents.
1^'. At a Legall Towne meeting: Oct. y« 20"", 1693: It was agreed, and vo-
ted : to make a second address to Mr Clap.
*Seep. 115. ^See p. 114.
fRev-i. Nathaniel Clap. §See p. 112.
OP SUFFIELD. 119
2°'^. It was agreed to finish the Ministers house; soe that it might be com-
fortable for a minister to live in, by this time twelve months.
3"^. It was agreed, and voted: to give Mr. Clap for his Salary , Sixty pounds
per annum in Money, Wheat, pork, pease, and Indian Corn ; an equall propor-
tion of each, or any grain as he Shall Stand in need of; and that if Mr. Clap
shall please to accept of these propositions; that there shall be some man, or
men chosen yearly to collect, or gather his Salary : so that he shall be at no
trouble to get it in.
4ihiy David Winchill, and John Hanchet, were chosen to make this Second
address to M'' Clap.
] . At a Legall meeting of the Inhabitants December y^ 1"' '93, John Hanchet
and Anthony Austin were chosen collectors for this year, to gather, and take
care of Mr Claps Salary.
3. It was agreed, and voted ; that for the raising the Ministers Rale, and
Towne rate, at present, to lay one halfe upon Grants, the other halfe, one Quar-
ter upon Heads, the other Quarter upon Stock.
3''. It was agreed to rate all creatures, from one yeare old, and upward.
4"^. It was agreed, and voted; that flax, and all sorts of provision shall be
accounted Towne pay.
At a Legall Meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield; Jan y« 23'', 169|: It was
agreed, and voted; to set up a free School, for the education of children, and
youth. It was further agreed, and voted, to give 30£ per annum, for the in-
couragement of a Schooll Master.
Allsoe, by a clear vote ; Anthony Austin Sen'' was chosen to be Schooll mas-
ter at present, and to allow him for his Salary as before exprest, in flax, and
provision, according to the Towne order; and allsoe it was agreed, and voted,
y' y« school * .should be kept, in the most convenient place, in Highe Street.
At a Legall Meeting of the Inhabitants of SufBeld Feb y" 19'^ 169J: It was
then agreed, and voted, that there being severall persons holding land in this
plantation, who are behinde of their Rates, both to the Ministrey & Towne,
neglecting, or refuseing to pay y^ same, that y" constables shall take the Land
of these persons by distress for s'^ Rates, & deliver the same to y" Towne, who
shall pay the Rates, and possess y" Land, except y" owners redeem it, by mak-
ing payment both of the l{ates, and charges contracted througli their neglect,
or refusall.
2. At the same meeting R()l)ert Old by a clearc vote was chosen to goe
downc to the Bay to Mannage our Business there, in refference to our f Rates,
to get y"^ off if possible.
At a Generall Towne Meeting March y" 6"' 169J for y choise of ueedfuU of-
ficers to order y" prudentiall affairs for the wellfare of this place: accordingly
choise was made, &the persons chosen for this ensueing yeare are as followeth. '
* At this time no school hou.se had been built. Schools were kept in private
dwellings.
tSouilirtcldV War Tax in Hi94 was £24. ;Js. Vol. 1, Province Laws, Page
179. The .same vear Soutliticld was taxed £12, to pay Colony debts. Idem.
P. 187. Written'" Southfield," in the "Laws," until l"702.
16
120 TOWN ACTS
Select ilferi— Anthony Austin, Serj.Wincbill, Ensigne Pengilly, Serj. Harmon,
Thomas Remmington.
Towne Clarke — Anthony Austin.
Constable — Serj Hucksley.
Commissioner — John Hanchet.
Surveyors. — Jonath. Winchill, Benom^ Banes.
Fence Viewers. — Xathaniel Harmon, Jn" Remington, Sam' Granger, Anthony
Austin.
Sizer & Sealer of Weights & Measures. — Victory Sikes.
Sealer of Leather. — Jacob Adams.
Tything Men. — Joseph Segars, Jonath. Tailor, Samuel Kent.
Measurer of Land. — Serj. Winchill.
At this gennerall Meeting it was agreed and voted : To choose but one con-
stable for this yeare.
At a Legall Meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield Aprill y 17"^ 1694: Robert
Old bj' a full and cleare vote, was chosen to be the Towne's Agent to manage
their case in reffereuce to their Rates, at the Generall Assembly Maj^ the 30*
next ensuing the Date hereof.
* Pursuant imto the advice of the Reverend Elders: viz: M'' Edward Tailor,
and M'' Samuel Mather, on a daj^ of humiliation, March y 20"' 169| (to implore
heavens direction, and guidance, in a weighty and momentous motion, in order
to our embodying together in a Church way, and making some proposals to the
Rev"^ M'' Nathaniel Clap.) After evening praj'er, it was again Xotified to the
ToAvne, what our serious thoughts had been, and what our intentions, and pur-
poses were; might it please the Lord to make way for us, and their concurance
therein with us desired, and accordingly by a clear, full, and unanimous vote,
the Towne did mannefest their sinceere, and united desires, that soe good a
worke might be promoted, and carryed on in the place, and that the Reverrend
Mr Clap would be pleased to condescend to be our head and leader in this
motion, and y' this by the Townsmen should be signifj-ed to Mr Clap to be
their sinceer and earnest desires.
At a Legall Meeting of y Inhabitants of Suffield Jan y« 14* 169i : By a full
and clear vote, six men were chosen: Viz: Capt. Norton, Ensigne Pengilly,
Corporal! Sikes, Serj. Winchill, Jonathan Winchill, W" Pritchett: to take into
their hands the whole care of finishing the Ministers House, and to see j-.' it be
seasonably effected; The Towne engaging to pay y™ for all their cost and
trouble, in and about y' same, which accordingly they accepted.
* This record .shows how closely ecclesiastical and Town affairs were blended.
The first part recites the acts of persons who were organized, or embodied to
transact ecclesiastical business, apart from that of the town. The last part
contains the answer of the Town, concurring with those who were in a "church
way." The subject of embodying a church is not afterward alluded to.
This concurrence was but a formality, enacted l)y tlie same persons who
were "in a church way;" and who controlled l)oth the secular and ecclesiasti-
cal concerns of the town.
OF SUFFIELD. 121
At a Logall Towne Meeting Feby y" 7"^ 169i : It was imauimously agreed
and Voted; the first opportunity offering itself, to make our address to Mr
Clap, signifying to him our unanimous and sinceere desire of liis returne to U3
again, in order to his settlement amongst us in the work of the ministry.
At a Genneral Towne Meeting March j" 5"' 1694: for the choise of needfull
OflScers to order the prudentiall affaires for the wellfair of this place, accord-
ingly choise was made, and the persons chosen for the ensueing year are as
followeth.
Select Men. — Victory Sikes, Jonath: Tailor, James King, Th": Granger, and
John Kent.
Constable. — Th" Copley.
Towne Clarke. — Anthony Austin.
Land measurer. — David Winchill.
Sealer of Leather. — Jacob Adams.
Sizer & Sealer of Weights & Measures. — Victory Sikes.
Surveigliors of highewayes. — Quintan StockAvell, Edward Smitf, Rob' Old.
Fence Viewers. — Joseph Segar, W'° Pritchet, George Granger, Jn° Remming-
ton.
Tithing Men.—T\\" Smith, Edw' Allyn Sen^
Towne Treasu''. — * Joseph Harmon.
At a Legall Towne Meeting March y" lo"' 1694: Agreed with Capt Norton,
and Richard Austin, to make all the Windowes for the Ministers House, at
eighteen Pence per Light, and the. towne to pay them for the same, in pro-
vision, and flax, according to the towne order by way of rate the next winter,
which worke they engage to doe, in a quarter of a years time after the date
hereof: and if need require to finish one roome sooner. They doe engage that
the windowes for it, shall be ready seasonably.
Agreed allsoe withe Good"^ Sikes to lay all the floors, make all the doors,
stairs, and partitions belonging to this house, in all respects compleat, and
workmanlike; the towne finding all boards, nailes, and necessary Timber, and
bringing them in place seasonably, and fit for service; and allsoe hookes, and
hinges for the doors, and giving him sixteen pounds in pay, according to the
towne order, (which is provision and flax,) by way of Rate the next Spring;
then he doth engage to have all this worke, in all respects, compleatly fini.shed
by the last of March, Ninety Six; and one roome if need be, as soone as
boards, and other mat^erials are provided.
It was Allsoe agreed that the Selectmen should procure, :md agree with a
workeman to build y" chymueys for this House. Jonath: Tailor engaged 1000
of boards, Corp' Allyn engaged 500 of Boards, Ensigne Pengilly, & Joseph
Harmon engages to procure all tlic nailes for the finishing of tiie ministers
Hou.sc.
It was agreed & voted, to have but foure tunnels in this stack of Chimneys.
* He was tlic first Town Treasurer, and served until 1709.
122 TOWN ACTS
THE TOWNE'S VOTE FOR ENCOURAGEMENT OE MR. BEN-
JAMIN RUGGLES.
It having pleased God in his Providence to encline the heart of Mr. Ben-
jamin Ruggles * to come and give us a visit : soe that we for some sabbaths
past, have had a tast of his labours, and proof of his abilities, and accom-
plishment for the work of the ministrej'; to the good likeing, satisfaction, and
content of us his Auditours.
We therefore, the Inhabitants of Suffield, being legally warned, and orderly-
convened or assembled together, this first of Avigust 1675 have joj^ntly and
unanimously agreed, and by a full and clear vote manefcsted the same, to give
Mr. Benjamin Ruggles a call to return, and dispence the things of god to us,
and that in order to his continuance, and settlement amongst us, in due time,
may it please the Lord to encline his heart to embrace the same. And for
incouragement to his embracing of this our motion, and as a compensation at
present for his labours amongst us in the worke of the ministrey. The Towne
hath agreed as(^olloweth, viz:
To give him for his Salary sixty pounds per Annum, one quarter part in-
Currant Silver monej", the other three quarters in provision pa3^ all good and
merchantable, and at price currant amongst us: and to tinde him his fier-wood
yearly, or otherwise if it seem good to Mr. Ruggles, and it be more pleasing,
and satisfactory to him, to make his salary seventy pounds per Annum, and
to pay it all in provision in manner as before exprest, and allsoe to finde his
fier-wood yearly. Thus for the present, and as it shall please god to increase
our Number, and Bless us in our Estates, and Mr. Ruggles, his need requires;
to add to his Salary, Soe that he may not onelj' have a comfortable, but an
honoiu'able maintenance amongst us.
And if it shall please the Lord to encline the heart of Mr. Ruggles to a
complyance with this our motion, Soe as to returne, Settle, and Spend his
dayes amongst us in the worke of the ministrey: then to give him for inher-
itance, to him, and his heirs forever, as followeth, viz : That Dwelling house
allready errected for the encouragement of a minister, well finished, together
with the Lot it stands upon, containing twenty acres, more or less: eight acres
whereof is fenced in, about four broken vip, and about two of it planted for
an orchyard, f and to make up this twenty acres, one hundred acres in as con-
venient a place as we can.
At this Legall meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield Augu.st the 1*', 1695:
The Towne did againe renew^ and confirm the vote, in refference to the setting
up, and Maintaining of a Schopll for the education of children, and youth,
which was past Jannuary y' 23<^, 169f : as is entred in the hundredth page of
* Benjamin Ruggles was a Harvard Graduate at the age of 17. He came to
Suflield in the summer of 1695: at the age of 19. He probably preached here
but little before 1697. He married in i696; and remained here from some
time in July 1697, until his death. He was settled here April 26, 1698: O. S.
and died Sept 5"' 1708, about 32 j^ears of age.
f The apple orchard was a valuable acquisition to an}' farm house. The cider
was boiled for molasses and the apples used for sauce, for puddings, for dry-
ing, etc. But little cider was made. There were then no cider mills, and to
make cider, the apples were pounded in troughs. But little cider brand}' was
made in New England before 1750. (Judd's Hadley.)
OF SUFFIELD. 123
thisBooke: But not in the same way or method there prefixt: but in some
other more equall, and Just way, as may hereafter be agreed on by the Inliab-
itants, and which may be more satisfactory to the whole.
The Inhabitants of Sufheld being Leagally Convened August y" 23'': 1695:
It was tlien agreed, fully and clearly voted in answere to Mr. Ruggles*his
propositions : to concur with him as to the digging of his sons well ; and allsoe
it was agreed to cut, make, and bring him home six load of hay, for the space
of four j^ears, in which time we hope he may be in a better Way to supply
himself.
At a Legall meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield December y" 16"' 1695: It
was agreed and voted, to put up a f Canopy, or Sounding board over the pulpit.
Secondly, the request of Ensigne Pengilly, and Corporall Allyn in refference
to their wives being thick of hearing, was Granted: that is, that they should
have liberty to make them a Seat before, or just under the pulpit. Somewhat
higher than other seats, for the better accomodating of them to hear the word
dispensed.
TIlirdl3^ Goodman I^ing was chosen Repairer.
At a Leagall meeting of the Inhabitants of SufReld, Jannuary y« 27"'16f4: it
was agreed and voted, to imploy Goodman Old in building the chimneys for
the ministers house. And accordingly said Old did then promise, and cove-
nant to, and with the Towne, to build a stack of chimneys in .said house, with
five tunnels; and to carry it up from the bottome of the cellar: which chim-
neys, he the said Old doth engage to build, accoixling to his best art. and
skill in all respects substantiall : compleat. and workman like, and to finishe
the same by the middle of May next Ensuing the Date hereof. On the other
part the Towne did then promise, and covenant to, and with said Old, seasona-
bly to find, all materials for building said chimneys, as clay, stone, brick, lime,
litter, mantle trees, and y^ like together with sufficient attendance whilst in,
and about said worke. And as a compensation, or reward for his labour; to
give him four acres and a halfe of upland, upon the edge of the plain, beyond
Joshua Wells, and Benjamin Dibble their lots, where said Old shall appoint;
provided he come not upon, or marr any former Grant of Land thereby, And
allsoe to break up this Land for him, as soon as he, said Old shall have Stub'd,
and clear'd y same, fit for the plow to goe.
At a General Towne meeting March y« S"" 16|| For the choice of needfull of-
ficers to order the prudentiall affaires for the welfare of this place; accordingly:
choice was made, and the persons cliosen for the ensuing j'ear are as followeth:
Select Men — Anthony Austin S"'"', Joseph Harmon, John P^'ugilly, David
Winchill, Nathaniel Harmon.
*Mr. John Ruggles conducted the negotiations for his son.
f Tills structun; over the i)reaclu'r aiul puli)it, projected .several feet from the
wall without any apparent support. The children gazed upon It with wonder,
that the tiiUig that resembled a huge colfee pot cover, should lemalii In mid-
air; and trembled with fear, lest it should drop upon the uncovered liead
below. The cnnojij' had a place In the fleeting IIou.se here until 1835, when
noxious Innovation removed the old church edifice, and with it, tlie canopy
departed forever.
124 TOWN ACTS
Recorder or Town Clerk — Anthony Austin Senior.
Constable — Quintan Stockwell.
Land Measurer — David Winchill.
Scaler of Leather — Jacob Adams.
Sizer, & Sealer for Weights & Pleasures — Victory Sikes.
SurveigJiors of wayes — Samuel Granger, Rob' Old, Ed: Smith.
Fence Vieioers — Joseph Segars, George Granger, William Pritchet, J"" Rem-
mington.
Towne Treasurer — Joseph Harmon.
* Tything Men — Samuel Kent, John Kent.
At this General Towne meeting, it was agreed and voted; to give 20'* per
annum, for the incouragement of a school-master; to be raised in manner as
f olloweth, viz : 12'* pounds to be Levyed bj^ way of Rate, upon the whole Towne ;
the other eight pounds, to make up this twelve pounds twenty, to raise it on
the Schollars; from the age of six years, to the age of twelve j-ears, and if any
send children under six, or above twelve years Of age; they are to pay by the
weeke, as other Schollars doe; onely the people on the South side of Stoney
River, their children are exempted from payment; beoiiuse by reason of the
length, and badness of the way; especiallj' the River; it is not likely they should
make that advantage of the School, which others may; but in case they doe send
any ; then to pay as others Schollers doe.
At a Legall meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield Jan. the 14"^ 1691 ;• the
towne made choice o^ Anthony Austin, J"° Pengillj', David Winchill, J"" Han-
chet, and Jonathan Tailor: to compound, or agree with Goodman Old; what
his compensation should be; for his two journeys downe to the Bay, about
Towne business; which according!}- they did, the same day, and the returne
which they made to the towne, is as followeth:
The agreement which we have made with Good'" Old in the Townes behalfe,
and if the towne please to concur in it, and accept of it; is as followeth: The
whole summs which Good"' Old demands for his owne time, and horse, to-
gether with money which he expended in the townes Service in his two jour-
neys down to the Bay, f is thirteen pounds, nineteen shillings, and six pence;
But we have thus agreed; that the towne allowing him seven pounds fifteen
shillings in the towne Rate, and ten acres of land at the South end of the great
Swamp, on the north end, and westerly side of the :|:Round hill; he therewith-
all rests satisf^^ed, as Just compensation for his time, and other expenses ; and
what money he hath allready received of the towne, is to be deducted out of.
this seven pounds fifteen shillings; and if any man shall see cause to pay his
*This vote being written in a loose paper and delivered to Good™ Old and
he keeping it underhand it mist its being entered in just the proper place of
it. Old Book. p. 104.
fThe inhabitants were poor, and with diflBculty paid the town rates. The
mission of Robert Old was successful. In 1G98, the accumulated Province
taxes of "Southfield" amounting to £328. 4s. 9d. were "abated, remitted, and
forgiven" bv an act of the General Court. Prov. laws. Vol. I, p. 341, and
Suff. Doc. Ilist., pp. 115-117, 119, 120.
X This Hill was on disputed Territory, and situate in the N. E. corner of
ancient Sinisbury, now in East Granbv.
OF SUPFIELD. 125
proportion in money; he is to be allowed double in pay. This agreement was
read severall times to the towne, and then put to vote; which past on the
affirmative.
ANTHONY AUSTIN, aarke.
1. At a Legall meeting of the Inhabitants March y<^ 31"', 1696: It was
agreed, and voted; to Levy a money rate; amounting to the summe of six
pounds, and to assess the Inhabitants in Just proportion for the raising of the
same. And this for the procuring of glass, and other necessaries for the fin-
ishing of the ministers house.
2. At this meeting: it was agreed, and voted, to separate all the Rames from
the Ewes; and to keep them asunder, from y" 15* of July; to y 15"' of No-
vember: And that all present having Rames doe take notice of, and duely at-
tend this order; that the end aimed at be not frustrated, but attained; and that
upon such penalty, as the Select men shall hereafter order to be inflicted upon
the delinquent.
3. At this meeting Rob* Old Junr. proposed to the Towne for a home-lott,
where he can find it not layd out, or really prejudiciall to other Lots.
4. At this meeting Corporall Edward Allyn publiquely declared; that all
charges y' should hereafter arise, as due to the Towne from Edward Allyn
Jun"" his grant of Land, or allottment in this Towne; he should take care to
defray it, and that the Towne should soe farr take notice of this Declaration,
as to exact it of him; and free his son of any such burthen, or intanglement.
5. The Towne at theire Generall meeting, March the 3'' ; having made choise
of Anthony Austin Sen', to be their Schooll master for this present yeare; and
to allow him twenty pounds for his salary, and soe left it with him for some-
time toTconsider of ; and then to returne an answer to the Towne, which ac-
cordingly S"^ Austin at this meeting March y« 3P' 1696: in complyance with
the Towne's desire; returned his answer to the towne, in manner, and form as
followeth: Friends and Neighbours! although in my consideration of y^ late
motion to me; I have found a great reluctancy, and aversatiou in my Spirit to
take such an imploy upon me; there being so many things discouraging in the
way, yet; by the earnest importunity of some friends, and the consideration of
what good I might possibl}' doe, in such a way to children, and youth; hath
moved me soe farr to a complyance; that if the Towne shall truely and faith-
fully performe their engagement in paying their twenty pounds; soe as that it
may turn to advantage for the paying of my purchase; and set me free from
paying anything to this School rate; upon those terms I doe accept, so farr as
to make experiment for one yeare; or more properly for this ensuing year; and
to begin my years service, the first of May next; which proposals the Towne
accepted of, and engaged to performe.
1. At a Legall nieeling of the Inhabitants, Jan:y''12"' lOO;,': it was by a
full. and cleare vote concluded to alter the way of rating; in which we have
lately gone, to raise our rates; and for tlie future to rai.'ic them according to
the method of the Couutrey and County; on polls, improved Land, and other
rateal)le estate.
126 TOWN ACTS
2. It was agreed, and voted; to vallue our improved land, one with another,
good and bad; for the raising of our taxes; at five shillings per acre.
3. It was agreed, and voted: to build Mrs. Ruggles a pew at the South end
of y« pulpit.
4. By a clear vote, Goodman Adams, and Jn° Kent, were chosen to take
the List of mens Estates; and to bring y"" in to the Selectmen.
5. The young men being put by, their design of building a gallerie, in the
place where they had designed to build it ; they were by a full, and clear vote
allowed to build it at the north end of the Meeting house, and upon their non-
acceptance, or refusal! soe to doe; any other were allowed the same liberty
that would.
At a Gennerall Towne meeting March y« 2"'*, 169f, for the choice of needfull
officers to order the prudentiall affaires for y« welfare of this place ; accordingly
choice was made, & the persons chosen for this ensueing year as followeth:
Select Men. — Thomas Remmington, J'"'. Hanchet, Jonathan Tajior, Jonathan
Winchill, Jacob Adams.
Towne Clark — Anthony Austin Sen^
Constable — Victory Sikes.
Land Measurer — David Winchill.
Sealer of Leather — Jacob Adams.
Clark of the Market — Victory Sikes.
Surveiglwrs of Higliicaeys — Walter Holladay, Serj. Tho. nuxlej% James
King Sen'.
Tything Men — Ensigne Pengilly, Tho. Copley Sen^
Town Treasurer — Serj. Joseph Harmon.
Fencs Viewers — J"". Remmington, Richard Austin, William AUin, George
Norton.
Serj. David Winchill, J"". Kent, and Tho: Smith were chosen Assess'* for
this present yeare, and sworne to the faithful! discharge of their trust.
1^*. Granted: to Jonathan Winchill Sen', a lot of 12 rods wide, above Good™
Towseleys, on y* East side of the highway, or above Good"' Stockwells on
the West side of y" highway, if there be any free in either of the places.
2<^'>'. Granted to Serj. Joseph Hai-mon 8: or 10: acres of Land, lying part on
the North Side, and part on y" East end of his great Lot in Old street.
3'-'. At this Gennerall Towne meeting ]\Iarch y« 2'', 16^^/ : It was agreed and
voted to prohibit Collonel Pjmchou, or any other of the owners of the *Saw-
mill (now errected upon Stony river, or such as may be owners of any other
Saw-mill y' may hereafter be errected within this Township, or any other per-
son, or persons whatsoever, that may cut, and cart timber to said mill, or
mills,) from cutting any Timber upon any man's Grant, or propriety of Land,
foi'ever hereafter: and that upon the penalt}' in the Law, for felling, and car-
rying away of prohibited trees, or timber.
4ihiy k j jt -^-ag agreed, and voted, to send forth Serj. Joseph Harmon, Nath-
aniel Harmon, Jonathan Winchell Sen'', and Robert Old Sen', with Collonel
* The first saw-mill was on the present site of the Franklin paper mill. See
p. 21.
f This summary order soon resulted in violence within the disputed tract.
See vol. iv. Conn. Col. Rec, pp. 301, 491.
OF SUFFIELD. 127
P3'nchon's Avarrant to seiz and bring away any of our Windsor neighbors,
which they shall finde within our Towne-bounds, carrjing away timber, or
preparing timber for carrying away.
S'y. *It was agreed, and voted, that if any person shall finde swine doing
Damage in any Cornfield, meddow, or inclosier, where the fences are sub-
stantially set up, according to the Towne order, and shall be so accounted in the
judgement of the Fence viewers, after notice given thereof to the owners, all
such swine shall be accounted unruly creatures, and shall immediately be
yok'd and ring'd according to Law.
1"'. At this Gennerall Meeting, Jonathan Wiuchill proposed for a home lot
above Towseleys if it be there.
2"''. Serj. David Winchill propos'd for a lot for his son, above Towseleys,
or Stockwels, if there be any free in either of them places.
James King Sen"" proposed for a lot for his son, in the same place, if it be
there to be had.
George Granger proposed for 10 acres of land.
Samuel Granger propos'd for a 40 : acre allotment.
Goodman Burbauke propos'd for that lot which lies between the Lot which
was Simon Gowin,s,f and the lot granted to Daniel Canada,:]: for his son
Ebinezer.
At a Leagall meeting of the Inhabitants, March the 25"'. 1697. It was then
by a full, and clear vote, agreed to make a front fence upon the ^ministry Lot,
and as farr back Estward as they shall agree, a rear fence upon y" Townes
charge, for the enclosing of a pasture for the sole use, and benefit of Mr. Ben-
jamin Ruggles: they soe doing, Mr. Benjamin Ruggles freeing the towne from
all further, and future charge, and trouble, in fencing the same. Granted:
to Jonath: Winchill a home lot for his son. above Towseleys, of twelve rod
wide if it be there.
2'"y. Granted to Ebinezer Burbanke, the allotment lying between the Lot
formerly granted to Symond Gowing. and the allotment granted to Daniel
Canada.
3'''>. Granted to Geo: Granger an addition of ten acres of land, to make his
fort}' acre allotment fifty. Corp' Adams onely Decenting from this act, and
desiring his decent to be entred.
4'''y. Goodman Old proposed for an allotment of 30: acres for his son Hand-
ford, out of the Lot formerly granted to Nath' Cheny : || 3 acres of it lying below
Goodman Pierce, T[ his Lot, for a house lot; the rest of the 30: acres off from his
* At this date but little land was fenced. Enclosed lands were protected by
the Province Laws, prescribing the manner in wiiich the iiigliways and com-
mons might be used for pasturage. All swine were to be; " yoakcd from April
1st, to Oct. loth, and to be kept ringed in the nose all the year." Province
Laws, vol. i, p. 13!).
t He died at Springfield, March 27, 1G93. See p. 33.
i "James Canada, a stranger, was sick and died Sept. 12"', 1(589." Springfield
Records. See p. 32.
t^ Tills was Ills 20 acre home lot. See pp. 87.
j|Or Newberry, 3Iass.
*li William Pearse (Pierce) married Estlicr, dau. of Thomas Spencer of Suf-
field. Children were: Thomas, b. A<ig. 18, 1088; Elizabeth, b. May 10, 1G93;
William, b. 31ay 10, 1090; Francis, b. March 4, 1G99.
IT
128 TOWN ACTS
great Lot, Lying on the South Side of Stony River. Said Old engaging to pay
all the arrears of rates, now due from said Land, upon the Townes Granting
his desire.
THE VOTE FOR M^ RUGGLES HIS SETTLEMENT.
May the 7"', 1697. The Inhabitants being Legally, and orderly Assembled
together, they did then agree, and by a full, clear and unanimous vote.
Declare: that upon what further proof, and experiment they had made, of Mr.
Benjamin Ruggles, his Doctrine, and Conversation amongst y'"; y' it was their
mindes, againe to renew their *call given him the first of August, 1695; and
entred in the 103: page of this Book, for his continuance amongst y'" in the
worke of the ministrey; in order to their calling him to, and his taking office
upon him, might it please the Loi'd, in due time, to open a waj' for the bestow-
ment of soe Choice, and Singular a blessing upon y™.
At a Legall meeting of the Inhabitants Mar. y 25"', 1697: Granted to David
Winchill, and James King Sen% each of y'" a homestead, or house lot for
their .sons, above Towseleys, or Stockwells of twelve rods wide apiece, if it be
there to be had. This grant should have been entred in the preceeding folio,
with y<' rest of the grants, granted at that time, and all proposed for at the
meeting before; but thro an oversight was slip't, or neglected.
At a Legall meeting of the Inhabitants July y' 22d, 1697: It was agreed,
and voted: to be at cost to .send a man downe to the Bay, to accompany Mr.
Ruggles lip ; and accordingly: Goodman Roe was chosen to attend that ser-
vice.
2'"^'y. At this meeting fWidow Norton proposed for a Lot for her son
Samuel.
3'^'y. It was proposed for a Lot above Good"" Stockwell's for the efacour
agement of a Smith.
In the lifetime of :j: Serj. Tho" Spenser, the Towne upon his request, or pro-
posal; Granted him an allotment of forty acres, for his son § Thomas; but
through his neglect, it mist an orderly entrj' in the time of it; both of the
Grant, and of the Laying out of the same; but it evidently appearing by testi-
mony, circumstances, and especially his yearly paying of Rates for it; that
the thing was reall. The Towne therefore being orderly warned, and con-
vened, August the lO"", 1697: did then by a clear, and unanimous vote; ratify,
and confirm said Grant unto the Widow, and the heirs to that estate, in the
places where it is asserted it was Lay'd out to him. ||
2ndiy_ j{ ^g^g agreed to comply with the motion of our Westfield Neighbours ;
to leave the difference between y"^ and us, in refference to our dividing line,
with y® Court to determine how farr it shall run Southward.
*Seep. 122.
f Widow of Capt. Geo. Norton.
i The Hartford settler.
^ The Suffield settler, and progenitor of all the Sufl5eld Spencers.
II See p. 40.
OF SUPPIELD. 129
3'">'. It was by a clear, and unanimous vote, Determined to imploy Jonath :
Winchill Sen', and Corporall Adams, as tlieir Agents, or Attourneys; to implead
our Westfield Neighbors at said Court; to be holden y* last Tuseday of Novem-
ber next ensuing.
*A VOTE FOR YE GETTING MR. RUG6LES HIS WOOD.
At a Leagall Towne meeting November y* 39"', 1697: It was agreed, and
voted: that every man from sixteen years old, and above, doe spend one day
for the getting Mr. Ruggles his wood, and every man to come according to his
capacitj' : that is to say : every man that hath a team, to come with his teame ;
and they that have noe team, to come with their axes, and to attend the warn-
ing of the men chosen to oversee the worke; which are, Serj. Harmon, Serj.
Winchill, Jonathan Taylor, John Remmiugton, and J"" Mighel Jun'; who are
chosen to oversee the worke, and to return to the fTownsemen, who are Delin-
quent; and the Townsemenare to put the men that don't work their daj', their
proportion, into the towne rate.
2'^'y. It was agreed, and voted: to pay those men y' have wrought about
clearing j" Minister's medow, or swamp for medow; (before any act was
past by the towne in w* way to do it) in equall proportion; according to w*
thej' have done. It was allsoe left with y« 'townsmen; to determine j^ wages
of every man y' hath wrought at this worke; whether his time were spent in
travell, or labour; that soe there maybe noe wrong to any man, or just ground
of cavill.
3<ii.v. Agreed, and voted : to clear tive acres for the minister in that swamp
where they have begun; soe as it may be mowable, or capable of mowing;
but it is not hereby to be understood, or to be expected y' we doe engage to
take up every stump, or clear of every old tree; but the bulk, or body of y"';
soe y' a sithe may comfortably pass; under the hand of a carefull workman.
4"''>'. It was agreed, and voted: to clear this meddow for the minister by
daies work; and to allow men two shillings six pence per day; and that all
things may be done orderly, and to the satisfaction of all; there is a Commit-
tee of four men chosen, to take the oversight of said work; y' ever^' one goe
their proportion of daies, and y' they goe .seasonably to said work wlien warned
thereto; and to give into the townsmen all such as are deliu(iuent, either in
unseasonable attendance, or not coming at all to it; that they may put their
deffects into the Towne rate, for to help l)ear publique charges. The men
chosen for this Committee, and have accepted thereof, are Jacob Adams,
Serg^ Winchill, Serg"^ Huxley, J"" Mighel sen'.
5"''y. At this meeting Good'" |:Hamlin proposed to the towne for a grant
of spme land, what quantity the towne will be pleased to bestow on him.
*It was a common practice throughout New England, to appoint a day to
get the year'.^ supply of wood foi- tlic ^Minister.
"Judd"says the minister funiislicd the tlip, and other drink, but not the
food. The.se were jovial occasions for men, young and old, here and in otlicr
Towns. Amherst, Nortliampton, and Wether.sticld gave their ministers 80
loads of wood yearly. Swllli'ld |)roh,i)ii3' gave as iiiucli at this ])eriod, as it was
cut in tlie common.
I Select Men.
I lie lived here as early as 1700. Had seven ciiildren, three sons and four
daughters. His wife Mary died Sept. 18, 1738. He died 1760, and the sur-
name disappears from our record.
130 TOWN ACTS
G^^^y. Joseph Wincliill propos'd to the towne, for six acres of swamp
land, to make meddow, iu some place where it is free from former engage-
ments.
7ihiy_ Granted to *Samuel Granger a forty acre allotment.
At a Legall, and Genneral Towne meeting March the first 169^, for the
choise of needfull officers to order the prudentiall affaires of this Towne;
accordingly choise was made and y" persons chosen for the ensueing yeare, are
as f olloweth :
Select Men — Thomas Remmington, Thomas Hu.\ley Sen', J"" Mighell Sen"",
Thomas Copley, Joseph Harmon.
Recorder — Anthony Austin.
Constable — Jno. Remmington.
Toicn Treasu'' — Joseph Harmon.
Land Measu'^ — David Winchill.
Tythiiig Men — Ensigne J"" Pengilly, Nath' Harmon.
Waywardens — David Winchill, Tho: Granger.
Fence vietcers — J'^'Mighill Jun'', Peter Roe, Tho: Huxley J"% Edward Smith.
Sealer of Leatlier — Jacob Adams."
Sizer & sealer of weights ct* measures — Victory Sikes.
Granted to Joseph Winchill six acres of land.
MR. BENJAMIN RUGGLES'S SETTLEMENT.
At. this genneral Towne meeting March y" 1*', 169| the Reverend Mr. Ben-
jamin Ruggles having drawn up in writing, some proposals or tearms to offer
to the Towne in order to his settlement; and being by him read to the Towne,
after some debate were Granted him by a clear vote; which proposals, or
terms are these following.
1='. fThat the towne finde me my tire wood dureing my life.
2>idiy_ yt tije house in which I now live, be given to me; and my heirs for-
ever, as our proper right, and inheritance; upon my spending my dales
amongst you; which house, is to be well finished by y" Towne, at, or before
y" first day of September next ensueing, 1698.
* Son of Lancelot Granger.
f Fire Wood was usually a part of the minister's settlement throughout New
England.
The quantitj^ is not stated. In 1706, 7, & 8, he had sixty cords a year. Mr.
Devotion, his successor, had thirty cords a year. The Rev" John Graham, in
the West society had from thirty-six to forty cords yearly. Hatfield, Hadley,
and some other towns gave fifty cords yearly.
It was burned four feet long in the spacious open fire-places, and only the
best of oak, walnut, or maple was good enough for tlic minister. Wood was
the only fuel u.sed here for more than 170 veai"S, and the quantity consinned
was enormous. In 1789 tlie Town had 200 families, l)j^ a moderate estimate,
using 6,000 cords yearly. In 1775 there were more than 300 families, and in
1850 about 600 families.
To this add the timber used for fencing, building, and shipping; and the
little care taken to propagate forest trees, and it is no wonder, that the once
most densely wooded town in the valley is nearly denuded.
Coal was seldom seen iu the farm house here 25 years ago. Now its cheap-
ness and convenience make it the principal fuel for all.
OP SUFPIELD. 131
3.uy TJiat one hundred acres of land be given to me, and my heirs forever;
upon the forementioned consideration, of my spending mydaies amongst you:
twenty acres upon vv^hich the house stands, being the *home lot of this grant:
eight acres of which twenty, are to be fenced by y° Towne front, and rear;
and its pi'oportion on the sides against my Neighbours, with a good fence
against orderly creatures: and y' other fourteen acres appertaining to this
Grant be lay'd out to me this spring.
4ihiy That the Towne clear me five acres of meddow, well, and carefully;
and fence it for me with such a fence, as will keep y' grass from damage;
and allsoe the Towne grant me liberty to take up other ffive acres of Med-
dow ; or y' which may make meddow. And these five acres which y towne
are to clear; are to be cleared by y° first day of Aprill, Anno Dominy 1700.
And tili then, the Town to find me with Hay, according to their former agree-
ment, six load each year.
gthiy That the towne build me a barn; I finding nails, of these Demen-
sions: thirty foot long; twenty foot wide; twelve foot stud; and soe propor-
tionably; to finish it with great doors, and a good threshing floor; which barn
is to be built, and finished at, on, or before the first day of Maj'', Anno: Dom:
1699.
Six^^'y. As for my sallary, this next year, beginning on the first day of
June next, it is to be fifteen pounds in money; and forty five in provision pay;
and as for y* next three yeares after that; fourscore pounds per year; to be
paid after this manner ; fifteen pounds in money, and forty-five in provision
pay; and the other twenty pounds, in worke at halfe a crown a day, six
months in the year, viz: March, Aprill, May, September, October, November.
At three shillings per day, for Jvme, July, August, : and two shillings per day,
for December, January, Fcjbruary; And then from y first of June 1702, it is
as a stated sallary, to be eigbtj'^ pounds yearly; pay^ after this manner:
twenty pounds in money; and sixty pounds in provision pa)^: all good, and
merchantable, and according to the current prises of provision pay, in the
neighboring Townes in this Countj' of Hampshire.
Thomas Remmington.
Attest — Thomas Coplet Sen'.
Joseph Harmon.
Select Men.
At a legall Towne meeting March y* 23'' 169| : It was then unanimously
agreed on, and voted according to y" advice of tlie court:}: to invite the Rever-
end Mr. Stoddard, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Williams, and Mr. Brewer,^ who were gen-
tlemen nominated by the court; and to add to them the Reverend Mr. Mather;
being allowed by the Court soe to doe, if we saw cause for it, to come upon
the place in some convenient season, as the Towne shall after agree on. to
advise the Reven^nd Mr. Ruggles cV: our selves resix-cting our present cir
eumstances, in order to his settlement amongst us in the worke of the minis-
trey; according as tlie law directs. Accordingly it was after agreed, an<l
voted; to invite these (Jenlk-mcii iiiinii llic [)]ace, on said iiccouiil, llu' last
Tuesday of Aprill next ensueiug.
*Sce p. 87.
f See Ministry Meadow, p. 19.
tSee Ruggles monument proceedings, p. 47, for letter of advice,
§ Page 11.-..
132 TOWN ACTS
At this meeting, it was agreed, and voted : to let out the *burying place to
Goodman Old, his heirs and successors for his, or their sole use, and benefit ;
for the pasturing, and feeding of cattell, for the tearm of twenty years : upon
the conditions following, viz: That said Old, his heirs and successors after
him, from time to time, and at all times, duering said tearm, securing said
burying place with a sufficient fence, from damage done by hoggs or other
creatures.
2'^'>'. The Towne engaging to cutt downe the Bushes in said burying place;
said Old doth alike engage to keep them down, as well as he can.
At a generall Town meeting March the 7th 169| : for the choice of needf ull
officers to order the prudentiall affaires of this Towne; accordingh' choice
was made, and the persons chosen for this ensuing year, are these following
who are mentioned by their names.
Select Men — Ensign J"" Pengilly, Serj. David Winchil), Corp" Nathaniel
Harmon, J"" Hanchet, Corp" Jonath" Taylo'.
Sizer & sealer of iceights & measures — Victory Sikes.
Recorder — Anthony Austin. »
Constable — Joseph Winchill. •
Tything Men — Tho: Remmington, Tho: Copley Sen\
Land measurer — Serj David Winchill.
SurveigJiors of Hiyhwaies — Corp' Jacob Adams, Benonj' Banes, Robert Old
Sen'', Anthony Austin Jun.
Fence Yieicers — Serj. Joseph Harmon, Jonathan Winchill, Sen'^, Edward
Smith, J"" Burbauk Jun',
Town Treasurer — Joseph Harmon.
At this geunerall Town meeting, it wasagi'eed, and voted; to allow Goodman
Roe, and such other persons as have land, or medow lying on the south side
of Stony Brook, a sufficient open fhighwaj^, from the rode that goes over the
brook by Goodman Copleys, alonge by the brook, and on the south side of it,
untill the)- come to their own land.
2"'">. Our Town seeing the inconveniency of holding our Aniversary, or
Genuerall Town meeting, the day on which it was at first stated, by reason of
the Court holden at Springfield being on said day: Have therefore now
agreed, and by a clear vote determined to alter the same : And that for the
future our Auniversarj^, or Generall Town meeting for the election, or choice
of officers; be on the first Munday in March.
S"^'?'. It was agreed, and voted; to give to J Joseph Pomrey for Inheritance;
fourty acres of land; but with this provisall, or on these conditions, that; he
the said Pomrey settle, abide, and remain in the Town, for the space or full
tearm of seven years. And during said tearm to follow his trade, for the ben-
*Aprilly' 16th, 1684: Laid out by order of y« Towne (see p. 103) on y«
fleeting House Hill a burying place containing one acre and a halfe, the
bounds whereof are as followetli viz: South and West bounded by Robt Olds
Land: North by Serj. Thomas Hucksley, his son's Lot ; y east "end or front
upon y street or common land. It is twenty rod in length, and twelve rod in
bredtli, and bounded at each corner with stake and stone. Old book, p. (10.
f This was never a Town Highway. This way was between the present rail-
road, and Stony Brook, southerly from the bridge at M. J. Sheldon's.
X See p. 81.
OP SUFFIELD. 133
efit of the Town. May it please the lord to bless him with life, health, and
strength soe to doe.
4"''>'. Anthony Austin Jun'' being dissatisfyed with what the Townsemen
formerly allowed him, for his journey to the Bay with Mr. Ruggles; the
Town have therefore now agreed, and voted ; to allow him fifteen shillings more.
5"''y. It was agreed, and voted; to put a stop to the giving forth any more
Grants of Land, out of the commons; unto any person whatsoever, untill the
Town se cause to revoke, or repeal the same. And that this nullity be not
made at any Town meeting save onely at such a Town meeting as shall be
legally warn'' by the constable, by order, under the hand of the Town Clerk,
for that end: and notice given to the Inhabitants of their intention; that soe
they may if they please, as one man, convene together on time, and at place
appointed, there to give their sentements, and voices in said matter, or other-
wise at our Anuiversarj-, or gennerall Town meeting.
6">'>'. John Rising proposing to the Town to allow a *high-way of two
rods wide out of his home lot, from the street down to Stony Brook; provided:
the Town would allow him a way of the same breadth, from the brook to the
Country rode;f which proposall the town having considered; by a clear vote.
Granted.
At a legall Town meeting, March, y" 22'*, 169|, It was agreed, and voted to
make choice of a committee of three men, to examine the old rates, and to
bring in to the present Townsemen a true accomp' how they finde things;
that if money be wanting, and cannot begotten in the Town, as the constables
complain; y" the present Townsemen to put it into y"= Town rate, y' is yet to
make for y" year 1698. And the men chosen for that service are Anthony
Austin Sen^ Serj. Jos. Harmon, and Serj. Victory Sikes.
gnajy -j-jt, .^yjj^g agreed and voted to leave with the Townsmen, the dividing
of the wayes, and men in as equall a proportion as they can, for the satisfac-
tion, and to the content; both of the Town and allsoe of y surveyo'% and to
deliver to each surveyo'' in writing, their pro^jortion of wayes; and number of
men which they are to call out to the worke, that, soe thej' may apply them-
selves accordingly, at any time, when they shall see cause to call them forth to
said worke.
3'^'-^'. By a clear vote; there was granted to Goodman ^Towseley, a way of
three rods wide out of the school Lot, from the street up as farr as his house
where it now stands; upon the same tearms, which Good'" King took it of
the Towne; upon condition, or with this provisall, y.', said Towseley make,
and sufficientlj' maintain, from time to time; and at all times, against cattle,
and swine, the one halfe of the fence against Good'" King, that may be occa-
sioned thereby.
* This is now the old Faftory Road. It was laid out in Nov. Ki'J'J; renewed
and detined in 1710. See old book Town I{ec. pp. 152, 1(59.
f " Windsor Jioad," now "South Street," or '•Ciiristian Street."
JThis ])lan of dividing the town into Highway Districis with a Surveyor
for eacli district has been contiiuicd until within a short jx-riod. The highways
are now placed in tiie sole charge of the selectmen, and the appointment of
fourteen surveyors annually has ceased, and the subdivision of the town into
fourteen highway districts has become; a thing of the past.
gilis house lot adjoined the " School Lot" on the north of it.
134 TOWN ACTS
MEETING HOUSE.
At a meeting of y' Inhabitants, October y^ 4"', Annoq' Dommi, 1G99, it was
y° agreed and voted to en-ect, or build a * house for the worship of God
amongst us.
2°'ily. It was agreed, and voted to build this house forty foot square. f i
3<">". It was y" agreed, & voted to raise said house ; and to have it clap-
boarded, and shingled, b}^ y<^ last of October next ensuing y« date hereof.
4''''>. It was y" agreed, and voted; to assess the Inhabitants to the value of
sixty pounds: thirty in currant silver monej' of New England; and y* other
thirty pounds in Town pay; all to be raised and payd by y« last of octob'' next
ensuing the date hereof. Which money is bj' y° Committee, or overseers
elected, or chosen by y" Town; to inspect, and mannage this affaire carefully,
and faithfully to be disburst towards the defraying of y« charges in building
said house.
5"''>'. It was y" agreed that a committee, of live men should be chosen to
mannage this business, in the towns behalfe; And accordingly it was y" done,
and J'" men chosen weer Anthony Austin Sen', Serj. David Winchill, Corp'
Jonathan Taylor, Serj. Joseph Shelden, Corp' Joseph Pumrey.
6"''-'''. Itwas agreed, and voted that the Townes-men, at the Townes cost,
should take care for the maintenance of Edward Burleson j" Decripit j'outh ;
and allsoe for his cure, if it be attainable.
October y 19th, Annq Dommi, 1699. At a meeting of the inhabitants of
SufBekl, warn'd bj' the constable having received a warrant by order of the
Selectmen, from under the hand of the Town Clerk for his soe doing, the
Town having again reviewed; Seriously Weighed, and considered the acts,
past at their meeting October y 4th, 1699 : Did y" bj^ a full, and clear vote,
ratifie, and confirm w* they had y" done, or w' they y° did in refference to y"
building a house f or y worship of God amongst us; as allsoe the act of an-
other Consern:
2ndiy_ ^^ jjjig meeting October y« 19th, 1699, warn'd for j" end, together
with the other before mentioned; the Towue by a clear vote, or considerable
majority, repealed that act past at o'"' Anniversary, orGennerall Town meeting
entred in y" 109 page of this book, in refference to their putting a stop to their
Granting auv more Land, or Allotm'* out of the commons.
At a Legall meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield; Dec y IS'"", Annoq:
Dommi: 1699. It was then agreed, and voted, by a full, and clear vote; to add
to Mr. Benjamin Ruggles his rate the next year, that is, his rate for the year 1700;
three pounds in the like specie, which the Town have engaged to pay his sal-
ary in; upon condition, that Mr. Benjamin Ruggles, he acquitt the Town
from all further, or future trouble, or cost, in, and about finishing his house;
that work onely excepted, which Serj Sikes is by the Town engaged to doe.
*This is the first recorded vote of the Town, for building the Second meeting-
house. See p. 80.
f The square form, with a turret in the centre of the four sided roof for a
bell, was adopted in some of the older Towns. Whether this had a turret is
unknown.
OF SUFFIELD. 135
2ndiv It -5^as J" agi'eed, and voted, to address his *Excellency o" Govern'
with a petition for C freedom from Countrey Rates whilst in building our
meeting house ; and allsoe to gather money, and be at the cost of it.
3'^'>'. By a clear vote, there was y" granted to Ensign Joseph Harmon; a
Homestead, or house lot for his son Jn". Harmon, containing eight or ten
acres, or thereabout, lying on the westardly end of his own, and his Brother
Nath', their Great Lots.
At our Anniversary or General Town meeting March y" 4"', 1700; for the
choice of needfull officers to order the prudentiall affaires of this Town:
accordingly, choice was made, and the persons chosen for this ensucing year,
are these hereafter mentioned by Name.
Sekct Men — Ensign Joseph Harmon, Sei-j Victory Sikes, Serj Joseph Sh el-
din, J"" Kent, Jacob Adams.
Constable — Anthony Austin J^
Recorder or town Clerk — Anthony Austin Sen^
Land measurer — David Winchill.
Sizer & sealer of weights & measures — Victory Sikes.
Town Treasurer — Joseph Harmon.
Tything Men — Ebenezer Smith, Benony Banes.
Fence viewers — Samuel Kent, William Allyn, J"" Hanchet Timothy Palmer.
Surveyors — J"" Rising, Tho. Smith, J"" Austin, Benj. Allyn.
At this General Town meeting, Mar'' j" 4"' 1700: It was then agreed, and
voted to give Mrs. Younglove that forty shillings which was due from her, to
the Town; in that Town rate which is in Goodman Roe's hand.
f Highway from High Street Westward.
Aprill y 16'\ 1684.
Lay'd out a High-way from High street, norward of Quinton Stockwell's,
about ten rod, to a black oak bushe, and from thence norward to Thomas
Smith's Lot, and soe runing (takeing in the springs) to the north end of bushe
hill, and then to run eight rod wide through all y" Lots to Ffylers Brooke, «&
then to run four rod wide over the brooke. Stephen Taylor on y" north,
and Good'" Granger on y" south, and y to run north east up y brooke, about
twenty rod from y" mouth of onion brooke, at y" first turning noreast is
marked a white oake, and soe thorow Stephen Taylor & John Taylor &
Thomas Copley's Land, four rod wide, & a little elbow of James Barloe's
Land, and soe turning out into y" common.
( Victory Sikes,
\ Tho: Cooper,
/ Tho: Hanchett.
Highway South Side 0¥ Stony River.
NovEM. 1684.
Laj''d out a Highcway on y south side of stony river. We begun at a
white oake stake, which is the norwest corner between Jn" Mighell scu'^ and
Jn" Huggin's.i^ and soe marked a range of trees on y« east side of y" Higheway
* William Stoughtou. fSee p. 76. f P. 71, ol.I P.ook.
18
136 TOWN ACTS
to y Mill river, and soe doe determine and order all y" tract of land, be it
more or less, lying between this east range and j" front of y* west range of
lots, to ly for a perpetuall Higheway or common onley, on y« west side of y""
way, we run y" range from a stake which is y° corner stake, between Richard
Woollery & Jn" Huggins' to a white oake stubb, which we marked, ^bout six
foot off from the east end of Richard Woolleries house, from thence to a
white oak, which we marked, soe to a black oak, mark'd, and soe to a ches-
nut tree, from thence to y" corner stake between Jn" Mighell & Jn" Huggins',
as afore said ; and from thence the Higheway is to ly four rods wide between
Edmond Marshall's Lot and y« lots of Richard & Anthony Austin untill it
come to the beating place, which is y" south bound of y" plantation.
* Highway from the South End of High Street.
Nov. 8'*, 1699.
Lay'd out a high-way granted by the Town upon the proposall or at the
request of Jn" Rising, made and prefer'd at our Anniversary Town meeting,
March ye 7"', 16|, and entered on the 109"' page of this book, which way is at
the south end of High street, and it is y same bredth with High street, where
it joyns to it, & from thence it runs Tapering in Jn" Rising, his lot, to a stake
& stone standing on the north side of said high-way, where it is but two rods
wide, turning from y" south to y" west, & soe running over Stony Brook,
where it is bounded on the north side with stake and stone on each side of the
Brook, & from thence it runs to a Wall-nut tree standing on y" south side of
it, which tree is the North bounds of a parcel of land Granted to M' Goring
for y benefit of his Trade, being a Tanner ; & from this tree it runs on a
strait line between said Goring's land & David Winchill, his second Division
land, untill it comes to the south east corner of said Winchill's land, & the
north corner of said Goring's proper lot, & at y" south east corner of said
Winchill's land it runs westward to the " countrey rode." The said high-way
takes its bredth out of said Winchill's land from y" brook to his south east
corner.
DAVID WINCHILL, Meas\
At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield, Legally, and orderly warn'd.
May the 2'"^, 1700, the T(5wn by a full, and clear vote, did invest, and impower
the present Select men, with the same power they invested the preceeding
Townesmen withall, in reffe];ence to Edward Burlesson, the Decrepit youth ;
by an act past October the 4"', 1699; andentred in the 110 page of thisBooke.
At this Legall meeting, May the 2""^, 1700, as above said, the Town by a
clear vote, did agree to leave with the Select men, the whole care of Edward
Burleson the Decrepit youth, to provide for his maintenance, and to treat
and agree with a Doctour, in order to a cure for him if it rnay be obtained,
and what the Select men shall doe in the premises, either as to his mainten-
ance, the procurement of a cure for him; or any other necessary thing to
be done for, or about said youth; the Town to strengthen the hands of
*See p. 109, old Book, and Doc. Hist., p. 133.
OP SUPPIELD. 137
the Select men, by contributing of such a measu' , or part of their estates by
way of rate, in equall proportion as shall by the Select men be judg'd necessary
for the discharging of the same.
2"'">'. It was agreed, and voted; to give ten pounds in * provision pay, for
half a j^ear, to any school master whome the Select men shall procure, to learn
children and j^outh, to read, and write.
FOR RAISING THE MEETING HOUSE.
1^'. At a legall meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffleld, August the 26*'', 1700 :
It was then agreed, and voted : to set the Meeting house on the top of the hill,
against the burying place, where it is now layd out.
2"'">'. It was agreed, and voted: that all the hands in the Town from six-
teen years old, and upward ; that are capable to work, should come to raise the
first day; and in case any fail'd thereof, and did not come according to this or-
der; not being any wayes disenabled by God's Providence; should pay half a
crown for their delinquency, or neglect.
3'">'. It was agreed : that the Committee should take care to provide for the
four men y' come from the upper Towns, to help to raise the Meeting house.
4"''>'. It was agreed, and voted; to allow halfe a crown per day, to soe many
hands as y master-workman shall appoint, after y" first day.
IRON WORKS.
At a legall Town meeting Novem, 1700. It was y" agreed, and voted:
or y" Town, by a clear vote gave their approbation y' the Iron-works should
be set up in this Town.
2"'"y. The charges the Towu had y" been at about y" Meeting house, accord-
ing to the account presented to y'" by the Committee, together with 20£ laj^'d
in bank, was by a clear vote of the town a'pprov'd, and allow'd.
At a legall meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffleld Jan: y" 28th, Anno-Dom-
ini, 1700: It was agreed, and voted: that all that f Tract of land on the south
side of Stony Brook, lying between the high way, or road leading to, and from
Windsor and y° front of that tier, or range of lots, lying on y east side of
say'd road; doe ly for a perpetuall common, never to be lay'd out to any man;
but to abide, and remain as aforesaid for a common, from generation, lo gen-
eration.
*Colony prices, at which grain and other articles were received for Colony
taxes, was cidlcd "country pay."
Town prices for the same, to j)ay town taxes and for exchanges, was called
"town pay."
(ifrain and articles of food was "provision pay." In ISIO veal was rejected
as part of Mr. Devotion's " provision pay."
Sliver money was seldom .seen, and only paid by slipulation.
f TIk; road to Windsor Locks passes througli this trad. It was divided in
1725, with other conunou lands amounting to about 2,100 acres. Prop. B.,
vol. ii, p. 7.
138 TOWN ACTS
2ndiy. It was agreed, and voted; to leave with the Select-men of this present
yeare, the care of laying out, and settleing a sufficient, and convenient high-
way to Mr. Ruggles, his land : and the rest of the lots adjoyning thereto, that
lyes neer *Stonj^ Brook falls : that is to say, either where j" rode formerly was,
or near thereto, in some place that may be as feazable, and convenient for the
proprietors there, and as little damage to the other lots as possible may be.
At a legall Town meeting, December y" 16"', 1700, first: it was y" agreed,
and voted, for the raising of rates; to defraj' the Townes charges for this pres-
ent year, to estimate, on valine the poles, at seven pounds per pole, or seven
pounds estate.
2ndiy jj y^^g agreed, and voted ; to leave with the Select-men, and Com-
mittee, the management of what worke is yet to be done, in order to the fin-
ishing of the house of God allready errected : As the moddleing of the same,
the letting out the work to workmen ; and agreeing with them, both for price,
and specise according to their best understanding, and skill; for the Townes
benefit, and advantage.
3'*'y. It was then agreed, and voted; f that every Male in this Town, from
sixteen years old, and upward ; for the supplying of our Reverend Pastor with
fler wood, for this present yeare; should carry him each man, a substantiall
cart, or sled load of wood ; and all to be done, and the complement to be com-
pleated by the last of January next ensuing; and in case of failure the Delin-
quent, oY Delinquents to be made D&btor, two shillings a piece in their Town
rate ; for the use of the Town to be recovered according to Law.
At our Anniversary, or Generall Town meeting, March the S"*, Annoq Dom-
ini, 170^, for the choice of need-full officers, to order the affairs of a gennerall
concernment for the wellf are of this place ; accordingly choice was made, and
the persons chosen for the ensuing year are these, hereafter mentioned by
name.
Select Men — Lieu' J"° Pengilly, Corp' Jonath Taylor, Serg J"" Hanchet, Na-
thaniel Harmon, Ebenezer Smith.
Constable — James Lawton.
Toicn Clerk — Anthony Austin, Sen'.
ToiDti Treasurer — Joseph Harmon.
Land Measurer — David Winchill.
Tytliing Men — J"° Burbank, Sen'', and Samuel Kent.
Sizer and Sealer of Weights and Measures — Victory Sikes.
Fence Viewers — Corp' Joseph Pumrey, Thomas Huxley, Ebenezer Burbank,
Benjamin Allyn.
Surveyors — James King, Sen^, Jonath Winchill, J"" Burbank, Jun'., J""
Mighel Jun'.
* These "Falls "are in West Suffield, South District, near Gad Sheldon's
House. For Highwaj', see p. 139.
f See note, p. 129.
OP SUPFIELD. 139
At this Geuerall meeting, agreed, and voted : to sell the old Meeting house,
when the Town shall have no further occasion to make use of it, for the ser-
vice of Clod : and to leave the sale thereof with the Townse men.
At a Legall Towne meeting May j" 22'' 1701 : for the prevention of future
trouble; and conserning y" peace of y Town: it was by a considerable majoritj^
agreed to settle the high way from High street, to feather street,* but nine
rods wide throughout. Jn" Kent, and Anthony Austin Ju"'' Decanted from this
vote ; and desired their Decents to be entred.
f At y= same meeting y" Reverend Mr Benjamin Ruggles having made some
proposition to y Town in refference to his acceptance of his swamp, and quit-
ting y Town from any future trouble in, and about y" same; as allsoe their
freedom, from their obligation of getting hay for him for y' future; onely y*
Town to pay, or gett y« arrears of hay y' is yet behinde for y years past. The
propositions are these: the Town allowing him twenty daies work to be done,
between y' date hereof, and y hist of August next ensuing y date hereof; and
his liberty of y° choice of his hands, he not taking any one man, but one day :
And allsoe to give him all y' stript of land lying between his own land, and y"
highway lately stated by y" Select men to y'" lots y' lyes upon Stony Erook, or
near adjasent. The Town having considered the propositions, by a unanimous,
and full vote granted Reverrend Mr. Ruggles, his request ; and Mr Ruggles
acquitted y" Town.
At y" same meeting Serj Hanchet, Serj Winchill, and Serjeant Shelden,
were chosen to meet with Symsbury men y" next Muuday; and to demand of
y'", a copy of their Grant, by virtue of which the}^ run th^r line, and to warne
y'" not to intrude upon us, telling y'" y' it is our resolve to maintain our right
according to our Grant, and to deface their bounds, if they set y'" up within
our line.:}:
Highways to and from the North End of Round Hill.
§We whose names are under written upon desire and compaint made for
want of High-wayes being stated to mens Lots have this 16"' of Aprill,
Annoq"' Domnis, 1701, done & acted in that matter in manner and form as
followeth: Soe we lay'd out and stated a high-way beginning at the corner
of Jn" Harmon's Ditch & round the corner of Jn" Kent's stake, & to run
westwardly to Walter Holladay ids land, near where the old path goe^, which
way we stated 4 rods wide, and we marked trees on each side of y'' way with
the letter H upon them, & at said Holladayes land we marked a tree on each
side of y" way, et run across a corner of said Holladayes Ditch, taking olf
*The Committee in 1673 ordered this road to be laid 16 or 20 rods wide.
See pp. 63, 71, 106, 140.
f See p. 131.
J Some account of the boundary war may be found in Conn. Col. Rec. ,
vol. iv, pp. 443-Ul, 523; and vol. v, p. 58.
§This is the first iiighway laid through Sheldon street, to Round Hill;
thence south, west and north fnmi the north end of Round Hill. Like all the
first highways laid, old paths or trails were followed.
140 TOWN ACTS
some few rods of his Ditch & land, & it is stated to ly there for ever unless
said HoUaday will on his own charge provide y" Town a good, feazably high
way to jojn on the southerly side of his, y said Holladayes own land, & soe
running between y' marked trees to y north end of the round hill near where
the old road goes, & soe to run a southerly line on y' east side of y" round
hill down to Stony Brook falls, and there we marked trees on both sides of
the high-way. And turning to the west we run back west to Samuel Gillett's
Meadow, and then we begun, where we brought the way to the round hill, &
we y" run a high-way rounding northerly to Robert Old, his land, and then
we begun again at y*^ way as it goes over Rattle-snake Brook, and soe run
southerly at y"" west of Good™ Stockwell's land, & lay'd j' way 4 rods wide
from y corner of Good'" Stockwell's Ditch, «fc there we set stake and stone,
& then we lay'd y' way from thence on y' hill to }'' high-waj" y* we lay'd to
the end of round hill upon y' hill, next to the great swamp we layed this
high-wa}'.
f Jn" Pengilly,
o , i I Jonathan Taylor,
Selectmen, ^ j^.„ hanchet,
( Nathanael Harmon.
At y' same time, Aprill 16"', 1701, wee layed out from Jn" Kent's, 2"'' Divis-
ion land that is the northwest corner of it, a High-way of 4 rods wide, running-
southerly, or rather southwestwardly, to the northwest corner of Robert Old,
his 4 acres & a half, y' lies across y" old hampton road, and from thence to
Joseph Harmon's northwest corner, and from thence about three or four
score rods, marking several trees, and young staddles as farr as against the
northerly end of Nathaniel Harmon's first grant land, and y" lay'd out a
high-way two rods wide to y^ end of Nathaniel Harmon's lot, and from Robert
Old's norwest corner, a high-way two rods wide to y" end of Joseph Harmon's
lot.
f Jn" Pengilly,
c 1 . JoNATH Taylor,
Selectmen. ^ j^„ hanchet,
I^Nath. Harmon.
* Highway to Feather Street.
In the year 1701, lay'd out y highway leading to and from Feather street,
which where it comes into high street, in the front or next the street, it Ij^eth
on y' .south side of Joseph Pumry's allotment, formerly lay'd out to Abram
Dibble, and it is in the front from said Pumry's fence to Richard Austin's
fence, about nine or ten rods wide. At or about y* hundred rod we marked a
small bl^ck oak on y northerly side of the way, and on y« south side of y
way a maple tree. And at y rear of Pumry's lot, or near about y rear, we
marked a great White oak, with stake and stoue by it, and on y" south side of
y« there the bounder is stake and stone. And from this great white oak at
y rear of Pumry's lot, or near about y rear, it turns away, taking off a part
of Pumry's fence, untill it meet with y' highway that comes from Feather
Street, along by Benony Banes, his homestead or lot, with severall trees
marked on both~sides of the way.
John Pengilly, ~1
Jn" Hanchet, |
Jonath Taylor, J- Selectmen.
N Ebenezer Smith, |
Nathan' Harmon, J
* See pp. 63, 71. 106, 139.
OF SUFFIELD. 141
* Highway from Hiuh Street, West to Old Street, then Northerly.
In the year 1701 , we lay'd out y' highway that goes out westward by
Jonath" Winchell's, over Muddy Brook. It is from y' brook between y'
allotment granted to Mr. Jn" Younglove, and Nathaniel Harmon's allotment,
until it comes to Old street, eight rod wide, and in Old street it is ten rod
wide, running northerly at y' west end of this allotment of Mr. John Young-
love's to the north west corner, and from thence three rods wide, going south-
ward of a little piece of boggs, near where it now goeth, soe over y" hill down
over the brook; onely on the east it is severall rods wider, and across y^
meadow — it is but two rods wide; we say Laid out by us, who are y* sub-
scribers to y' above written, or preceding ftigh way.
For Seating the Meeting House.
At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield Jan y^ 30"', 1704: appointed by
authority, and duly and orderly warn'^d according to law; to consider of what
hath been allready acted and done by y' Committee chosen by y' Town, to seat
y' house of God newly errected, in said Town; and to correct such palpable
errours as may appear, which have occasioned discontent, or dissatisfaction to
sundry persons, and to endeavour, an orderly, quiet, and peaceable settlement
of the same. The Town being convened together; it was first proposed to
them, whether they would have all that had been allready done in that affair
thrown up ; and to begin anew, or to let the foundation allready lay'd stand,
and onely to correct some errours, or mistakes therein. After some Debate of
' things, it was agreed, and by a clear, and full vote determined, not to throw
up all that was done; but to build upon y' same foundation, and only to cor-
rect some errours in the same. 4
2"''ly. It was agreed, and by a clear vote determined to chuse and to improve
three, and onely three men to act in, & mannage this affaire.
3'"y. By a full, and clear vote the Worshipfull Colonel, Jn" Pyuchon, Esq"',
Serj Jacob Adams, and Corporal Jonathan Taylor, were chosen for this
servise.
4»'''y. It was agreed, and voted; that the rules, and method, the persons
chosen are to act by ; shall be as f olloweth, Viz : Estate, age, office, place, or
improvement that hath allready, or may probably be made, of persons in
publique affaires. Whereas, in this fourth vote, which is the rule given for
the seaters to act by; estate is the first thing mentioned; our meaning is, or it
is to be understood, all such estate as any man hath, or may disburce, either in
his i)resent, or in the preceding, or foregoing rate, for the defraying the charges
in building this house.
5ii.iy That what shall be acted, and done in this affair, by these three men,
thus chosen Viz: The Worshipfull, Colonell Jn" Pynchon esq', Jacob Adams,
and Jonathan Taylor: and according to the rules prescribed, as near as they
can ; the Town shall sit down quietly, and contentedly, every man taking his
place assigned to him, without any future disturbance, or mannifestation of
dislike. This fifth particular, after reading to y' Town, was by a unanimous
vote consented to, and confirmed.
* See p. 71.
142 TOWN ACTS
6"''>'. It was agreed, & voted: to estimate, or account y' four flanker seats
equivalent to, or equal with the second seats in the body of seats. The hinder-
most flanker seats equall with the sixth seats in the body.
7tiii.v *it was by a clear vote determined that, this work of seating the
Meeting house should be done this week, before the WorshipfuU Colonell goes
home; and that it shall be in the scalers liberty, if they please: to have a
fourthnights time, after this week, to regulate any errours that may appear to
themselves, in their first stating of things.
At this same meeting, it was agreed on, and by a clear vote determined, to
allow Mr. Luke Hitchcock, Sheriff: for his service done for the Town at the
Generall Assembly, four pounds in pay: forty shillings this present year, and
forty shillings the next ensuing year. It was agreed, and voted to give Thomas
Stevens his Town, and School rate assessed upon him y* year Goodman Stock-
well was Constable ; and to refund, and pay it back to s'' Constable again.
At our Anniversary, or Gennerall Town meeting; March y' 2"'* 170^: for the
choice of needfull officers, to order the affairs of a gennerall concernment, for
the wellfare of this place: Accordingly choice was made, and the persons
chosen for the ensuing year are these, who are mentioned by Name.
Select Men — Lieut Joseph Harmon, Jonathan Winchill, Serj Victory Sikes,
Peter Roe, John Kent.
Constable — Serj Adams.
To2rin Clerk — Anthony Austin Sen'.
Town Treasurer — Lieut Joseph Harmon.
Land Measurer — Ensign David Winchill.
• Sizer & sealer of iceights & measures — Serj Victory Sikes.
Surveyors — Thomas Granger, William Allyn, Edward Smith, George Nor-
ton.
Fence vieicers — Serj Joseph Shelden, Jn" Huxley, Nath^ Austin, Timothy
Palmer.
Tythiny Men — Thomas Copley Sen'', John Austin.
ScooLL House.
At this Gennerall Town meeting, it was agreed, and by a clear vote con-
cluded; to errect, and finish a schoolhouse 20 foot in length, 16 foot in breadth,
and 6 foot stud; and to make it warm, and comfortable; fitt for to keep schooll
in;f by the last of October next ensuing the date hereof; and to set it up in
some convenient place near the Meeting house.
* This settlement of seating the House lasted nine years.
f This was the first school-house. Its precise site is unknown. Tradition
locates it on the common, a little south of the jjresent Town Hall. It was
built in 1704, and stood until 1733 where the second one, 24 feet long, 18 feet
wide, and 9 feet between joints, was built (probably on the same site), by Jo-
siah Sheldon, "for £40 and the old school-house." The third school-house
was built in 1750, in the west precinct, on "Ireland Plain," west of the meet-
ing-house, and burying-ground.
OF SUFFIELD.
143
At a legall Town Meeting, March y"^ 16, 1702: It was y" agreed, and voted:
to give Antliony Austin Sen', twenty four pounds, in provision pay, for his, the
said Austins keeping School one year.
3ndiy_ By a clear vote Serj Tho Huxley, Serj Jn° Hanchet, and James King
Sen', were chosen Committee to take care of, and to manage the whole busi-
ness, of errecting, and finishing y School house according to y Town vote.
3'"y. By a clear vote: Ens. Winchill, Serj Shelden, Corp' Taylor, and
Antliony Austin Jun^ were chosen to measu'' Westfield line, from their north
bounds to their south bounds; to see whether they have not their *nine mile
before they come to y place which they now claim.
At a legall meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield, the twenty third day of
July, Annocf Domi, 1702: It was first agreed, and voted; to abide, or be at the
cost of standing a tryall, or suit at Law with our Westfield neighbours, in
refference to the line betwixt us, and them, or the f land, and f meddow which
they now lay claim unto.
2"'"-^'. In order thereunto; Ensign Joseph Shelden, Serj' Jn» Hanchet, and
J"" Kent clerk, by a clear vote were chosen Pleny Potentiaries, for the manage-
ment of this matter with Westfield Town, or in other words, to the better
understanding of all; these three men before mentioned, were by the Town
invested with full, and the sole power, of acting, and doing in this matter;
Engaging that what those three men shall act, and doe in the premises, shall
stand good, and valid; as tho the Town had been present, & themselves actors
in it. Jacob Adams Sen'' only, desired his Decent from this act of the Town,
to be entred.
At a legall Town meeting Decern y 28, 1702: It was agreed, and voted; to
Allow Josiah Hale, for his journey down to y-^ bay for Mr. Ruggles, twelve
shillings in cash.
2'"']y. By a full, and clear vote; Serj. Hanchet, and Jonathan Eemmington
were chosen, to inspect, or surveigh mens loads of wood, which they bring to
Mr. Iluggles, and to pass their judgement on them, whether they be worth two
shillings per load or not; and none to pass for loads, but such as these men
chosen by the Towne shall juds^e to be worth it.
3''ly. It was agreed, and voted that after the constable liath given warning
three times, in generall; to persons to bring their proportions of wood; and if
any person shall neglect, after the time appointed, at the third time of warning;
to liring his proportion of wood, that then the Constable shall have power, to
fetch by distress from such delinquent, or delinquents any thing which he can
finde of theirs; wliich will procure the getting of the wood by some otlier
liands.
* Westfield, by its grant extended nine miles south from Northampton's south
line. For dividing line see page 147.
f West of the mountain.
19
144 TOWN ACTS
At our Anniversary, or General Town meeting, March the 1"*, 1702-3: for the
choice of needfull officers, to order the affairs of a General concernment, for
the welfare of this place: Accordingly choice was made, -and the persons
chosen for the ensuing year, are these who are mentioned by name.
Select Men — Nathanael Harmon, John Hanchet, Thomas Copley, Joseph
Shelden, Thomas Huxley.
Constable — Jonath liemmington.
Clerk — Anthony Austin.
Town Treasurer — Joseph Harmon.
Land Measurer — David Winchill.
Sizer & sealer of weights & measures — Victory Sikes.
Sealer of Leather — Jacob Adams.
Surveyors — Jn" Remmington, James Younglove, Ebenezer Burbanke, Nathan-
iel Austin.
Fence viewers — Anthony Austin Jun, Joseph Winchill, Benony Bancs, Jn"
Burbanke Jun^
Tythinrj Men — Ichabod Smith, Jn" Burbanke Jun.
At this General meeting, it was agreed, and voted; to exchange some land
with Samuel Younglove, out of his home lot, on the west side of Muddy brook,
to the contain of an acre and ^, or two acres if need be, to accommodate Old
Street highway for the makmg it more feazable; in liew whereof, or as a com-
pensation for the same, the Town hath granted him a strip, or gusset of land;
lying between the s,'^ Youngloves Second Division land, and Mr Ruggles, his
land; to bring the front of their land to the highway. The westward part of
this land, bounds upon Mr Ruggles his land.
3"''l3^ Granted to Judah Trumble, that highway that l^^es between David
Froes lot, and the lot that was granted to James Taylor.
3''ly. It was agreed, and voted ; to ring all swine that goe at liberty, or upon
the common.
4"^'y. It was agreed, and voted; to run or renew the South line of our Town
this instant, March; from the Great River, seven mile and a half west, to the
end of our south line, granted; and confirmed, by our honoured General Court;
and to treat with our Simsbury Neighbours. And the persons chosen for this
service, are Lieut Jos. Harmon, Ens: Jos. Shelden, Serj Jacob Adams, and
Edmond Marshall; who are speedily to make report to y« Town of w' they doe
herein.
Highway in Old Street Altered, and HicinwAY Laid Westward.
March y** 16"' 1702-3; The Selectmen viz: Ensign Joseph Shelden, Serj' Jn"
Hanchett, Corp' Nathaniel Harmon, met together and layd out the addition
taken out of Samuel Younglove's lot unto the highway leading to the Bridge
commonly called Norton's Bridge or Highway called Old Street highway;
according to the Town Act March y' first 1702-3 for the accommodating Old
Street way and making it more feazable, entred in page the 114"' of this Booke
in manner as followeth: We began at the South west corner of Samuel Young-
love's lot where we tooke off from said lot 12 Rods broad and soe ran from
thence, northerly 28 Rods by decrease or tapering uutill v/e came to a point or
OF SUFFIELD. 145
nothing at Old Street, marking three or four young trees in the range between
said Younglove and the way, and soe we past on towards the Norwest Corner
of said lot Miiere we began again with a point, and so run along by increase 25
Rod in length, gaining in upon said lot untill it came to be six rods wide at y^
end or Norwest Corner thereof , where we marked a White Oak Tree between said
Younglove's Lot and the highway: Weeallso at the same time layed out a way
from Old Street of 8 Rods Wide running from Old Street westward, along by
the South side of Robert Old's Lot, and to the end of it, and then we turned a
little Norward, and layed the way 30 or 40 Rods wide there, and soe ran along
by the Harmon's land unto the end of Jn" Harmon's Lot, running tapering as
we went, untill it came to 8 Rod wide again.*
At a legall meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield, April, — 1703: It was
agreed, and voted; to give liberty for two hundred f sheep to be brought into
the Town, and to goeupon our commons in the summer: provided: the owners
of them agree together, with such persons as have sheep, to procure a shep-
herd to take care of, and keep y™.
2'^. It was agreed, and voted; to let out the |Schooll Lot for this year to
James King y" P'; he allowing the Town five shillings rent as a compensation
for the same, and at y" end of the tearm, to resign it up to the Town again.
3'"y. Ensign Joseph Shelden was chosen commissioner for this purpose.
4tiiiy The Town did agree, and by a full, and clear vote declare, that the
Town would be at all the cost, and charge to vindicate, and defend the bounds
of our Township as it was Granted by our || Honourable Generall Court, or
lay'd out by the committee, or any person, or persons doing business within
our commons within those bounds.
5"''y. It was agreed, and voted; to lay out a highway over the mountain, to
the commons where it be most convenient, not intruding upon former Grants;
of six rods wide to the mountains; and ten rods wide over the mountain. §
6"''y. It was agreed, and voted; to impose a fine of five shillings per hun-
dred, upon any person, that shall presume hereafter, to cut, and carry away;
or usher any person to cut, and carry away hoop-polls, from off any of our
commons.
*See p. 71.
f Sheep were kept here in 169G, perhaps earlier. According to the Province
LaAvs, they were not allowed to go upon the Highway, or Common without a
shepherd. Each owner had a recorded "ear mark " for his sheep. Examples:
" Joseph Trumble, eutred his Ear Mark March y° 14"', 108^, w"'' is a piece
cut out of y" top of y" off ear, in fashion of a Swallow Tail."
"Jonathan Slieldon, eutred his Ear Mark, Feb y 13"', 173'J, which is a slit
across y fore side of the off ear."
They were watched by day, and enclosed at niglit, to protect them from
beasts of prey. Wild Cats and Bears were common; but Wolves were most
numerous, and destructive. Large bounties for their lieads were offered bj' the
Colony, so that in 17r)0 tiiey were not aggressive, but were not extinct 25
years later.
:}: Sec p. 50, also note, p. 113.
II See pp. 49, 51), G5.
5; Laid oul in 1710.
146 TOWN ACTS
At a legall Convention of tlie freeholders, and otber Inhabitants, qualify'd
accordingto law; May the 6"', 1703: It was agreed, and by a clear vote deter-
mined; to send a Representative to attend, and serve at the Generall Assembly,
for this present Court. *And according to our usuall manner of voting, by lift-
ing up of hands; Ensign ] Joseph Shelden was then chosen their Representative
to attend, and serve at s'^ Court.
At the same meeting, for the incouragemcut of a School-master; it was
agreed, and voted: to give as a salary for this year, twenty-four pounds in pro-
vision pay, five pounds of which twenty-four pounds; It should be levyed, or
raised upon the schollars on this side Feather street, to Serj Jacob Adams, liis
house; from five years old, to ten j^ears old; on this provisall, that; if any
other shall send, or all others that doe send their children to the Schooll, either
of y age, or older; that they shall pay, in equall proportion, for w' time they
doe send with the scholars in High street. And to make up the complement
of twenty-four pounds; It shall be raised by way of rate, in equall proportion
upon all the Inhabitants.
t At a legall meeting of the Inhabitans of Sufiield, Sept. y' 7">, 1703: It was
agreed, and by a considerable majority voted, to fortify our Reverend Pasto"
House Lot. The measuring of the ground, and proportioning of it to each
man his share (by rate) and estate; was left with the Selectmen to doe.
2"y, It was agreed, and voted: to put out Buries, the cripple, upon tryall
to Goodman Smith, of HadleyTwho is impowered to make experiment, wheth-
er he be capable of learning his trade, or no, if lie be capable & if he the said
Smith do learn him the trade then the Town is to pay to s'^ Smith five pounds
in mone3% or as money. If not, then he is to return him to the Town again,
and have nothing.
At a legall meeting of the Inhabitants, Sept. y" 16"^ : 1703 : It was agreed,
and voted: to choose 5 men for a Committee, to joyn with the Committee
chosen by the Generall Assembly, for to settle the lines, between Windsor,
Simsbury, and this Town, who are to be assistant to y™ for information, and
showing of bounds; but not to act any further in the matter. And the persons
y" chosen for y« service, specially : are, Anthony Austin Sen'', Joseph Harmon,
Joseph Shelden, J"" Hanchet, J"" Kent.
* Voting b}' ballot, for Select Men, had not been abandoned. (See p. 98.)
In 1712 the Town voted that Assessors be chosen "by papers." In 1714, the
moderator was chosen in like mannei-.
t See p. 83.
X Whether this vote was carried into effect is unknown. Xo other mention
of the subject is made in the Town Records. It is probable that a Palisado was
built here. Other towns in the valley had them. Palisades were rows of
stakes, or posts sharpened, and set firmly in the ground, a few inches apart.
Several acres were sometimes enclosed, where the inhabitants could gather for
defence. The French and Indian Avar (called Queen Anne's war), was at this
time raging, and continued for 10 years. The Deerfield massacre occurred the
next year, when 47 inhabitants were slain, and 112 taken prisoners.
OF SUFFIELD. 147
SCHOOL HOUSE.
At a Icgall meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield; December the 23: 1703:
It was then agreed, and voted: to build a school house, according to the De-
mensions already agreed upon, by a former Town vote, entred a leaf back, in
the lis"", page; and to have it finished compleat, and fitt to keep school in at,
on, or before. *Michaelmas next ensueing. And allsoe to build a shelter for
horses, for such as shall ride to meeting, & to set up a horse (block).
And by a clear vote, the men chosen as a Committee for the carrying on,
and finishing said work; are Nathanael Harmon, J"". Kent, and Joseph Wiu-
chill.
SUFFIELD AND WESTFIELD'S DIVIDING LINE.
Whereas: there hath been some difference, which hath occasioned many un-
comfortable debates, between the Town of Westfield, and the Town of Sulfield
respecting the dividen, or dividing line betwixt them: We, therefore: Isaac
Phelps, Jedadiah Dewy, John Noble, Joseph Shelden, John Hanchet, and J""
Kent, being persons elected, or chosen by said Towns, and by them fully au-
thorized, and impowered, as a Committee to settle this line, that it may no
longer remain as a bone of contention betwixt them. Having by joynt con-
currence, convened together, on the 22'"' day of June, 1703 : at the place of contro-
versy, we after some debate had in the matter; at the length came to a frieudl}',
and loving complyance, each with other, and unanimously agreed to state, and
settle said line, in manner as followeth, viz: We agreed, and determined that,
from the Southwest corner of Springfield bounds, or where Springfield, and
Suffield dividing linef meets with Westfield line; that the line shall run along
soulherl3% upon the top of the mountain, to a white oak tree X mark'd with
stones about it, on the top of the mountain, and from said white oak tree, to
run westerly, to a heap of stones, errected by Springfield committee. And the
mountain to be the bounds, betwixt Westfield, and Suffield; & from the afore-
said heap of stones, we agreed to run a west line, over the meadow or marrish,
commonly called the great medow; to a small pine tree, which we marked
with W — on the north side, & S — on the south side: Frorh thence; we ran
along over y° plain, to the top of the hill, easterly of Mr. Taylors medow ;
where we again mark'd a great pine tree with :W. S: From thence, we ran
along still on a westerly course, marking several trees in y" range, or line as Ave
went; untill we came to a period, or end of said line, between Westfield, &
Suffield Plantations; which w'as on y" east side of y" hill, on y" west side of
the pine plain; where we marked a young white oak tree, and raised a heap of
stonesaboutit.il This line thus stated, and run; we do joyntly, and unani-
mously agree, and determine, to be the divhling line between these two planta-
tions forever; without any violation, alteration, or change. And that what we
have now acted, and done, according to y" power given us, shall put a final
issue to former; and stand as a barr in y" way of all future controversies, or
* Sept. 29"', 1704. See p. 142.
f Now tlic North Bound-Stone at Rising Notch.
iseep. 13.
II Tliis was west from the present N. \V. Corner l)ound of Sullield fixed in
1713, at tlie N. end of ManalucU mountain.
148 TOWN ACTS
debates, in this matter. And as a f urtlier Testification tliat tliis is our joynt,
and unanimous agreement; we have hereunto subscribed, or enterchangeably
set our hands, y"^' day, and year above written.*
Isaac Phelps, 1
Jedediah Dewy, |
Joseph Sheldin, [ ri ™ •«
J''^ Hanchet, \Commiitee.
• JNo Kent, |
JNo Noble, J
At our Anniversary, or Gencrall Town meeting March the 6"", 170| : for tlie
choice of needfull officers, to order the affaires of a Generall Concernment, for
the wellfare of this place, and accordingly; choice was made, and the persons
chosen for this ensuing year are these, who are mentioned by name.
Select Men — Lieut. Joseph Harmon, Lieut. John Pengilly, Corp' Jonath Tay-
lor, Corp' Joseph Winchill, J""> Austin.
Constable — Ebenezer Smith.
Toicn Clerk — Anthony Austin.
Ihwn Treasu'^ — Jos: Harmon y« 2''.
Land Measurers — David Winchill, and Jacob Adams.
Sizer, & sealer of weights and measu^' — J"<* Kent.
Sealer of Leather — Jacob Adams.
TytJiingMen — Jno. Hanchet Sen'', Timothy Palmer.
Brander & Toler — Joscpli Pumrj'.
Fence Viewers — Samuel Granger, Joseph Eemmington, Samuel Remming-
ton, William Allyn.
Surveyors — Jno. Remmington, James Younglove, Ebenezer Burbank, Sam-
uel Holladay.
At this Genneral Town meeting it was agreed and voted; to give the Consta-
bles twenty shillings yearly from this time, & so on forward.
on.iiy Agreed, and voted; to give Lieut. Harmon as his sallary, for his serv-
ing as Town Ti'easurer, fifteen shilling for the three years past, in which he
hath served in that place already; and five shillings per annum for time
to come, soe long as he serves in said place of trust.
3''ly. Granted to exchange with Jonathan Taylor, part of James Stevensons
first grant' for land lying next his own field, in Springfield bounds to the con-
tain, of twenty, or thirty acres.
t WOOD FOR MINISTER.
At a Legall Town meeting March y« 31^* 1704, It was agreed, & by a full
vote determined, that the way, or method in which they Avould goe, for the
geting of their Reverend Pastor, his wood for the space of two years next en-
*This line was unchanged for a centurJ^ The Westfield Grant, nine miles
long, extended about two miles into Connecticut, when the true Colony line
was determined. Yet this line of 1703 was respected, and the Colony and
State lines were made to conform therewith. See pp. 13, 93, 95, 143.
jSec 1). 1'29.
OP SDFFIELD. 149
suing the date hereof; should be as followeth, viz: That every man in the
Town that hath a team, do goe himself, and his team one day; and all such
from sixteen years old, and upward : as have noe teams, to assist with their
hands, one day apiece, in chopping & helping the teams to load. The men cho-
sen to take the oversight of this business, to appoint days, and to call out men
to s'^ work, in their several squaderous, that the work be done seasonably, &
soe as to advance the end aimed at; are Serj. Sikes, Serj. Austin, Jn" Burbank,
Jun", & Tim" Palmer.
It was further agreed, and voted ; that every man with his team, or every
single hand, who after seasonable warning given to attend said work, on the
day appointed by these overseers, in their respective squaderpns ; who shall neg-
lect to do his duty on said day, according to this order by which they have
obliged, or bound themselves; or any other day when any other of the squad-
erous goe to said work, every man with his team, or single hand soe neglect-
ing, or fayling; shall pay by way of rate for the Towns use, six shillings per
day, for every man, & team; and two shillings sixpence for every single man.
At a legall meeting, March y« 9^1^, 1704: It was agreed, and vot^d, to stand
by the Townsemen, persons, and estates, and equally to share with y'" in their
gain, or Dam mage in not making any more County Rates; untill y° bounds of
our Township be settled. It was further agreed, and voted; to joyn with our
Endfield neighbors, in procuring, and sending down a man, to y" General As-
sembly, now convened, and sitting in Boston; to mannage our Townes affaires
there, in refference to the settlement of our respective linncs, or y' non-pay-
ment of Countrey rates, untill that be done; either Eblnezer Pumrey Lawyer,
or some other meet person, whom the Select men of both Towns, or the major
part of y'", shall agi'ee on and approve.
At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield, February the 22'"', 170* : it was
agreed, and voted: to give Cap'' Anthony Austin 20''^" in town pay*; which is
provision, & flax, f according to the Town order, or act; entred in the 100
* See Note, p. 137.
f Flax was raised as an article of necessity, as well as commerce. Down to
1800, the universal wearing apparel, and house keeping goods, were homespun,
from the wool, and tlax of the farm. Many families were clothed in "home-
spun" thirty years later. Some old ladies, yet living, can show their marriage
outfit of linen sheets, pillow cases, towels, and tickings, sjiuu from the llax
with tlieir own hands.
Considerable tlax was grown here in 1820, but little after 1830. Yarn was
sometimes spun from cotton brouglit from the West Indies, anil a little cotton
was sometimes mixed with tlie llax and wool in making cloti). Printed cali-
coes, and other cottons from India, were seldom worn except by the rich. Cot-
ton however was but little known here, until after 171)2: wlien cotton yam
made by the "jenny " began to be jtcddled in every village and liainUt of New
England. The American cyclopedia says: "up to the year LSK! tlic mills that
had been put in operation, wi're designed only for spinning, and the twist was
sold to the weavers, who made use; of hand looms, to convert it into cloth."
There were three cotton yarn mills in Sulliclil before 1820. (Niles Register.)
The introduction of the jiower loom about this date silenced the hand lov)m;
cotton became king, and the hum of the si)iuniug wheel, the click of the reel,
150 TOWN ACTS
l^age of this book; for keeping School! but this present year; five pounds
whereof, tliey do engage to pay to Mr. Allexander Alien of Windsor. And that
said Austin shall be at noe further care, or trouble about it, or come to any
dammage by it.
HIGHWAY FllOM NORTON'S BRIDGE TO LONG HILL.
March y" first 1705: by order from y^ Select Men lay'd out a highway of two
rods wide, from Norton's Bridge* in the most convenient place on the high
land untill it comes to y^ Long Hill, f
David Winciiill.
Jn" Kent.
At the Anniversary, or Generall Town meeting, March the 5"', ITOi: for
the choice of needfull officers, to order the affairs of a General concernment
for the welfare of this place ; and the persons chosen to their several places of
trust, for this ensuing yeare, are these who are mentioned by name.
Select Men — Ensign David Winchill, Serj John Hanchet, Clerk John Kent,
Corp' Nathaniel Harmon, Corp' Thomas Smith.
Constable — Jno Burbank Jun.
Town Cleric — Anthony Austin y« l*'.
Town Treasurer — Lieut. Joseph Harmon.
Land Measurers — Ens. Winchill & Serj Jacob Adams.
Sealer of Leather — Serj Adams.
Sizer & sealer of weights <& measures — John Kent, Clerk.
Tything Men — Richard Austin, Tim" Palmer.
Surveigho''^ — John Rising, Sam' Granger, Nath' Austin, J"" Trumble y« 2'"'.
Fence viewers — Jonathan Remmingtou, John Trumble y" 1*', Jacob Adams
Jun, Sam' Remmington.
Corp' Pumry was chosen pound keeper, & Brander.
Corp' Pumry, & Robert Old Sen, were chosen Hawards, or field Diivers, to
see the law duely executed against, or ;upon oflienders, respecting Swine going
unyoak'd, and unring'd, and other cattel doing damage in fields, or inclosiers.
Peter Roe, & Serj Jacob Adams, were chosen to se the law executed respect-
ing horses going at liberty, on y° commons, contrary to the law of this Prov-
ince.
It was agreed, and voted to exact y^ law on all such sheep, as shall be found
going on the commons, and not under the hand, or care of a keeper, or shep-
herd.
At a legall meeting of the Inhabitants of Suflield, August the 31*', 1705: by
a clear vote; if Capt Joseph Sheldin, was chosen Representative, to attend at
and the clatter of the hand loom, are only traditions with most of those who
are living.
A Flax-seed Oil 31111 was built about 1785, west of the "Oil Mill " bridge,
by Zadock Granger and Asahel Hathevvay. It was run until 1828, and soon
after destroyed by fire.
* Now between Geo. Phelps and Amos S. Crane, over Muddy Brook.
f " Hastings Hill."
X See p. 83.
OP SUFFIELD. 151
Boston this present Convention, to serve on the Towns behalfe, and to manage
the Towns business in tlie Great, and Generall Assembly, there to convene
Sept r 5"', 1705.
gndiy A.t the same Convention of the Town by a clear vote: Ensigne David
Winchill, Serj. John Hanchet, and Serj. Anthony Austin; were chosen to ruH-«* ^
the west line, and to renew the south line of this Plantation ; as allsoe to make
a demand of a list of the estates of the Inhabitants of Salmon Brook, within
our precincts, or Towmship: which service they do promise to enter upon,
engage in, and effect; on Munday next, if God permit; which will be the third
day of September y" next ensuing month.
* We who are the subscribers; according to the vote of the Town August y"
31^' 1705: and our promise; entred upon the service we were chosen for, the
third day of September, 1705: and the account of w' we did in the premises, is
as foUoweth: We began at our Norwest Corner, & soe run South ward, or a
south line, to a pond called f Malacateece, and went out of the pond at a cove,
where a brook runs out of the pond; from thence we run to the lower Manna-
tuck, and so along south over it, and run along west of Salmon Brook houses,
to our South West corner bounds; and made a demand of a list of the estates
of the Inhabitants of Salmon Brook; which they refused to give. And then we
renewed our south line.
David Winchill,
John Hanchet,
Anthony Austin Jun'.
At a legall convention Of the Inhabitants, October j" I'S 1705: by a full, and
clear vote; Capt Joseph Sheldin was chosen to serve as their Representative,
at the next convention, or siting of the great, and general Assembly of this
province, in Boston: there to manage IheTow^n's business, or case;:}: which has
been commonc'd this several years past, and is yet upon y<^ Stage.
THE GENTLEMEN OF YE IRON WORKS, THEIR GRANT.
At a legall convention of the Inhabitants 1700: the gentlemen who are
the owners, or undertakers of the iron works, viz : Collonel John Pynchon
Esq'', Joseph Parsons || Esq'', John Eliot i^ Esq^ Having made their application
to the Town for liberty to bring, and set up their Iron works in this Town;
* Suffield's claim to the land within these lines was not sustained by the
commissioners of 1713, although portions of it had been laid out to its planters.
SulHeld lost about 3,000 acres of its Southwest corner; but tiie Pro()rietors
received as compensation what is now the township of Blandford, Mass. See
Town lines, p. 12, also pp. 93, 9«, 100, 101.
f Now "Cranberry pond" in Granby. Phelp's Hist, of Simsbury, p. 147,
writes this Indian name " Mallakakess". " He erroneously presumes it to be
South wick Pond.
X The boundary question.
II Joseph Parsons of Northampton, son of Joseph of Springfield, was a Rep.
from Spf'd and Nortliaini)toii 14 years, and a Judge of the county court.
Savage, Gen., Vol. UI. p. 303.
t^ He was Gr. Son of Eliot, the Indian apostle. He lived at Windsor, and
was a nuui of disliucliou iu Connecticut. Sec Conn. Col. Rec., Vols. IV, V.
20
152 TOWN ACTS
The Town after some consideration of the proposall made to them ; By a clear
vote, Granted unto these three gentlemen, who are exprest bj' name; free lib-
erty to bring, and set up their *Iron works, in any place, or upon anj' of the
streams within this Township; where they themselves should judge it most
convenient for their use. And further, fory® encouragement of the gentlemem
in this their so great an undertaking; as allso to promote so good a design:
By a clear, and full vote; the Town Granted unto them, one hundred acres of
land, to them, and their heirs forever; of which hundred acres, ninety acres is
to ly at the foot of the mountains, next our south line, or bounding upon it:
the other ten acres, near the Brook, or place where the works are errected, or
set up;* if there be any there free from former grants, or other intanglement;
and if not there to be had; then to take it up with the rest of their land, at the
foot of the mountains; or in some other place which may be convenient for
them; onely: in this gratuity or boone; All divisions of land, and propor-
tions of medow properly belonging to Grants, is hereby excepted.
At a legall convention of the Inhabitants January j" 8"*, 1705-6: Serg' Jacob
Adams, by a full, and clear vote was chosen Moderator, to make speech, and
to Read all votes of a prudential nature in Town meetings, from y* day of date
hereof, untill a full year shall be compleatly expired.
At y" same Meeting: by a full, clear, and unanimous vote; the Town made
choice of Mr. John Eliot, and Mr f Ebenezer Pumrej^ to advise, or give coun-
sell to the Town in a matter of difficult}^ which they are now labouring under,
which case j" Town shall at y« time, and place hereafter appointed lay before
j"\ The Town allso y° agreed, And voted: to send a man up to Mr. Pumrey,
to acquaint him with this act of the Town; and to get him down, and that
they would pay all charges that should arise, about said councill.
* These " Works '" were "set up " before 1704, as at that date a " part of the
Iron works " were included in the inventor}' of ]Major Pynchon's Suffield estate.
They were located near the site of the present Boston neck School House.
Little is known of them except, that in its latter years, shovels were successfully
manufactured there, when the dam, and all the works were swept away by
the Jefferson flood of 1801.
The abundant Avater power for the trip hammer, and the slitting mill; wood
for the furnace, and bog ore from the swamps of this, and the adjacent towns,
and possibly the success of the first, led to the establishment of two other
"Iron Works " here; one in 1721, on Stony Brook at the lower end of High
St., under a Proprietor's Grant to Peter Boe, Joshua Leavit, Anthony Austin,
John Trumble 1*', Samuel Remmingtou, James King Jr, and Samuel Hathe-
way. (Vol 1, p. 5, Prop. Book.) They were in operation in 1770. (David Tods
deed.) The other in 1722, at Stony Brook Falls, near the Simsbury line, by
Ebenezer Fitch and Co. "to slit, and draw out iron rods for nails, and for
other artificers in iron, their work and use." See Conn. Col. Records, Vol.
VI, p. 312.
Little remains to inform the living that these "Works" ever existed, except
the scoria often found in the vicinity of their several sites. In 1725, Iron was
made lawful pay at 40* per hundred, or its market value, for all town debts,
except minister's salarj'.
f Brother of Joseph, Sheriff of Hampshire Co, Member of his Majesties
Council, and father of Co' Seth Pomrey of Revolutionary fame.
OF SUFFIELD. 153
HIGHWAY.
February y« 18"' 170| by order from y Select Men the Highway which run-
neth out by Eliezer Stockwells is layed out eight rods iu breadth running a
pretty strait course from Peter Roe and Benjamin Gillett their Land; to y' hill,
commcnly called the * Sandy Hill, bounded at said Hill with two white Oak
staddles marked, on both sides of y'' highway, which are likewise bounds there-
of By us Joseph Harmon & David Winchell.
At the Anniversary, or general Town meeting, March y« 4"', 170f: for the
choice of needfull officers to order the affairs of a generall concernment, for the
welfare of this place; and accordingly ; choice was made, and the persons
chosen to their several places of trust, for this ensuing year; are those who are
after mentioned by name.
Select Men — Lieut. John Pengilly, Serj Victory Sikes, Corp' Jonath Taylor,
Serj Thomas Huxley, Jonathan Winchill Sen.
Vonsterble — Serj John Hanchet.
Sealer of Leather — Jacob Adams.
lowii Clerk — Anthony Austin.
Town Ih-easurer, Lieut. Josepli Harmon & voted to give him 8' 8'' salary for
this year.
Surveyors of wayes — Benony Banes, Ebenezer Burbank, Thomas Granger,
Samuel Granger, John Rising.
Fence Vietcers — Joseph Trumble, William Holladay, Abraham Granger,
Samuel Younglove.
Tything Men — Peter Roe, John Trumble y^ 2"'^. John Kent sizer, & sealer of
weights, & measures, & alsoe searcher, and sealer of tarr, turpentine, & rosin
barrels.
Land Measurers — David Winchill Sen'', Jacob Adams Sen.
At a leagall Town^ Meeting, March y^ 25"', 1706: by a clear vote: Serj Sikes;
Jn° Kent, and John Austin, were chosen Assessors for the Reverend Mr. Rug-
gles, his rales, this present year.
2"''. Serj Jacob Adams was chosen Collector to collect, and gather Mr. Rug-
gles, his rates this present year.
8'"v. fit was agreed, and voted: to get Mr Ruggles, his wood this year, by
y" cord, and accordingly by a clear vote, it was concluded to get for this years
stock, sixty cord of wood, at 5^ per cord ; supposing y' such a complement may
be sufficient for one year.
4"'. It was agreed, and voted: that y« Tract of land, scituate, and lying as
followeth, viz: on the West side of the road that leads to Springfield, again.st
y" Long Iliil, iiaving ^laj'' Pynchon, and Serj Adams on y" south side, and Serj
Sikes on y north side, .shall ly common forever.
5th. Lieut. Jolin Pengilly, Serj. John Hanchet, and Serj. Victory Sikes,
* Sometimes "Chestnut Hill." This is that part of the road to West Suffield,
between the " Kent Corner," and Andrew Noouey's bouse on " Sandy Hill."
f See note, p. 130.
154 TOWN ACTS
■were by a clear vote chosen to call y" Committee for y" meeting house, to an
account how the Town's monej- is disposed of.
6th. James Lawton, and * John Trumble the 1st, were chosen; to see the
Town order duely executed, respecting swine being yoak'd and ring'd this
present year.
At a Legall meeting of the freeholders, and other Inhabitants, May y" 16,
1706: It was agreed, and voted; that the Select men should, in y* name of y"
Town request, or desire the Worshipfull Joseph Parsons Esq', to be helpfull
to you, in y* affair in refference to their taxes, and bounds, w^ hath so often
been managed in the Great, and Generall Assembly ; but as yet brought to no
comfortable Issue for y^ town.
At the Anniversary, or General Town meeting; March the 3d, 170f : for y«
choice of needfull officers to order the affairs of a General concernment, for y«
wellfare of this place; and accordingly choice was made, and the persons cho-
sen, and their several places of trust for y" ensuing year are these, who are
after mentioned by name.
Select Men — Lieut. Joseph Harmon, Serj. Jacob Adams, Corp' Nathan' Har-
mon, Corpi Joseph Winchill, J»" : Austin.
Constable — John Huxley.
Town Clerk — Anthon}'^ Austin.
Town Treasw — Lieut. Joseph Harmon.
Siirveighours of Hujh wai,e.s— Robert Old, Serj. Victory Sikes, William Hol-
liday.
Tything Men — Joseph Pumrey, Nath' Austin.
Sealer of Leather — Serj. Jacob Adams.
SearcJiers, Gagers, and sealers of tarr, and turpentine — John Kent Sen"', and
J"" : Burbank.
Land Measurer — Ensign David Winchill.
Assessors — Lieut. Harmon, Joseph Winchill, John Austin.
Fence Viewers— i"" : Trumble y 1st, James LawtoiJ^ Ebenezer Burbank,
David Allyn.
Sizer, and sealer of weights, & measures— Cov\^^ Jonathan Taylor.
1**. At this General Town meeting, It was agreed and voted: to pay Sam-
uel Granger for a stubbling howe; w''' was spoiled in y^ Town's service, and
y« Town to take y howe for y« Town's use.
3"'*'>'. At this General Town meeting it was agreed, and voted: to give lib-
erty to Ebenezer Smith, to set his barn, half the breadth of it into the high
way.
S"^'!'. Granted unto William Old, by a clear vote; twenty acres of land,
but with this provisall, or on the condition, that he come and settle upon it
five years ; or in y" town five years.
*He was the son of Joseph. John the 2d was the son of Judah. (See
Grants on their father's rights. Vol. 1, pp. 53, 54, Prop. Book.)
OF SUFFIELD. 155
4"''>'. Granted by a clear vote, unto Lieut. Harmon, liberty to exchange
thirty acres of land, upon this condition, that he, y« said Harmon, be at all y^
trouble, and cost of deeds of exchange, between him, 'and the Town for said
land.*
5"^'>'. It was agreed, and voted: to alter our General Town meeting, from
y« first Munday in March; to the second Munday in March, for y" future.
The reason of this alteration was, because of Northampton Court being the
same Week, many persons were unavoidably constraiu'd 1o be absent from
said meeting; which was judg'd to be very inconvenient, there being on said day,
matters of a Generall concernment, to be acted and done, wherein all persons
allow'd by law, ought to have the advantage of giving their sentiments, or
voices in : if they soe please.
At a Legall Town meeting, July y^ 4"'', 1707: It was agreed, and voted: to
add to y« Reverend Mr. Benjamin Riiggles, his Sallary : for this present year,
to be pay'd in manner, or in y" like specioes that his stated Sallary is, (fourteen
pounds).
2'">'. fit was agreed, and voted: to get a warrant to seiz all such persons,
as trespass upon our Township, and also to seiz all Timber gotten by stran-
gers within our precincts, or whatever other commodity, y' may be of advant-
age to our Town; and to improve, or imploy y" Sherrill in this affair. The
Town hereby engaging themselves to defray all necessary charges, that shall
arise in the prosecution of this act.
3'i'>'. :}:Itwas agreed, and voted: to get Mr. Ruggles Sixty cord of wood,
for this year 1707: at six shillings per cord.
At a meeting of y<^ Inhabitants, by y'' Constable Lcagally. and orderly warn'd,
December y" 31"', 1707: By a clear vote Cap* Joseph Shelden was chosen com-
missioner, to joyn with, and to be Assistant to 3"= Trustees in making the
Countrey List, pursuant unto the advice, or allowance given us by our Hon'ed
Great, & General Ass<^ibly.
2'""y. It was agreed, and by a full, and clear vote determined, to cluise
seven men for a Committee to meet, and treat with Windsor, and Simsbury
Committees' in order to an Agreement about; or settlement of the Town
Bounds, between each of y'", and us.
3'iiy. §By a clear vote: Cap' Joseph Shelden, Lieut Joseph Harmon, Serj.
* He received 30 acres on Wolf pit plain, now opposite the home of Wid.
Asa Harmon, Sheldon Street. (See p. 164, old book.)
t Iij 17US, C'oimecticut proposed to ^Massachusetts, for a cessation of the border
war, and liiat Commissioners be appointed by eacli Colony to settle the Line.
This resulted in the .settlement of 1713. An interesting account of this matter
may be found in Conn. Col. Kec, Vol. V., pp. 58, 59, (50, 390, 399.
1;. See note, p. 130.
^ The remedy here proposed was inukMiuato for settling a Town and
Colon}' Line. The vole shows an earnest and friendly desiie for a fair adjust-
ment of a matter that had harrassed tiie Town from its birth, and which is
traceable to the incorrect line of AVoodwai'd i\; SalTcry of l(J4:i.
156 TOWN ACTS
John Hanchet, Serj Jacob Adams, Clerk John Kent, Corp> Jonathan Taylor,
Corp' Joseph Wiuchill, were chosen as a Committee to officiate in this matter, on
y' Towns behalf. And" these seven men thus chosen for a Committee were by
a full agreement, & clear vote; chosen Pleny-Potentiaries, that is; authorized,
and invested with full, and y" sole power to act, and doe in the premises; so as
to put a full, and finall Issue to the present, and lay a bar in j" way of all future
jarrs, or debates with our Windsor, and Simsbury neighbors; in reflference to
our Town bounds, engaging ourselves to sit down contented; with w'' this our
Committee, or the major part of them shall act, and do in y" premises, for y»
procurement of peace, and unity between us, & our good Neighbours of
Windsor, and Simsbury, whether y« sequell prove our gain or loss.
At this meeting; bj^ a clear vote Lieut. Harmon, Joseph Winchill, & John
Austin, were chosen Trustees to take y^ Couutrey List.
At our Anniversary, or General Town Meeting March y« 8"', 170|: for the
chioce of needfuU officers to order the affairs of a prudentiall Nature, or of a
General concernment for the wellfare of this place. And accordingly choice '
was made on said day, and the persons chosen to their several places of trust,
for this ensuing year; are these who are after mentioned by their Names.
Select Men — Serj John Hanchet, John Kent y" V\ Thomas Smith y" V\
John Burbanke y° 2'^, Anthony Austin y' S"*.
Toicn Clerk — Anthony Austin y' 1*'.
Constable — Benony Banes.
Survey'""'^ — Jonathan, and Samuel Remmington.
I'ything Men — Ebenezer Burbanke and Ju° Remmington. Corp^ Jonathan
Taylor Clerk of the market for to size, and seal weights & measures.
Land Measurer — Ensign David Winchill.
IVwn Treasurer — Lieut Harmon.
Sealer of Leatlier — Jacob Adams y" 1*'.
Searchers, sealers, & gagers of all casks — Jn" Kent y" 1"', & Jn" Burbauk
Assessors — Jn" Kent y" 1*', Thomas Smith y" 1"', Anthony Austin y" 2.
Fence Viewers — Samuel Allyn, Samuel Younglove, John Warner, Benj.
Remmington.
According to law, having recorded seasonable notification from y" Select
men, of Springfield of their intentions to perambulate y" dividen line betwixt
them, and us, on y' 30"' day of Aprill, 1708: As allso their desires that our
Town would send men, to joyn with y"' in their perambulation of said line;
and to meet y'" at y^ corner bounder betwixt y'". and us; next y' Great River;
(being y" common place of meeting upon y" occasion,) On said day above men-
tioned, in y" forenoon. Accordingly our present Select men, or major part of
them, in complyance w"' their desires, sent Serj. John Hanchet, and Ebenezer
Burbanke forth upon y' service: whose return is as followeth, viz: According
to order we met with Springfield men, on y' 20* day of this instant, April,
1708: to perambulate, or renew y- bounds between y", and us.
* We began at y" Great River; where y' Corner Bound betwixt y™, and us
* This line from the River to Rising Notch, remains unchanged, although it
is 90 Rods too far South, at the River, and 8 Rods too far North, at Rising
Notch. See pp. 49, 65, 96.
OF SUFFIELD. 167
are Two Tall middling trees, y° one a Wall-nut, y other a red Oak, and so
run west, from thence along y' old line, new marking y' trees, formerly
marked, untill we came to Westtield line.
Jno Hanchet y« IH,
Ebenezer Burbanke.
A VOTE FOR FENCING Mr. RUGGLES HIS LAND, AND FOR
CLEARING THE MINISTRY LOTT.
At a Legal! meeting of y" Inhabitants, May y" sixth, 1708: Capt. Joseph
Shelden engaging, to give one day of y° foot company under his command;
■which they should by law have served her Majesty on, in Millitary Exercises:
Towards y" fencing Mr. Ruggles, his swamp: and clearing off y" jNIinistrey
Lot. The Town by a full, and clear vote; agreed to spend y° day, in fencing
s<' swamp: and cutting brushe in y" front of y" Ministry Lot. And w' remains
of clearing, and fencing so farr as it hath formerly been cleared; and fenced;
After the Captain's Donation hath been expended upon it; The Town have
agreed to do it, upon y* Town's charge. And y' j" Selectmen from year, to
year; shall take y' care of keeping down y' brushe in said lot; so far as it hath
been formerly cut down, imtill it be thorowly subdued.
2'^'y. It was agreed, and voted: to allow our Reverrend Pastor £18 this
year, to be paid in Cord Wood at 6.s. per cord.*
t MINES.
3'">'. It was agreed, and voted: y' every Mine, or Mines y' do already, or
may hereafter appear to be in any undivided land, within y' Township of
SutReld: is, and shall be sequestered, and conserved. for y^ whole Town's use
forever.
4"''y. It was agreed, and voted: y* no person whatsoever y*^ is a proprietor
of land within y" Township of Suffield; shall have any liberty to cut down,
and carry away any wood, or timber off from any common, or second Divi-
sion Land, within y° same.
S'l^'y. It was agreed, and voted : to add to y= vote of y" Town, past Decem :
y° 31st, 1707: entred in page 121; on y' other side of this leaf backward; for
y" impowering of their Committee w'' they chose for to meet, and treat Wind-
sor, and Simsbury Committees, in refference to y° selling of y" bounds be-
twixt each of y'", and us = These words, "or y' Major part of y'"."t
AtaLegall Town meeting September Ihe 22d, 1708: by a full and clear,
vote, John Austin was chosen Town Clerk, for the remainder of the year, un-
till y* Generall Town Meeting.
*00 cords.
fTlie Copper Hill mines had latelv been discovered. They were claimed
by Suflield to be williiii its Grant. See Conn. Col. Rec, Vol. V. p. 104, and
p. 12, Doc. Hist., and Phelp's Hist, of Simsbury, p. 113.
:j:The record in the handwriting of Anlliony A\istin, the first Town Clerk,
ends here. He was in the 2Tth vear of that service at the time of his death,
which occurred Aug. 22, 1708. ills son John was his successor in olllce.
158 TOWN ACTS
2"'"y. It was agreed, and voted: by a full and clear vote; To choose three
men to go unto, and consult with, the Reverrend Mr. Taylor. Mr. Brewer, and
Mr. John Woodbridge, and Mr. Collins, in order to their making their appli-
cation, to the Worthy Mr. Chancy, of * Cookenchaog: to come, and dispeuce
the things of God unto us.f
3'">". It was agreed, and voted: that :]: Deacon Harmon, Serj. Hanchet, Serj.
Adams, should be the men to go, and advise with the Reverend Elders above
named; and if said Elders do joyn with the Town in their desire, the said
Deacon Harmon, Serj. Hanchet, Serj. Adams, are with all convenient speed,
to go to the Worthy Mr. Cliancy. (see p. 87,) and do their best indeavor, to
bring him upon the place, in order to his settlement amongst us, in the work
of the Ministrie.
4"''>'. It was agreed, and voted: to allow in a Rate, John Rising, & Sam-
uell Sikes, for their going to the Bay with y^ Reverend Mr. Ruggles.
At a Leagall meetin of the Inhabitants; October the 8th, 1708: It was pro-
posed to the Town; whether they would choose a Commity, and leav it with
them, with the advice of Elders, to seek after, and indeavour to bring a Minis-
ter upon the place, to despence the word of God to us, by way of tryall ; in
order to a Settelm' amongst us in the work of the Ministery; or whether they
would do it themselves: and it was by a full, and clear vote agreed, to leav
it with a Commitie.
2"'^'>'. It was agreed, and voted; to choose three men for a Commitie to seek
after a Minister.
3""^. By a clear vote. Deacon Harmon, Serj. Hanchet, & Serj. Adames,
were made choice of for the Commitie.
4"''y. It was agreed, and voted: that the said Commitie should advise with
the § Reverend Mr Taylor, Mr. Brewer, Mr John Woodbridge, & Mr Collins;
in order to their seeking after a Minister.
5thiy gy ^ clear vote Anthony Austin, & John Burbank Jun'', were chosen
Commitie Men to joyn with the || Survivers of the Commitie men chosen by
Town, October the 4'^'', 1699: to inspect, and manage in the Towns behalf e their
concern and bissiness in building, & finishing an house for the Worship of God.
* Durham, Ct.
t Rev'd Benj. Rugsrles died Sept. 5th, 1708. This .year, the Town lost by
death, its Town clerk, its 3Iinister, and its Representative at the General court.
:j: Probably "Xathaniel," and the first Suffield Deacon. He died in 1712.
Thomas Hanchet had that title before he settled here. He died in 1686. His
son John was deacon in 1713, and died 1744. Jonathan Taylor was deacon in
1714, died in 1726. Deacon Samuel Smith 1721, died 1723. Dea. John Mixer,
1722. This is all that can be known of the first deacons, as the early church
records are lost.
§ Edward Taylor, Westfield's first minister. Daniel Brewer, Springfield's
third minister. John Woodbridge, West Springfield's first minister. Nath'
Collins, Enfield's first minister.
II Anthony Austin Sen\ and Jo.seph Shelden, had deceased. This year, the
Town lost bj' death, its Town Clerk, its Minister, and its Representative at the
Gen' court. Sewall's Diary says, July 2', 1708: " Capt Joseph Shelden dj'es
by reason of the great heat. July 3'^ Is buried at the public charge £21, 6% l**.
Corps was set in the Dept" Room."
OP SUFPIELD. 159
At a Leagall Meeting of the Inhabitants: December the 31"', 1708: It was
agreed, and voted: to allow all the necessary charge, that hath been expended
in going for Ministers, to preach the word of God to us, and going home with
them, and for their expenses in the Town, and for a jorney to Hartford, &
another to Simsbury for the Ministers, to reccon with the Inhabitants, and for
some other bissiness wherein the Town was concerned.
2'"'. It was agreed, and voted : to allow Ten pounds in money, towards the fin-
ishing of the Meeting House, to be gathered, and delivered unto the Committie,
who were chosen to act in the Towns behalf, in errecting, and finishing of said
House: to be by them improved to the end for which it is granted, and no other.
S'^^y. At this Meeting: Deacon Harmon, & Serj. Hanchet, who were chosen
(at a preceeding meeting, October the 8"',) for two of the Commitie, for procuring
of a Minister; did verbally declare : that they did lay down their Committiship.
4"''>". It was agreed, & voted: to leave it with the Select men to procure an
Orthadox Minister, for this winter, to despence the word of God tons.
At our Anniversary, or General! Town meeting : March the 14">, 170^: for the
Choice of needfull officers, to order the affairs of a Generall Concernment, for
the welfare of this place : And accordingly choice was made, and the persons
chosen to their severall places of Trust, were these who are mentioned by name,
in the following order.
Select Men — Corp" Jonathan Allyn, Corp" Samuell Kent, Corp" Joseph
Pumry, Ebenezer Smith, John Austin.
Town Clerk — John Austin.
Constable — Joseph Remmington.
Town Treasurer — Serj. John Hanchet.
Clerk of the Market — Jonath. Taylor.
Tithing Men — Corp" Nathaniel Harmon, Serj. Joseph Winchill.
Surveighors of High icays — Samuel Harmon, John Halladay, Matthew Copley,
Thomas Granger, Jun^
Fence vieicers — Abraham Granger, John Stockwell, Benjamin Allyn, Peter
Eastman.
Land Measurers — En' David Winchill, En" Anthony Austin.
Clerk — James King Sen'.
Searchers, sealers, and gagers of casks — John Kent, and John Burbank Jn^,
James King Sen'.
Toton Brander — Corp" Joseph Pumry.
Assessors — Corp" Pumry, Ebenezer Smith, Jolm Austin.
At this Generall Meeting It was agreed, and voted : to send down to Mr
Chancy for an answer to what hath been proposed to him, in order to his com-
ing amongst us, in order to a.Settelment with us in the work of the Ministrie.
2"'">'. Serj John Hanchet, Clerk John Kent, & Tliomas Granger Sen', were
chosen for a Commitie to have the care, and oversight of building a Cart-Bridge*
over Stony Brook, by Goodman Copleys.
* This was the first bridge here. It was a few rods south of the present one,
near South Street R. R. Station. The causeways yet remain. It was completed
in 1715 at a cost of £12, 6s. or $41. The coram"iltee liud 8 shillings each, for six
years committeeship. The second bridge here was built in 1737.
21
160 TOWN ACTS
3'">'. At this Meeting, Corp" Samuell Kent, and the other Proprietors of the
Common Field, on the east side of High Street, proposed to the Town, for liberty
to fence in the Ministry with their said field, & to have the benefit of the feed
thereoff, for one year; for their fencing of it, promising withall; that in case
there comes a Minister to settle in the Town, within the year; Then they will
resign it up free : but if the Town take it out of their hands, before the year
be expired, or a Minister come upon the place; then, the Town are to allow
them what may be rationall, for their fencing of it, which was Granted unto
them by a full, and clear vote.
4"''>'. It was agreed, and voted: That all swine shall be ring'd by the 21''
of this instant, March : and soe to continue all the year, and that they shall be
yoak'd from the first of August, untill the last of Sept.
James Lawton, James Younglove, Benoni Banes, William Ilallady, Jacob
Adams Jun'', & Jonathan Sikes, were chosen to se that this act about swine be
attended to ; & in case any person shall neglect to ring their swine, by s'' time ;
or if they be without rings at any time, then the men above named are to take
up such swine, wherever they find them; and ring them, and the owners of
the swine shall pay them for so ringing: sixpence p"" swine.
At this meeting, Benjamin Winchill proposed to the Town for twenty acres
of Land.
At a Leagall Town Meeting, March the 31*'; 1"' It was agreed, and voted. By
a full, and clear vote : to send men down to *Saybrook, to make inquiry con-
cerning the Worthy Mr. Hale; whether he be a man likely to carry on, and go
thorow the worke of the Ministery; if it should pleas God so to incline his
heart towards us; as to come, and settle amongst us, in that work.
2ndiy By a full, and clear vote; Corp' Jonathan Taylor, and Clerk John
Kent, were chosen to go to seek after a Minister, who taking the best method
they can for information, if they be advised to Mr. Hale : then they are to doe
their best indeavour to bring him upon the place; to preach the word of God
unto us, for a time, by way of triall, in order to a settelment amongst us, tc
despence the things of God unto us : And if they be not advised unto him ; or
if he cannot be perswaded to come; Then: they are hereby impowered to gt
unto any other person, to whome they may be advised.
S'^'y. It was agreed, and voted: by a full, and clear vote: to give unto the
Reverend Mr.' Collins, twenty shillings: and to the Worthy Mr. fAzariah
Mather, f ourty shillings in money : in some measure to Recompence them f o:
their labovir, and pains they have taken with us, & for us, by travell and preach
ing the word of God unto us.
At a Leagall Town meeting, Aprill the IV^, 1709: it was agreed, and voted:
to wait for an answer from the Worthy Mr. Hale,:]^ in referance to what hath
been proposed unto him, in order to his coming upon the place, to despence
the word of God unto us for a time, by way of tryall, in order to a Settellment.
* Young men were educated for the ministry at the collegiate school here.
It was removed to New Haven in 1716, and took the name of Yale College in
1718. Trumbull's Hist, of Conn., Vol. II, Chap. I.
•|- Son of Rev. Samuel Mather, of Windsor.
X Perhaps James Hale, the first minister at Ashford, Coun. See p. 88.
OF SUPPIELD. 161
At a Leagall Town Meeting, May y^ 20"', 1709: CorporalJonathan Taylor
was made choice of, to go to the Reverend Mr. * Increase Mather, the Rever-
end Mr. f Cotton Mather, and the Reverend Mr. "Walters, of Roxhury ; or any
other of the neighbouring Elders (to whom they may advise him) .for Counsell
to some sutable Minister, to come up unto us, to dispence the word of God
unto us, in order to a Settelment.
A VOTE FOR M' DEVOTIONS SETLEMENT.
At a Leagall Town Meeting, August y" 2'^, 1709 : It having pleased the Lord
so f arr to incline the heart of Mr. X Ebenezer Devotion towards this Town so
that he hath come upon the place, and hath given the Inhabitants a tast of his
labours, some proof of his abillities, and accomplishments for the work of the
Ministery ; to their good liking, and satisfaction. The Town did, by a full, and
clear vote ; unanimously agree to renew their call, unto Mr. Ebenezer Devo-
tion, to stay with them some time longer, to dispence the word of God unto us,
in order to a settelment amongst us, in due time; may it please the Lord to in-
cline his heart to imbrace their motion. And for his encouragement the Town
did by a full, and clear vote, agree to give him for his sallery, Eighty pounds
a year, for five years next ensuing; and after five years are expired, then to
give him One hundred pounds, in provition pay yearly. And for a Settelment
the Town agreed to give him One hundred and fifty pounds as mony, and
sixty acres of land.
At this meeting it was agreed, and voted : to set a decent Toomb, upon the
grave of the Reverend Mr. Benjamin Ruggles deceased; upon the Towns
charge. §
A GRANT OF 10 POUNDS TO M-^ DEVOTION.
At a Leagall Town Meeting, Sept. y' 5«^ 1709: It was agreed, and voted; to
allow the Worthy Mr. Devotion Ten pounds in mony, to be put into the rate,
or assessment that is now, forthwith to be made.
At this meeting, "William Allin proposed to the Town to exchange twenty
acres of second Devision land, lying between the two roads that lead to Spring-
field, and joyuing to Springfield bounds, which land was lyed out unto his
father Edward Allen deceased; together with 50 acres more of Second Devistion
land, and record unto the said Edward Allen, in the 44"' page of this Book, and
to take it up again at the south end of the s'' seventy acres, & on the west side
of land laycd out to William Prichet: which proposall the Town by a full, and
clear vote Granted ; Said William Allen, promising to be at all cost, to secure
said land unto the Town; which he now throws up.
* He was minister at Boston sixty-two years, some time President of Harvard
College. Eliot calls him the fatlier of the New England clergy.
f lie was tlie son of Increase Mather, and his colleague forty years, also a
voluminous writer, and author of " Magnalia." Eliot says he was the most
distinguislicd divine in New England.
X See page 88.
§One hundred and fifty years after liis death, the First Congregational
Church erected his monument.
162 TOWN ACTS
At a Leagall Town Meeting, October the 16"^; 1709 : It was agreed, and voted ;
to send a man down with Mr. Devotion; to accompany him in his Jorny
toward the Bay.
At a Leagall Town Meeting, October y« 31"', 1709. It was agreed, and voted,
by a full and clear vote, to wait for the worthy Mr. Devotion until spring,
according to the advice of the Neighbouring Ministers.
At a Leagall Town Meeting, December the 22'', 1709. 1^'. It was agreed,
voted by a full, and clear vote, to lay out the hundred and fifty pound as mony,
(Granted for the Incouragement of the Reverend Mr. Ebenezer Devotion, for
his settlement;) in procuring of land for a Homested, & in building an House
for a Minister.
2°'^ly. It was agreed, and voted; to raise fourtj^ five pounds in money (which
is a part of the hundred and fifty pounds above said) for, or towards the pro-
curing land, and building for a Minister.
3''ly. By a clear vote, Serj. Hanchet, Ensign Austin, and Serj. Joseph
Winchill, were chosen for a Commitie to act, and manage for, and in the
Towns behalf, in buying land, and building an House for a Minister.
At a Leagall Town Meeting of the Inhabitants, January the tenth, 170^^;
frst It was agreed, and voted, by a full, & clear vote; to give unto Samuel
Kent Jun"",* sixty acres of land, as a reccompence, or compensation for his
keeping Scooll the year past, in leiw of twenty seven pounds allowed unto him
for his sallery, Which Grant was upon the proposall of Samuell Kent, and to
his acceptance in full for his years keeping Scooll which will be expired in
March next.
2'"^ly. It was agreed, voted ; to give unto f Samuell Harmon thirty acres of
land, adjoyning unto his own land; lying upon Woolf pitt plain, on the Nor-
ward side of it: which land is in leiw of nine pounds in money towards pay-
ing for his X Home Lott in High Street, in case the Commitie (chosen for the
Bying land, and Building an house for a Minister,) and said Harmon do agree
about said Home Lott; and said Harmon doth give the Town a firm tittle
thereunto. Serj. Jacob Adames, decented from this Grant of the Town.
3'^ly. It was agi-eed, and voted; for the time to come, to lay two pence upon
reading Scollers per week, and three pence upon Writing Scollers per week
(of such Scollers as go to Scooll) for the paying of the Scooll Master; and what
the Scollers want of amounting to the sum that shall from time, to time, be
* See p. 36. Now part of the homestead of Harvey Smith, near the Kent
Corners, West SufBekl.
f Lieut. Samuel Harmon, son of Nathaniel, settled in Sheldon Street, North
Side, on Wolf-pit Plain, about eighty rods west of "Wolf-pit Brook," now
" Tinker Brook."
X This Home Lot was the third six-acre lot on the west side of High street,
south of the West-Suffield road. It was bought by the town, in accordance
with this vote, and a house built upon it. This was the third parsonage built
by the town, and, witli the lot, was given to the Rev. Ebenezer Devotion as
part of his settlement. See note p. 88.
OF SUPFIELD. 163
allowed the Scoollmaster for his Sallery; the Town to pay it, as other rates to'
be raised, or leveyed upon pole, and Estates. The persons hereafter named,
decented from this vote of the Town.
Cap' Joseph Harmon,
Serj. John Hanchet, John Kent Jun, John Hanchet,
Ens. Anthony Austin, John Huxley, Thomas Kent,
Serj. Joseph Pumry, Abraham Granger, John Warner,
Ebenezer Smith, George Norton, John Trumbel 1"'
Peter Roe, Jonathan Winchill Jun, Samuel Kent Sen'',
James King Jun, Benjamin Winchill, John Kent Sen'',
Sam" Younglove, Serj. Joseph Winchill, Thomas Copley Jun,
James Younglove, Joseph Reramingtou, Matthew Copley.
At a Legall Town Meeting, February the 16th, 170 .^^j: The Town by a full,
and clear vote: did agree to give the Worthy Mr. Ebenezer Devotion, a fur-
ther call, in order to his taking office upon him, to despence all Gods Orde
nances unto us.
At our Anniversary, or Generall Town Meeting March the 13"', 170i%: for
the Choise of needfull Officers, & to order the affairs of a Generall, or publicke
Concern for the year ensuing, Choise was made of the persons hereafter named,
to. their several places of trust.
Select Men, Serj. John Hanchet, Corp' Jonath" Taylor, Serj. Joseph Win-
chill, John Burbank, John Austin.
Constable, James Hayward.
Town Cleric, John Austin.
Town Treasurer, Serj. Hanchet.
Clerk of the Market, Corp" Jonathan Taylor.
Land Measurer, Ens. David Winchill.
Tytldng Men, Serj. Thomas Smith, John Warner, & Samuell Allin.
Serveyoi'S of Highwaies, Corp' John Harmon, & Jacob Adams Jun.
Fence Viewers, John Remmington, John Huxley, Samuel & Remmington.
Searchers, & sealers, & gagers of casks, James King Seij'', Clerk John Kent,
& John Burbank.
Town Brander, Serj. Joseph Pumrey.
Assessors, Capt. Harmon, Corp' Nathaniel Harmon, & Clerk John Kent.
At this General Town Meeting: 1»', It was voted, by a clear vote: to raise
all the Scooll Rates upon Estates, & not upon ScoUers according to the last
vote.
2'"'ly. It was agreed, and voted; to give John Trumble the S'"*, liberty to
lay down his thirty acres'* of Second Devision land lying west of Good'" Stock-
wells fcild; it being damnifyed by two High-ways, he taking of it up in one
peice, and not nearer the Town.
3''ly. It was agreed, and voted : to leave it with the Select Men, to fence
and let out; or to let out without fencing, The Ministrey and Scooll Lots, for
the Town's use, so as they shall judge most beneliciall for the Town.
*This land is now known as the " Graham Farm," opposite the Hotel Corner
in West Sullield. The Hotel iiropcrty is a part of Stockwell's Field. (See
note on p. 1()7.)
164 TOWN ACTS
At this Generall Meeting : Ebenezer Smith, Freegrace Norton, & John Aus-
tin, proposed to the Town for to grant them some small Tracts of Land.
At a Leagall Town Meeting, May y« lO"", 1710: 1"', Upon the request, or pro-
posall of Mr. Ebenezer Devotion : the Town did, by a clear vote, ingage to get
him thirty cord of wood yearly, for his fire wood, soe long as it shall please
God to continue him with us, in the work of the Ministrey.
Si^^ly. It was agreed, and voted ; by a clear vote, to precure a Drum to beat
upon on the Sabbath, for calling the Assembly seasonably together.
3'^ly. It was agreed, and voted, to be at the charge of procuring a *Law
Book for the Towns use.
4"^ly. It was agreed, and voted, by a clear vote, that, If it should please
God in his Providence, to make way for the Ordination for the Worthy Mr.
Ebenezer Devotion; That they will be at the necessary charges thereof.
o^'ly. Samuell Hale proposed to y^ Town, for liberty to lay down twenty
acres of Second Devision Land, Ij'ing on the South side of Stony Brook, near
Watsons Timber Hill, and to take it up again westward of the Town, and
himself to be at all charges that shall be neccessary, to confirm the land thus
laid down to the Town ; Which proposall the Town by a clear vote Granted.
6"'ly. It was agreed & voted to raise Ten Pound in provision pay, for the
support, and maintenance of the poor.
T^'ly. It was proposed at this Meeting, to j'*^ Inhabitants present ; whether
they would lay one penny upon the pole per week, on such Scollers as go to
Scool, and the remainder of y'= Scool rates to be rased as other rates; which
by a clear vote past on the Affirmative. f
8"'ly. Granted: to James King Sen^ for Joseph Fuller of Ipswich, two
acres of land for recompence for damage done by a Highway at Bushes Bridge,
running through the Meadow, laid out to Walter Halladay, now in the posses-
sion of the said Fuller.
* The first edition of the Province Laws was pulilished in 1699, and is a rare
book. See Town Acts of January 4th, 1714-15.
f To the Honoured Court of Sessions of the Peace, Holden at Springfield y®
16"' of May Currant :
There having been trouble in Respect of the way of raising our Scool Rates,
the scituation of our Town being such, that all persons cannot have a benefit
of the Scooll; children of the usuall age for learning to read not being able to
travell so farr as to go to the Publick Scooll. The Town having past a vote to
lay a part upon Scollers as in y* above written vote doth appear. To prevent
any further and future jarring, and contending about this matter; We Humbly
pray your Hon" would be pleased to rattifie and confirm the above said Town
Act. (Old Book, p. 170.)
Dated in Suffield,
May the lO"' 1710.
Jonathan Taylor. "|
John Hanchett. I Select
John Burbank. j Men.
John Austin. J
Hampshire Alt a Quarter Sessions at Springfield May IG"" 1710.
The above said Vote was approved and allowed by the Sessions.
Test. John Pynchon. Clerk.
OF SUPFIELD. 165
9"'ly. Granted: to Samuell Copley liberty to set up a * il'ulling-Mill upon
Stony Brook above y way Granted by the Town to John Rising; that is to
say; the Town Granted to said Copley, their Right to j" Stream in said place,
for the use above said: Samuell Copley ingaging not to damnifie the Town, or
any particular person by making a Dam for said Mill.
10"'ly. It was agreed, and voted. That for the time to come, Veall shall not
be recconed, or accounted as a speacia, in any payment to Mr. Devotion, as to
his Rate, or any other ingagement of the Town to him.
At a Legall Meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield, December y« 28"', 1710:
It was agreed, and voted; by a clear vote; to allow John Rising 3 shillings p"^
day for himself, and his horse, for y° nine dales he was out, when he went to
y Bay with Mr. f Devotion the when he went to be Married.
2"''ly. It was agreed, and voted: to allow ten shillings, and some pence in
money to be raised, to pay some money due to sundrj' persons, which they
were to have received of Constable Banes, but could not get.
3'MJ^ It was agreed, and voted, to leave with the Select Men the whole
Concern, Respecting the present :): pound: Either to accept of it, or to refuse
it, or to sue the men, that were bargained withall to make said pound; for
their not making it according to Bargain, or Agreement.
4"'ly. It was agreed, and voted : to new seat y" Meeting House.
§ HIGHWAY OVER Y"^ MOUNTAINS.
February the 21'*' ITOf'o' We whose names are hereunto annexed did lay out
the severall highways following: First we laid out a highway of six rods wide
according to the vole of the Town recorded in the 115'^ page of this Book)
(see p. 145) from Sandy or Chestnut Hill to the foot or east side of the Mountaines ;
We began at Jolui Younglove's Norwest Corner and about a dozen Rod westward
of it wee marked a pine tree standing on the West side of said Sandy Hill, and
on the south side of said highway : and so run with a straight course over
II " Ireland Plain": and along on the North side of " Stockwells Feild " bound-
ing South upon it: from thence it runs across the N(jrtherly end of Trumbles
land to a red or black oak tree marked on all four sides, which tree stands on
the North side of said highway : From thence to a white oak tree on the East
side of Rattle Snake Brook and north of the highway: and so running over the
Ijrook and swamp to a chestnut tree; From thence to a maple tree standing on
the East side of the next slow : from thence across the Norward end of a little
* Trumbull's History of Connecticut says: "There was but one clothier in
the Colony in 1710. The most he could do, was to full the cloth that was
made. A great proi)ortion of it was worn without shearing or pressing."
t He married Mrs. Hannah Breck, of Dorchester, Mass. Their publishment
bears date August 0"', 1710.
tThe Province Laws of 1698 required every town to provide a .suitable pound.
This was the first pound, and stood probably on High St. Common.
s^Tliis is a continuation westward, of the Highway on p. 153.
II The first Meeting House, School Houses, and Burying Ground in the AVcst
Precinct were located near the centre of " Ireland' Plain." Why this name
was given it, is unknown.
166 TOWN ACTS
plain lying Norward of Serg' Joseph Wincliells swamp: From thence it runs
over a brook that runs into said Winchell's swamp ; and bounds south upon
the most Norward Hemlock trees that stand upon the bank of said brook :
from thence we layd it in the most feasable way, much as the path now goes,
till we came to the foot of the Mountain where we marked two small white
oak trees standing on the North side of the highway a little norward of the
most norward branch of Stony Brook, that comes out of the Mountaines. (Old
Book, p. 167.)
HIGHWAY OVER RATTLE SNAKE PLAIN.
Then wee laid out a highway of ten rods wide, from the highway that goes
to the mountains; turning out of it on the high ground a little eastward, or
south easterly of rattle snake Brook; where we marked a red, or black oak
tree on all four sides, which tree is on the west side of this highway. From
thence it runs norward, to a black, or red oak tree standing on the south end
of Rattle Snake Plain ; on the brow of the hill next the brook, on the North
Side of it, & on the west side of the Highway : from thence, to a pine tree
marked : and on the east side of said pine tree, and then running norward
along the plain; holding the same breadth till it comes to the old road, or path
before it comes to turn westward round the head of the boggy meadow com-
monly called *Cakebread's Meadow. (Old Book, p. 167.)
A PRIVATE WAY FOR JAMES YOUNGLOVE.
Also we layd out a way of two Rods wide for James Younglove to his land
on the West side of Rattle Snake Plaine to turn out of the highway on Rattle
Snake Plaine where about the, or against where it used to go over Rattle Snake
brook, and from thence to go Westward across the plaine, unto the causey
which said Younglove made over the swamp on the West side of Rattle Snake
Plain. (Old Book, p. 167.)
HIGHWAY FOR JOSEPH WINCHILL, ON IRELAND PLAIN.
At the same time we layed a way of 3 Rods wide from the Norwest corner of
Serj Joseph Winchills land, on or against the' Westward part of Ireland plain,
for his convenience and those that are near adjoyning to his land, which way
lyeth along by the Northerly end of said Winchills land, and run the same
course till it comes into the road or highway that leads over Ireland Plain, to
the Mountain.
Jonathan Taylor. ^
Layed out by us, Samuel Kent. I Select
John Austin. ) Men.
(Old Book, p. 168.)
*Now Horatio K. Nelson's, at the North end of Rattly street.
OP SUFFIELD. 167
* HIGHWAY BY GOOD^ RISINGS.
March y" 2P* 1710, We whose names are underwritten laid out a highway
over Stony Brook at the lower end of High Street, whicli was granted by the
Town March the 7"' 1698-9, and cntred in the 109"' page of this Book, which
highway was laid out by David Winchell Land Measurer, recorded in the 152''
Page of this book: (see p. 136) and again laid out by us, but not in the same
manner as he laid it out; But in manner as followeth: Viz: Wee began on the
west side of the brook, over against where the way comes to the brook on the
other side, on the south side of this way by the brook is a great stubb of a tree;
which tree was the west bounds of John Risings land, & the north l)ounds of
Serj.Tho" Huxleys land, two rod norward of this stubb is a stake and stones which
is the bredth of said highway: from thence we run westward to a walnut tree
which is on the south side, and is a north bound of said Huxley's land, where we
marked a walnut bush with stones at the root of it. From thence we run
westward about 20 Rods to stake and stones on both sides of the way: From
thence it runs upon a strate line to- the Country Road, or Road leading to
Windsor, where it is bounded on both sides of the way with stake & stones ;
the stake on the south side of the way, standeth about two feet from the nor-
wesf corner of Jarret Huxley's House. (Old Book, p. 169.)
.John Hanchet. 1
JoNATU Taylor. I q , .
Select
Joseph \\ inchill. > ^^
-n. I Men.
John Burbank.
John Austin. J
HIGHWAY FROM IRELAND PLAIN, NORWARD TO BURLESON'S
BROOK.
March y*' SI"' 1710, Laid out a highway from y- West end of Ireland Plain
Norwardly, turning out of the new road that leads out to the mountains; it
parts from said road, against the North East Corner of Quinton Stockwell's
f Land where stands a stake, a bounder thereof on the West side. It is eight Rods
in bn^adth to :{: Freegrace Nortons land, and then it takes its whole breadth iu
full namely, eight Rods out of the West end of said Norton's Laud, from the
north of whicli it runs to a red oak tree markt on the four sides, which oak
stands on tiie East side of the highway — thence turns and runs a strait course
through Edward Smiths second division Land, to the Northeast corner of said
Smiths first grant Land: Leaving said corner on the left hand — Thence it runs
with a strait cour.se tlirough land now in po.s.session of Kdward Smith .Lur, and
*Hero was a ford, before 1660, on the "Way" Ijetweeu Springtield and
Windsor. No bridge was ever built here. Here was the first fulling mill and
" clotliicr's works," (perhaps the first in Connectticut), in 1710, and in opera-
lion for more llian a cenliiry. Also a cotton yarn mill, one of the lirst in New
JMigland. It is yet an open highway, and tlii^ town's oldest landmark. Few
of the "Town Folks" ever enter its portals. In summer the grass is green in
its ancient roadbed, and wliat wms a main tlioi'oiinlil'arc two centuries ago, is
MOW .'i solitary way, whose silence is .seldom broken, except l)y the scream of
I lie passing engine whi.stle. (See )). 8).
f This Land embraced all west from Collins B. Grillin's Land to the W. Suf-
tield Hotel corner, and was 80 rods long, 40 rods wide and contained 20 acres.
{This "Norton Land " has been a i)art of the homestead of the writer since
1843.
90
168 TOWN ACTS
land laid out to Hezekiah Parsons to a little walnut staddle by which is set a
great stone being on the East side of said Highway; thence it runs norwardly
along the highest, best and fairest, and most feazable way for carting till it
comes to the Brook, that is commonly called Burleson's Brook, butting upon
said Brook a little Norward of Barber Meadow commonly so called where said
Brook is stony. The said Highway being but four rods in breadth from Free-
grace Norton's Land to the end thereof.* (Old Book, p. 171.)
John Hanchett. -i
Laid out By, Jonathan Taylor. [ Select
John Burbank. f Men.
Joseph Winchill. J
HIGHWAY TO SPRINGFIELD.
The Highway that leads to Springfield from High Street, laid out by us the
subscribers, 20 Rod in wedth from y"^ allotment laid out to James Stevenson,
to y" Southwest corner of Serj Adams, his lot.
We marked severall trees on y« North, or Northwest side of y" said way,
spotted next the Highway. The Southermost tree we marked is a red oak
standing a little beyond where a highway turns out westward from Crooked
Lane. About 40 rods onwards, we marked another red oak tree; and about 16
Rod beyond another, the next to which is a white oak, and the next is a red
oak, and y« next is a red oak, and the last is a while oak, these two last stand-
ing at y« North East end, or going down of y'hill next Serj Adams his house.
(Old Book, p. 175.)
Dated December the G'^ 1710.
Jonathan Taylor. ^ ggject
John Hancuet. v ""^j.^^
Joseph Winchill. )
At a Legall Town meeting, Jan y 9"' 17|f It was proposed to y^ Town,
whether they would have the rules for Seating the House of God to be in y"
manner, and forme following: that is to say; first, and principally to have
respect to Estate, 2"'* to age, 3<* something to improvement : which by a clear,
and full vote past on y« affirmative.
2'"'. By a clear vote, Corp" Thomas Granger, Peter Roe, and Clerk Kent
were ghosen, for to seat y« Meeting House.
It was agreed, and by a clear vote; to leave it with the Select men, and seat-
ers to estimate the seats in the Meeting House, according to y' best of their
judgement; who made y' following return:
The return of the Select Men and Seaters about y« estimation of
Y" Seats.
f We whose names are underwritten, or subscribers, being by y° Town im-
ployed, and impowered to estimate y seats in the Meeting House; have ac-
cording to y best of our Judgment done in y« manner following, first, we es-
* The south portion of this highway across the Norton Land, was closed,
after the road was opened from the Cong' Meeting-House northerly, in 1833.
fThe death of prominent men since 1702, required a new estimation and
graduation of seats, suited to the inherited notions of rank and caste that pre-
vailed in the humblest provincial town.
OF SUPPIELD. 169
teem this fore flank seat, equall with y° fourth seat in the body of the Meeting
House. 3"'', We Esteem y" hinder flanl<; seat, equall with y" T"" seat in y'^
Body.
3''ly. We esteem y' fore seat in y^ Gallery to be equall with y" 3'' seat be-
low. 4"'i>. we esteem y" fore flank seat in y' gallery next y^ pulpit equall
with the 5"' seat below. S'l'ly, We esteem y« fore flank seat, next y« stairs; to
be equall w"" y'' 6"" below. 6*"^, We esteem y« 3"'' seat in y<' front gallery as a
9"' seat. 7"' y" 3'^ flank seat in y Gallery, next y pulpit; as tenth seat. 8"',
we esteem y* 3'' seat in y" side Gallery, next y« stairs ; as an eleventh seat.
Dated in Suflield January y d'^ 1710.
Joseph Winchill, g^^^^^.^^
John Hanchet, p^^^^^ ^^^
- Jonathan Taylor, j^^^ g-^^^
I John Burb.^k, ^^^^ Granger.
(^ John Austin.
Select
Men,
At a Legall Town Meeting, March the first, 17 J ? : It was agreed, and voted :
by a clear (vote) of the Town; that they would be at y charge of a law suit
with *Eleazer Gaylord, for y« money due to the Town by a bill, by him given
to y* Select Men for his Trespass: only the men hereafter named, entred their
decents against said vote. Jacob Adams, Deacon Hanchet, Beuoni Banes,
& John Stockwell.
3°''. It was agreed, and voted : by a full, and clear vote, to allow thirty shillings
in pay, for defraying y'' charge of running the south line of our Township;
when run by the Committee, appointed by y" General Court for that purpose.
3''. It was agreed, and voted: That y^ Select Men should lay out a f High-
way of four rods wide, from j" Grangers field, to Muddy Brook by y« falls ;
and so out westward threw the Township, where they shall think best con-
sidering all circumstances.
4"'ly. Also ; that y" Select Men should lay out the | Highway that goes
over by Nortons Bridge, out norward to Springfield Bounds four rods wide;
wlicre it may be most Convenient Considering all circumstances.
March the 13"', 17j^: Being a Great, and Generall Town Meeting for y*"
choice of Town Officers, and ordering things of a Generall concern. Choice
\\ as made of y" severall persons hereafter named, to their respective places of
Trust.
Tdirii Clerk — John Austin.
Coiixtahle — John Harmon.
Scli'rt Meh—Vn\\i Joso])!! Harmon, Serj Joseph Puniry, Ebenezer Burbank,
Timothy Palmer, Joseph Kcmington.
* Son of Walter, of Windsor.
f The laying-out of this road will Ite found under date of Fob. 37, 1735. The
Falls are at the l)ridgc westof " Hastings Hill."
tin 1705 a highway bad been laid from Norton's bridge to the foot of liong
Hill (now Hastings Hill), along tlie old Ihunptou path. This vote ordered its
continuation to the present State line.
170 TOWN ACTS
Survey or)< of Highways — Corp" Thomas Granger, John Rising, Robert Old,
Samuell Halladaj'.
• Tythiiifi Men — Ebenezer Sniitli, Jacob Adams Jun^
Fence Viewers — Benoni Banes, Samuell Remington, James King Jun'',
George Norton.
Sealer of Leather — Serj Jacob Adams.
Clerk of y^ Market— Covy>^ Taylor.
Land nieasurer & Town I'reasiirer — Serj. Joseph Winchill.
Searchers, & gagers of casks — James King Sen'', John Kent Sen", Jn" Burliss.
Assessors — Capt. Joseph Harmon, Serj Joseph Pumry, Joseph Remington.
1"*. At this Generall Town Meeting }" Town agreed with y" Town Treasurer
for his sallary to give him five shillings in money and seven shillings in pay
for y* Insuing year.
3°'i. The Town voted to allow John Kent Jun", John Trumble y* first, &
George Norton, a private way to their meadows on Muddy Brook of 2 rods
wide on y South East Side of said Brook to y High-way that goes over Nor-
tons Bridge, where it may l)e most convenient, between Serj. Joseph Win-
chill's fence, and the Brook.
At a Legall Meeting of y Inhabitants of Suffield May y« 14"\ 1711: It was
agi'eed, voted that whereas there may be severall persons that have Grant of
either first Grants, or second Division ; and have neglected to have such Grant
laid out; if such persons do not lay such Grants of Land within one month;
then y shall lay out such Grants to such Neglectors, and they not to have y*
liberty to choose afterwards.
2°''. It was agreed, and voted: That whereas by grant of y"^ Committee,
there is a Tract of Land to ly common between- ffeather St, & y Great River,
for y use of ffeather St, that there be an equal proportion laid out to y* rest of
y proprietors (with them) to ly common, on y same conditions witji ffeather
Street Common.*
3''. By a clear vote. Deacon Hanchet, Deacon Taylor, Clerk Kent, Ensign
Austin, & Serj. Winchill, were chosen for a Committee to lay out y land,
above voted to be lay'd out, in y* foregoing votes.
4*ly. By a clear vote, y« Town appointed Deacon Hanchet, Serf Adams,
& Samuell Hale, to lay out a Highway to y" lower end of feather Street, ac-
cording to the Grant of y Committee.
S"". It being proposed to y Town, whether they would grant (a Highway,)
or an open Highway to Fcatlier Street down to y^' common, towards Windsor,
to the end of our bounds : And by a clear vote it past on y negative.
6"'ly. The request of the Inhabitants below Stony Brook is; that y" Town
would grant us a way, or passage with gates, for Horse, or Team; which way,
we desire that it may be laid out, where it may be most convenient for going
to Meeting, and to Mill, where it now goes on y Hill, or High land; which is
y request of Edmond Marshall, Sam'll Hale, James Hayward, John Marshall,
Nathanaell Hamlin, Richard Woolery; Which request the Town by a clear
vole granted, f
*The "Lay out" will be found under date 1714; also see pp. 64, 65.
f See Highway, p. 174.
OP SUFFIELD. 171
7*''. For as much as Severall persons by reason of mistakes are wanting in
their land ; it was therefore agreed, and voted : that all such persons that as are
Proprietors of land within this Township, who are thus wanting in their
Measure, let y** want therein be more or less as to quantity, the Select Men be-
ing certified thereof by y Town Measurer, upon his survey of such lands as are
deemed to be wanting in their Measure. What y Measurer shall thus find
wanting, the Measurer shall have order from y" Select men to lay it out where
it is free. The persons who are thus wanting in their land, being at y charge
of surveying to find what is wanting, and y laying out of y same.
All y above written votes were given in to y Clerk to he Recorded under
y^ Attest of Joseph Harmon,
Moderator.
1"*. At a Legall Town Meeting January y" 31"', 17|*: for allowin a Town
bill of charge : first, it was agreed, and voted: to allow those men that were
assistant to the Hon"' Committee appointed by y Generall Court to run y
South Line of our Township, 2% & 6'' p' day, in pay.
2"'*l3^ By. a clear vote y** charge about James Gernsey* deceased, expended
in his sickness, was allowed.
S'^ly. Benjamin King, was allowed for going to y Bay, for Mr. Devotion
thirty shillings in pay.
4"'ly. James Hayward was allowed for going to y Bay with Mr. Devotion
twelve Shillings in pay.
5"'ly. Y* Select Men were allowed for going up to Springfield, and for
mending the pound.
6*''ly. Joseph Harmon Juu', was allowed twenty shillings in jiay, for what
he paid to Rates in this Town for his pole, when he wrought at Eudfield.
7"'. The charge of sieziug Eliazer Gaylord was allowed.
8"'ly. The Committees bill of 4£ as money, for their trouble in buying
Land, and building an House for Mr. Devotion, being put to vote, past on y
negative.
At a Great, and General Town Meeting, March y 10"', 17 j^: for y<^ choice
of Town Officers, and for ordering of things of a General Concern; and then
choice was made of y severall persons hereafter named, to their severall
places of Trust, as followeth :
Select Men — Serj. Jacob Adams, Corp" Tiiomas Granger, Clerk John Kent,
James Younglove, Joiin Austin.
Ihwii Clerk — John Austin.
Constable — David Allen.
Jown Treasurer, <('• Land Meamrer — Serj Josepii Winchill.
Tything Men — John Remmington, Peter Roc.
Clerk of the Market — Deacon Jonathan Taylor.
Surveyors of Uifikmiys — John Rising, Timothy i'alrncr, Jose[)h Harmon .Iiur,
Tho: Granger Jun'', Peter Eastman.
*ne raarri(!d Mary, the widow of Joseph Eastman, in 1()93, and died Dec.
12, 1711. Savage says, "he had many ({uarrels witii his wife, but probably no
children by her."
172 TOWN ACTS
Fence Vieioers — John Huxley, Sam" Younglove, Samuell Allin, John Bur-
bank.
Searcher, & sealer, d- ffager of c/isk — James King Sen', Clerk J"" Kent, John
Burliss.
Sealer of Leather — Serj Jacob Adams.
Assessors — John Kent Sen', John Burbank, James Younglove.
At this Meeting, by a clear vote, * Martin Kelloge was seated in the Fore seat
in the Meeting House. And for as much : as there was not time on this tenth
of March, to finish all the work designed for, and proper to have been done at
this Meeting: therefore, it was adjourned, to the last Munday of this Instant,
March.
PROPRIETORS TO VOTE ABOUT LAND.
At a meeting of the Inhabitants, being the Generall Town Meeting by ad-
journment, on y« 31"' day of March, 1712: It Avas agreed, and voted: That
none should have a libertie of voting in any act respecting Land, but such as
are Proprietors of first Grants, or purchasing Grants ; and but one person to
every Grant shall have libertie, or y^ priviledge of voting in such acts.
* Martin Kellogg, son of Joseph, of Farmington, Conn., lived at Hartford,
and afterward at Deerfield, where, in 1704, he, with his children, viz. : INIartin,
Joseph, Joanna, and Rebecca, aged respectively, 18, 12, 11, and (j years, were
captured by the French and Indians, and carried to Canada. After his release
he bought the Homestead of Samuel Younglove in 1711, and settled in Sufiield.
This Homestead was on the north side of the road to West Sufiield, west of the
^Yinchell Bridge, on land now owned by Charles S. Bissell. The dwelling-
house upon the hill, a little west of the bridge, disappeared about fifty years
ago. He married a third wife in 17:32, bemg then about 75 years old. He
was a weaver by trade, and an honored inhabitant. No record of his death is
found.
Martin, Jun"", after several j'ears' imprisonment, was redeemed, and in 1708
was again taken prisoner while with a scouting party, and again redeemed. He
was remarkable for his courage and bodily strength. He was interpreter at
the Indian Mission School, at Stockbridge, Mass. , two years. He resided at
Newington, Conn., and there died, Nov. 15tli, 1755.
Joseph was a prisoner ten years, and became familiar with the languages and
customs of all the Indian tribes, and was afterward the best interpreter New
England had, being employed upon every important occasion. In 1714, he
was persuaded to abandon a wild forest life among the Indians, and returned
to his father's home in Sufiield. In 1719, he bought the Wincliell house-lot
(South Corner High St., W. Sufiield road), with a dwelling-house, for £100.
He married Rachael Devotion (a sister of the minister), March 10th, 1720.
Their sons, Jonathan and Martin, had families here, but after them the surname
disappears from our records. He was made Captain in 1722, and his life was
spent wholly in the public service. He was in command of scouting parties,
guarding frontiers, was at Fort Dummer, on the Connecticut river, for many
J'ears, where two of his children were born, was at the Albanj' Treaty in 1754,
and Commissioner to Canada, and other places. In 175G, though in feeble
health, he accompanied General Shirley in the campaign of that year, as inter-
preter, as far as Schenectady, where he died and was buried A. D. 1 756.
Joanna married an Indian chief, and bore him children, and could never be
induced to return to civilization.
Rebecca, after a long captivity, returned, and married Benjamin Ashley of
Westfield. She was employed as interpreter in Indian ^Mission Schools, and
while thus engaged in the wilderness of Southern New York, died A.D. 1757.
For further history of this remarkable family, see Hist, of Northfield, and
N. Y. Doc. Hist., Vol. 3.
OP SUPFIELD. 173
2'"'. It was agreed, and voted : That for y« time to come y'' Choice of Asses-
sors shall be by * papers, as for y" Select men, and to be brought in together,
and Every mans five votes for Select Men, shall be in one paper, hanging to-
gether, and their three Votes for Assessors, shall be in another paper, & hang-
ing together: and that all such Votes, as shall be put in single, shall be cast
out as Elegall.f
3''. It was agreed, and voted : that Kates in this Town for y" future, shall
be made by y* List taken for the Countrey Rate.
4^''. By a clear vote, the Town did declare, that they would allow but only
lawfull Tole, or the 16"' part of all Grain, for grinding of their Corn.
5"'. It was agreed, and voted: to allow Thomas Copley an acre of land, to
take up with other Land he hath to take up, which acre of Land is a recom-
pence for Land he allows off of his Home Lott, for the Conveniency of the
Bridge over Stoney Brook.
6"'. By a clear vote y" Town made Void that act passed May the fourteenth,
1711: entred page 129: S. y 1*', concerning the Committee laying out of Land
to such persons as have neglected to lay out such Land, as by Grant did belong
to them, and grant them two months from this meeting to lay out such land;
and to have their Choice in y Commons ; but if they shall neglect to lay out
their Land within the two months above said; then they are to have no liberty
to lay it out in any Common that shall be layed for the Town.
7"'. It being proposed to the Town, whether they would add two men to
the Committee Chosen to lay out y« common, according to vote : passed in May
14'*', 1711 : and one y men to be of Feather Street, and the other of them be-
low Stoney Brook, to joyn with y*' said Committee in laying out of the Com-
mons.. By a clear vote it past on the negative.
At a Legall Town Meeting May the 7"', 1712: It was agreed, and voted: by
a clear vote, that, all such persons as have Land taken away by any Highway,
or by being layed out upon any former Grant, they making complaint to y'"
Select men : y'' Select men shall give order to y" Land Measurer, to take a sur-
vey of y Land thus taken off; and to lay out to such persons, so much land in
another place, where it is free, they showing y Land Measurer to his satisfac-
tion, from y« records, what their first bounds were. And y" Select-men to
allow reasonable satisfaction in Land, to such persons, for y damage done
them by such Highways.
By a cleai vote. Granted: to Thomas Copley Sen% four acres, and an half of
land; (to take up where it is free,) for a recompence for a Higliway that was
layed out, through said Cophiys four acres of land, on y west side of Fylers
Brook. Said Copley throwing up to y Town, y" remainder of said four and
half of land, which said Highway takes not.
* Ballots.
fThc Proprietors were slow In intiust llic :ill';iiis of llic town with their
sons. For more than forty years lliey liehl. with ;i liini urip, the most iinpnit
ant town offices.
174 TOWN ACTS
* HIGHWAY FROM HIGH STREET, TO Y^ OLD MILL.
June the 12"' 1712. Layed out a Highway, or passage from High Street to
y« Old ]\Iill, (or place where y" Old Mill was formerly): And beginning at High
Street, where we set Stake, and Stone on each side of said way; and from thence,
to the Gutter by Scotts House, to stake, and stone on each side of y way; from
thence, to y' next Bridge, and from thence, to stake and Stone on each side of
said way, about y middle of y long hill, commonly so called ; and so along upon
y" ridge, to a young white Oake, marked, on y North side of y*^ Highway,
standing on y South West side of a deep hollow, on y top of y hill; and on
y' South side of y' way, a black oak l)ush ; and from thence, to a black oak,
on y° North side, and a stake and Stone, on y*" South side : From thence to a
stake and stone on the South side, and a little Eastward of y" Gutter, at y'
East end of y' Long Hill ; and a white oak on y" North Side. And from
thence to y" Gutter, on y" West Side of Hoop Hill, on y" west side of which
Gutter, we set stake and Stone, on both sides of y" Way. And on y' East
side of Hoop Hill, on y" brow of it, is a White oak, on y*^ .south Side; and a
yellow oak butt on y" North Side, both marked: From thence to a young
white oak, on y" North Side, and a stake and stone on y'^ South Side, Fi'om
thence, to a black oak staddle, on y* north side, and a j-ellow oak on y" south
side, west of Bu.sh Hill ; and so up to the brow of said hill, where we marked
a White Oak on y" West side, at y" turn of y" way : and a black oak on y"
East side. Then turning southward, along upon said Hill, toward y' west-
ward side of it, across all the lotts, till it falls in between the allotment laid out
to fCai>t Samuel Cross, and y'= Second division Laid out to Timothy Palmer: so
between them, till it comes near to Stony Brook: Then turning Eastward,
across a corner of 'said Palmer's Second Division, along where the old path
goes down to where y" Old Mill House stood : From thence to y' old Road, or
Highway, that runs through Feather Street, where at the Corner, or turn of
y* way, we marked a white oak on all four sides ; and a black oak on y'' North
Side, of this way. Said Higliway, or passage we lay'd out, Three rods wide,
and from this way, we layed out a way of one rod and half wide, down to the
mouth of Stoney Brook, near where y^ old path now goes. (Old Book, p. 185.)
HIGHWAY BELOW STONY BROOK.
Att the same tyme, was layed out a Highway, or passage for y" Inhabitants,
below Stony Brook, of one rod, and half wide. We turned out of the High-
way that leads along on y' East end, or front of y West range of Lotts, on tlie
*See pp. 63, 71. Tradition lias located the first Saw-Mill and Dam upon the
site of the present Franklin Paper-Mill. This tradition, accepted as truth,
(see p. 29,) I am obliged to reject. This highway-record proves that the old
mill was where the Iron Works were afterward located. (See note page 152.)
The Corn-Mill, attached to the Saw-Mill in 1077, appears to have been of
little value, as ten years later the inhabitants complain, and Maj. Pynchon
promises to build a Corn-Mill with house, itc. (See page 109.) This he did,
and it formed in 1704, a part of the inventory of his Suffield estate. Its site
was probably that of the present Boston-Neck Grist-]\Iill. His heirs sold the
iiiill with its privileges in 1713, to James Lawton of Sufheld. (Hampshire Co.
Rec. Vol. D. p. 324.)
f Samuel Cross of Windsor had a Grant in 1671, but did not settle here. In
1703, forty acres of upland and swamp were laid out to him, and his heirs.
He died in 1707.
OP SUFFIELD. 175
South side of Stony Brook, going aslant across y" front of James Haywards
Lott, marking several) trees on the south side of the way, till it comes to y" top
of y° Hill, against y' Iron Works; and slanting do^'n y' Hill, toy" turn of y*
River (or Stoney Brook) where it turns off of y'' Hill, across a little hollow, onto
y fair Intervall Land in said Hawards Lott; and over a little Brook, where y"
path used to pass over it, and so along between the Hill, and Stoney Brook, where
it is best for the way, till it comes to James Haywards House.* And then
turning up y"= Hill, on y° backside of said Haywards House, through said Hay-
wards Land, and y" rest of y° allotments, till it comes to, and passes over Stoney
Brook, a little below y" Cornmill.f From thence through y'lots, to y" High-
way, or passage to y" Old Mill, entering into it, a little West of y° Wett Land,
on y" west end of y^ Long Hill. Said way is laid out for y" most part of y"
way, where y path now goes. There are trees marked on both sides of this
way, facing y" way, and said way to be a rod, and half wide, from said trees
so marked.
By
Jacob Adams. . ^
Thomas Granger Sen'. I
John Kent SEN^ |- Select Men.
Joinsr Austin.
James Younglove. J
Y« COPPER OAR TO BE LEASED OUT.
1"'. At a Legal Town Meeting October y" 17"', 1712: Clerk, John Ivent, was
chosen Moderator for this Meeting, by a clear vote.
2"''ly. It was agreed, and voted : to lease out to y« Hon"'' CoUon" Partridgof
Newbery, all y'' Copper Mines within our Township; within y undivided
Land, for Eight years, upon such terms as y Town shall agree upon.
3'^ly. It was agreed, and voted: to leave it with the Select men to agree
with, and lease out to y Hon*'' CoUouell Partridge of Newbery; all y Copper
Mines that are, or may be discovered within our Township, in y undivided
Land, to improve for Eight years from y Date hereof.
I At a legall Town Meeting October y 22'"', 1712: By a clear vote: Deacon
John Hanchet was chosen Moderator, to carry on y affairs of this fleeting.
2"''ly. It was agreed, and voted: to Lease out toy Hon"^'' Collonell William
Partridg of Newberry; all y Mine or Mines within our Township, in y undi-
vided Land for forty years from y Date hereof; Iron min(! oidy accepted.
3''ly. It was agreed, and voted: to leave it witli a Committee of these men
to Lease out Said Mines.
* James Hayward (or Howard) and Mary, daughter of Edward AUyn, were
pul)lislied January '!tli, anil married January 25, 170^,. Children were, Mary,
l)orn Ajjril 2:>, ]70(i; Josepli, born October 1, 1707; Ebene/.er, born January
25, 1710; James, born, Decrniber 7, 1712.
f This Mill was built by Maj. Pynchon, in accordaiu-e with ins answer to the
town in l(iH7. (Sec note on i)receding page.)
J No lease of the Copper Mines, under these votes, appears to have been
consunnnated. Sec Se|tl. !(. 17K5. p. IS:!.
176 TOWN ACTS
4ti>ly. It was agreed, and voted: or By a clear vote; the Town made cbotee,
of John Kent Sen', James Younglove, & John Austin, for their Committee to
Lease out y- said mines.
5"'ly. The Town by a clear, and full vote did leave with, and fully inpower
John Kent Sen'', John Austin, and James Younglove; their said Committee in
y'' Town's behalf, & for y Town, and to their use, to agree with^ and Lease
out to y« Hon'-^d Coljonel William Partridg of Newberry all y'' Mine, or Mines
within our Township, in y« undivided Land (Iron Mine only accepted), for
Eight years for a sum of money certain; and for Thirty Two years for a Cer-
tain part of y" Income, and what y« said Committee shall doe, in Leasing out
said Mines, we doe hereby allow, & confirm as good to all Intents, & purposes:
as if we, ourselves had done it. The above written votes were given in to be
recorded under y attest of John Hanchet, Moderator,
John Kent, / Select
James Younglove. f Men.
HORSE HOUSES.
Atalegall Town meeting Dec. y 18"', 1713: First. The Town by a clear
vote, gave Liberty to any persons who are so minded, to Build a Horse House,
or Houses, near y" Meeting House, for Horses to stand in, at publick times.
*A VOTE FOR MOVING Y-^ SCHOOLL.
2"''ly. It was agreed, and voted : that y school shall be kept in four parts
of y Town; viz: in High Street, Feather Street, Crooked Lane, & in y^ West
Division, & to be kept a year at a time in each Division.
3''ily. It was agreed, and voted: by a clear vote that y" above written votes
respecting y" Schooll shall be carried to y« next Court of Quarter Sessions of
y« peace, at Northampton, for their Approbation, & Confirmation.
4t''ly. The Town by a clear vote: did agree to choose two men to Reccon
withy Town Treasurers; and to recovery^ money for y Town which they
find due, and shall make up the Recconings y next Monday.
5"'ly. • By a clear vote John Kent Sen"^, & James Younglove, were chosen to
make up the Reconings with y Treasurers.
6"'ly. It was agreed, & voted: by a clear vote, to prosecute those persons
that Trespass upon our Township, in a course of Law, as Criminall Offend-
ers in y^ Queens Behalf.
""■ly. The Committee chosen by y Town at their Meeting, Decern: y
SS""!, 1709: to act, & mannage for, and iny^ Towns behalf, in buying Land, and
building and House for a minister; at this present Meeting proposed to y«
Town to allow them for their Committeeship 24' apiece in money: which pro-
posal y^ Town by a vote refused to allow, but instead thereof, by a clear vote,
granted them a third more in Town pay.
8"'ly. It was agreed, and voted: by a clear vote: That y school shall be
next kept in Feather Street, one year; and then one j-ear next after, in
Crooked Lane, and then next one year in y West Division, and so to High
Street again.
* See vote March 25th, 1713.
OF 8UPFIELD. 177
At a great and geiierall Town Meeting March y" 9"^, 17jf : for the choice of
necessary Town Officers, for the year lusuing; at which Meeting Choice was
made of y* several persons hereafter named, to their several! places of Trnst,
as f olloweth ; viz :
Thomas Smith Sen" , ^
• Samuel Kent Sen" , I o i *
„ ' Select
Peter Roe, V ^^
Men.
John Burbank,
Samuel Younglove. J
Cofistahle — George Norton.
Town Clerk — John Austin.
Town Treasurer, & Land Measurer — Joseph Winchill.
Tything Men — Thomas Granger Sen'', Anthony Austin, Jacob Adams Junr.
Clerk of the Market — Jonathan Taylor.
Fence Vieicers — Benjamin Reminton, John Kent Junr, James King Jun',
John Hanchet Jun'.
Sici-vei/ers of Hiffhways— James Lawton, Samuel Kent Jun"^, William Halla-
day, Abraham Adams.
Searchers, seallers, & gagers of casks — James King Sen', John Kent Sen',
John Burliss.
SeaUr of Leather — Jacob Adams Sen.
At this Generall Town Meeting first, It was agreed, and voted: That John
Kent Sen'', shall hold his Northeast Corner Bound, in his twenty acres of Sec-
ond Division against John Harmons, as it was s'^ by y Land Measurer; not-
withstanding y record of y*' Highway.
2"''. The Town Ijy a clear vote, granted to Samuel Kent Junr, a strip of
Land lying between y" Laud which y'' Town gave him for keeping School, and
y" Laud that he had of Jonathan Remington. The said strip of Laud lyeth on
y" East side of Woolf pitt Brook; and is Granted to recompcnce him for Laud
taken off by y" Highway, on the Northwest Corner of y"= Laud, that was Jona-
than Remingtons above said.
;}''. The Towu by a clear vote Granted to Benjamin Giliett a strip of Land
off of y South side of y" Highway, that lyeth north of his house; so as that
y Highway shall extend in wedth no farther than to the North side; of his
House, and from said House, y" said Highway is to increase in breadth as it
goes Westward, so as to have its full wedth, at twenty rods end, from said
House.
4"'. It was agreed, and voted: That y- Select Men shall from year, to year
sometime in the month of June, (ue.\t after their time Is out) make up accounts
with y" Treasurer for all Rates committed to the' Con.>itable in their own 3'ear,
and to see all accounts cleared, and to bring their accounts to y" Town the
next Meeting.
At a Legall Town Meeting, March y 25"', 1718: The Town by a clear vote:
grant(;d the Widow Punu'ey, one pound, lirtccii shillings, for her Husliand's
care and trouble as a Committee man fnr liuildiug, and finishing Meeting
House.
2"''ly. The Town liy a clear vole Granted to y Heirs of Cap' Austin de-
ceased, Twenty Shillings for his Connuitleeship for the Meeting House.
3''. It was agreed, voteil. by a Clear vote; that y SchooU shall be ke[)t iu
Hiffh Street.
178 TOWN ACTS
SCHOLL TO BE KEPT IN HIGH STREET.
4"'. It was agreed, and voted: That there shall be one good School con-
stantly kept in High street, and that there shall none goe to this School, un-
till they are six j'ears of age, nor then neither, except they be so farr Eutred
in learning, as to spell Indiflferantly in y- primer. •
5"'ly . By a clear vote, granted to James Younglove, five acres of land at
y« turn of Stony Brook, on the north side of it, if it be free; if not in some
other place where it is free.
e"*. The Town by a clear vote Granted to Mr. Ebenezer Devotion T^iienty
acres of Land.
7"^. It was agreed, voted: by a Clear vote, that the Committee chosen
to lay out y' Towns Commons, shall finish their work bj^ the middle of Aprill
next.
8"". The Town by a Clear vote, granted, and ordered. That there shall be
a * Highway, eight rods wide, on y" South side of Stony Brook, by Matthew
Copleys, on y« north side of his lot: and so to Taintors Hill, and as far further
as shall be thought needfull.
9'Hy. It was agreed, and voted, That all such as are present Inhabitants,
and Proprietors that have not had any Land given them by the Town, nor
their predesessours, amounting to five acres apiece for such of their children as
are proprietors, and l)ear Charge in y" Town, or such as have Laud upon
record more than they have had Grant of, shall have five acres apiece.
lO'i'ly. At this Meeting. Joseph Fuller craved liberty of y" Town to lay
down his 25 acres of Second Division lying bj' Springfield Bounds, on y East
side of Fylers Brook, and to take it up elsewhere; Ingagiug to be at all uecces-
sary charge, for making sure to y« Town y® Land which he lays down: which
proposall y' Town by a clear vote granted.
ll*''ly. Granted to Samuel Roe, five acres of Liyid.
12*''ly. Granted to Josiah Kent, five acres of land.
13"'ly. Lastly it was agreed, voted by a clear vote: That every person ac-
counted, and excepted as free and Legall Voters, shall attend all Town meetings,
being duly warned thereunto, on y' penalty of 3" & (>'' in Town pay, for every
neglect (of attendance), except y" person so neglecting, can give a satisfying rea-
son of his absence at that time, to y" Select men, or y* major part of them ; who
are by this act impowered to accept their reasonable excuses, and on y* non
acceptance ; to prosecute, and recover such fines in a way of Law. And y"
Town Clerk shall keep a List of all such voter's names, and call them all Dis-
tinctly at the beginning of every such meeting, and every person not answer-
ing when called ; shall pay 6* for not seasonablie attending according to ap-
pointment; to be recovered in manner aforesaid.
f Att a meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield Aprill the 2"'', 1713: Tlie Town
by a full, and Clear vote, Gave unto the severall persons hereafter named,
Land as followeth, viz:
To Edmund JMarshall, ten acres and an half.
To Samuel Hall, ten acres and an half.
*This Way was used at an early period, but not laid out until 1727.
f The gi-ants of land made at this and the preceding meeting were annulled
by an act of the County Court, Jan'y 10"s 1716.
OP SUFFIELD.
To Richard Woollery seven acres and an half.
To James Hayward seven acres and an half.
To Timothy Palmer seven acres and an half.
To Samuel Palmer thirteen acres.
To :5enjaniin King seven acres and an half.
To Fearnot Burliss live acres and an half.
To Nathan" Austin seven acres and an half.
To John Austin seven acres and an half.
To John Burliss seven acres and an half.
To William Halladay four acres.
To Samuel Halladay four acres.
To Benoui Banes seven acres and an half.
To Samuel Remington six acres and an half.
To Beuja Remington six acres and an half.
To John Burbank seven acres and an half.
To Peter Eastman seven acres and an half.
To Samuel Alliu four acres and an half.
To David AUin five acres and an half.
To Jacob Adams Jun. six acres and an half.
To John Pengilly eight acres and an half.
To El)enezer Burbank nine acres and an half.
To Samuel Granger five acres and an half.
To Samuel Kent Sen'^ eight acres and an half.
To Josepli Winchill five acres and an half.
To Samuel Youngiove five acres and an half.
To Thomas Huxley eight acres.
To Jonath: Winchill Jun. two acres and an half.
To Peter Roe fourteen acres.
To William Spencer ffve acres and an half.
To Anthony Austin eight acres.
To Josepli Remington eight acres and an half.
To James King Jun' nine acres and an half.
To Samuel Copley seven acres.
To Timothy Hale five acres and an half.
To John Rising six acres and an half.
To James Barlow five acres and an half.
To Ichabod Smith seven acres and an half.
To Samuel Gillit seven acres and an half.
To Martin Kellogg five acres and an half.
T(i David Winchill Sen' five acres.
To Jacob Adams Sen"^ seventeen acres.
To Daniel Adams two acres and an half.
To Abraham Adams four acres and an half.
To Victory Sikes six acres and an half.
To Tliomas <}raiiger Sen' eight acres.
To Tiiomas Smith seven acres and an half.
To Benjamin Allin five acres and an half.
To C!aleb Allin four acres and an half.
To John Smith five acres and an half.
To .lonatlian Taylor seven acres and an half.
179
180 TOWN ACTS
To Thomas Granger Jun'^ two acres and an half.
To Nathan' Warner two acres and an half.
To Tliomas Taylor two acres and an half.
To Samuel Sik^s seven acres.
To John iStockwel four acres.
To Samuel Lane six acres and an half.
To James King Sen'' seven acres and an half.
To Edward Burliss three acres and an half.
To John Remington six acres and an half.
To Jonath: Remington seven acres and an half.
To John Trumble y" 1*' five acres and an half.
To Joseph Fuller six acres and an half.
To Deacon John Hanchet eight acres.
To John Hanchet Jun'' six acres and an half.
To George Granger six acres and an half.
To Al)raham Granger five acres and an half.
To John Kent Sen'^ seven acres.
To Richard Austin seven acres and an half.
To John Huxley seven acres and an half.
To Robert Old seven acres and an half.
To John Warner five acres and an half.
To Samuel Spencer five acres and an half.
To James Lawton ten acres.
To George Norton six acres and an half.
To Freegrace Norton two acres and an half.
To Thomas Copley five acres.
To Samuel Hale five acres and an half.
To Josiah Hale seven acres and an half.
To Ebenezer Smith two acres and an half. «
To Matthew Copley six acres.
To Janet Huxley five acres.
To Nalh' Hamlin six acres.
To Hezekiah Parsons five acres.
To David Winchill Jun. five acres.
To Benjamin Winchill two acres and an half.
To John Harmon two acres and an half.
To Samuel Harmon two acres and half.
To Benjamin Gillit three acres and half.
To Nathaniel Harmon eight acres.
To Samuel Kent Jun. eight acres and half.
To Tliomas Kent two acres and an half.
To Matthew Towsley four acres and half.
To Edward Smith Sen^ three acres and lialf.
To John Trumble y" 2'"' two acres and half.
To Cap* Joseph Harmon twelve acres.
To Joseph Harmon two acres and an half.
To El)enezer Harmon two acres and half.
To James Younglove four acres and an half.
To John Kent Jun. seven acres and an half.
To Eliezer Stockwel five acres.
OP SUPFIELD. 181
To Jonath Wiuchill Sen. eight acres and lialf.
To Edwaril Smith Jun. two acres and half.
To Joseph Truml)le two acres and an half.
To Samuel Trumble two acres and an half.
Provided: Nevertheless, that if any person, or persons as have at this Meet-
ing had gifts of Land; have formerly had gifts, or grants of y" Town amount-
ing to y« Number of acres now given; it shall now be accounted as their pro-
portion of Land now given; or if any of their predecessours have had former
grants, or Land upon Record, or they themselves have land upon Record,
which they have no grant off, amounting to y number of acres of Land now
given to them, and their Children, or successours, it shall be accounted as their
part of what is now given. And where persons hq,ve had grants of Land, or
that have land upon record as above exprest, that doth not come up to y"
number of acres given as above said, what they have had, shall be accounted
as part of this gift; and the remainder to be made up to them out of y Com-
mons as others have: provided: allso, There is nothing in this vote Intended,
or any waise to be considered to have any respect to what was granted to any
person y" Last Meeting.
3iid]y fYiQ Town by a clear vote: granted Lieu' Peugilly liberty to Lay
down his Second Division Land, lying west of Springfield road, and north of
Serj Adams, his House ; And to take it by his Meadow, and to be at all charge
to make sure y" Land to y*" Town which he thro.ws up.
3''ly. Granted to James King Sen' Liberty to lay down part of his Second
Division Land at y" east end of it, and to take it up on the North side in y"
Land that Joseph Fuller layd Down, and he be at all Necessary charge, to make
sure to the Town what land he lays down.
4"'ly, And Lastly. It was agreed, and voted: That there shall be none of
y Land that was granted a^ this last Meeting, nor the Last meeting liaid out,
untill there be a Meeting for Chusing a Representative, except there be a
Meeting sooner, and Notice given in y Warning that there is something to be
done about .said Land. James Younglove, and Samuel Kent Jun', entred their
■ Deceuts a"ainst this Last vote.
* March y 16"', 1718: To John Austin Town Clerk; these are to desire you
to enter y persons after exprest as sworn to y respective offices, before us y
present Select men, viz: Geohge Norton, Constable.
Tything Men. — Thomas Granger Sen"^, Anthony Austin.
SiirveydrK of High ways. — James Lawtou, Samuel Kent Jun', Aliraliani
Adaraes, William HalladaJ^
Fence Vhwers — John Kent Jun', Joliii Ilanchet .Inn', James Kiii^- Juii'^,
Benj. Remington.
Select Men. — Peter Roe Sen', Thomas Smith, Samuel Yt)unglove, John Bur-
bank, Samuel Kent, Sen".
*Thc Province Laws of 1(592-3 required that all tdwu otricers be sworn
This is tlie first record that it was done in Sufiield.
182 TOWN ACTS
Att a Legall Town Meeting, May y« 14"', 1713:
1^'. It was agreed, and voted : to send a man to Boston, to fetch such Cop-
ies, as are needfull for managing our present Concern, Respecting our Town-
ship.
2"''. It was agreed, and voted: by a Clear vote, That there shall be none of
the Land that was Granted at y* two preceding Meetings, laid out, till there
be a Meeting warn'^ on purpose.
S-'ly. James Younglove, Samuel Remington, Benjamin Remington, John
Kent Jun', Samuel Kent Jun', and John Austin, Entred their Decents against
y" preceeding vote.
S'^ly. It was agreed, and voted: by a Clear vote y' the Highway, or Road
to Windsor, through or untill it pass ye Bounds of our Township; shall not
be Restrained to any Certain breadth : but shall be Bounded by y antient abut-
ments of those Lotts returned; butting upon both y East, and West side
thereof, and that }"= Select Men shall lay out y said Highway, or road from
Stony Brook to our south bounds, and make a return thereof to l)e put upon
Record.
4"'ly. The Town by a Clear vote: did accept of what the Committee, cho-
sen for to Reccon with y Treasurers; Lave done in that matter, or affair, as it
is entred in y*' Select Mens Book.
l»t. At a Legall Town Meeting of y Inhabitants of Suffield, July y« SP\
1713 The Town by a full, it Clear vote, agreed to send a man to Boston, to see
what may be don; and to act for y Town, anything that may be proper Re-
specting our present Difficulties in Referance to our Township.
2"^ly. The Town by a full, and Clear vote; made choice of James Young-
love, to go to Boston, their agent to manage for y<" Town as above said.
At a Legal Meeting of y^ Inhabitants of Suffield, Aug 19"', 1713: The Town
by a full, and Clear vote did order and impower, y" Select men to meet with y
Gentlemen that are appointed to run, and settle y^ South Bounds of our Town-
ship; to se how they run y^ said Bounds, and if they act therein Contrary to
our Ancient Grant, Bounds, and Confirmation: Then to give in their objec-
tions, and Reasons against the same; either by themselves, or others whome
they shall appoint.
2'"*ly. One of y Survej^ors Desiring y« Select men to lay out, and settle the
Highway, or Street in High Street, y Breadth of s'* Highwaj- not being upon
Record: y Select men proposed it toy" Town, whether then, by their vote,
they would State s'' Highwaj^ or defer it until another Town Meeting; it then
being night, so that a vote could not be drawn up, so as might be most suita-
ble in that Case, according to its circumstances. And y« Town by a Clear
vote, did manifest it to be their minds, to have it left till another Meeting.*
*The breadth of High street was not stated until 1731.
OP SUPPIELD. 183
MINES TO BE LEASED OUT.
Att a Leagal Meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield, Sept the 9"', 1713 ; The
Town, by a Clear vote, did agree to lease out the Mines, and Minnerals that are,
or shall be found within our Township, in y" undivided Land.
2"''ly. It was agreed, and voted: to leave it with, and to Impower three
men as the Towns Agents, or a Committee to act for the Town, and Accord-
ing to their Instructions in Leasing out y Mines, and Minnerals as above said.
3^'. Upon further consideration the Town by a Clear vote, agreed to have a
Committee of five men for Leasing out y" said Mines, and Minerals.
4"'. The Town by their full, and Clear votes made Choice of Jacob Adams
Sen', John Kent Sen' , John Burbank, James Younglove, dlnd John Austin, to
be their Agents, or Committee to Lease out y' Mines & Minerals within
y* Townshij), in the undivided Land.
NAMES OF ¥■= COMMITTEE & THEIR POWERS.
5"'. The Town by a full, and Clear vote did leave it with, and fully im-
power the above named Jacob Adams, John Kent, John Burbank, James
Younglove, and John Austin, as their * xVgents, Committee or Attorneys, in
the name on y" behalf, and to the use of y" Town, to Lease out y' Copper
Mines or any other Mines or Minnerids that are, or shall hereafter be found on,
or within y" Mountains on y West part of our Township, together with such
other accommodations as may be needfull for the carrying on y° improvement
of y" said IVIines, and Minnerals to y^ Hon'''' William Partridge of y Town of
Newberry in y" province of y' Massachusets Bay in New England; and to
John Eliot of y" Town of Windsor in y" Colony of Connecticut, in New Eng-
land afore s'^ Esquires; and to their Heirs, Executors, Administrators, and
Assigns, upon such Considerations, and for such term of time, as they said
Committee shall judge best for y' Intrest of y" Town.
At a Legall Town meeting December the 4"', 1713
I'*'. It was agreed, and voted. That the bridge over Stoney Brook should
not be raised this Winter, but Deferred till a better season.
2'"'. The Town by a Clear vote: Granted, Twenty Two pounds in money to
be raised for the Scooll Master, for his keeping Scooll.
3''. It was agreed, and voted: To raise nine pounds in money, towards de
fraying the charge of Building a Bridge f over Stony Brook, in the Country
road.
At a Legall meeting of the Iiilial)itants of Sullield, January y^ 29"', 17}:,': It
was agreed, and voted: l)y a Clear vote, That the Town would be at the
charge, tliat is got to be expended in geting the money that is, due to the Town,
for Mr. Mathers line.
■"'These agents leasc^d tli(^ Copper Ilill mines, but the lease was invalid.
Tlie (Joiin. (lencral Court, in 17()!» autlmrizA'd the Proitrietors of Siiiisl)wry. to
work llie lately discovered ('o))i)(T .Mine there. Tills was in disputed terriioiy,
vthicli was in 1713 conliiiiied to Siiiisliury, as being williin its original gruiit,
made in May, ](i7(), (prior to Sullicid's grant.) and extending U) miles Nurtli from
Farmington. lis N. E. corner bound was the present N. E. bound of E.
Granby, near the North end of Round Hill. (See Note, p. 157.)
fSee Note. p. 159.
2i
184 TOWN ACTS
At a Legall meeting of the Inliabitants of Suffield, Feb y= IV^, 17if : It was
agreed, and voted, That all Town Assessments, shall be made in the month of
October, j^early.
S'^'^ly. It was agreed, and voted. That the Town Treasurer should have
five shillings a year in monej' for his sallerj", and no more.
3'^ly. It was agreed, and voted. That there shall be a ]\Ioderatour chosen by
the Town, as the Select Men are, and brought in, in papers with the votes for
y° Select men.
4*ly. It was agreed, and voted. That the Town Clerk shall have no sallery,
but his LawfuU fees.
5"'l3^. It was agreed, and voted; That whoso Doth accept of a Town
Clerks Office shall make all Records, and give all Copies Referring to Town,
or publick Concerns, without fees. John Austin Entred his Decent against
this vote.
.6'4y. That the vote Refering to Proprietour voting but one to a Grant,
shall be of none effect.
7'*'ly. That in all Town Meetings, no vote shall stand in any force or virtue
that is lead, or made after the sun is set. Entred by order of
Peter Roe, 1 c< i *
Sam"- Kent, V ,,
Sam"- Younglove, )
At a Legall Town Meeting, January y« 29"", 17|f :
It was agreed, and voted. That those persons that have had Land given
them in the Spring last past, should now have liberty to take it up. Entred
by order of,
-Peter Roe, , g^j^^^
Sam- Kent, ^ ^^j^^
Sam"-"- Younglove, ;
At a General or Amieversary Town Teeting for y' Choice of Town Officers,
March y" 8"', 17||: Choice was made of Officers, as followeth, viz:
Ser^ Jacob Adams, ")
* Benoni Banes, I
Joseph WiNCHiLL, I ^^^^^^
EbenezerBurbank, ■ ^ en.
& Thomas Copley, J
Moderatmir. — John Austin.
Assessors. — Joseph Winchell, Joliu Burbank, & John Austin.
Toxon Clerk. — John Austin.
ToiDii Treasurer, and Land Measurer. — Joseph Winchell.
Ty thing Men. — Ichabod Smith, Samuel Allin, J"" Remington.
* In 1690, Benoni Banes (Planter) bought Timo : Eastman's 50 acre Grant in
Feather st., with a dwelling house thereon, for £40. " Goodman" Banes held
many town offices, and died June 8th, 1738. His wife Hepzibah, died Oct.
13th, 1741. No children recorded. This surname is unique, and his origin
unknown.
OF SUFFIELD.
185
Clerk of the Market. — Deacon Jonathan Taylor.
Searchers, & Sealer, & Gager of Ca«^^— James King Sen% John Kent, John
Burleson.
Sealer of Leather. — Jacob Adams.
Surveyors of Highways.-^Sdhn Rising, Nathaniel Harmon, Daniel Adams,
ct Samuel Palmer.
Fence Vie loers.— 3 o&inh. Hale, Samuel Copley, Abraham Adams, & Caleb
Allen.
Constable. — Jared Huxley.
At this Meeting, it was agreed, and voted, to give Deac. Jonathan Taylor
forty shillings as money, for his Committeeship, with respect to y' Meeting
House.
Town Officers sworn, March y» 15'^ 1714: Caleb Allen, Abraham Adams,
(fc Samuel Allen.
March y° 9"', Jared Huxley, Constable.
March y* 8"\ Ichabod Smith, Daniel Adams, & Jolin Rising,
March y° 17'*, Josiah Hale, Sam" Copley, sworn fence viewers.
March S"-, Joseph Winchill, John Burbank, & John Austin, Sworn
Assessors. •
April y* 5">, John Remington, sworn.
Jacob Adams, -^ ggj^^^
Ebenezer Burbank,
. Men.
Thomas Copley,
At a Legal Town Meeting, March y' 22"'', 17if :
1". It was agreed, and voted to give* Mr. Nathaniel Griswold, Twenty-
Eight pounds in money, for his keeping ScooU this year ensuing.
2"''ly. That all votes of the Town, shall be written in the Meeting where
they are voted : And also read to the Town, and that all votes of the Town
which the Select Men cannot Attest to be so written, and Read in the Meeting,
and signified to The town Clerk in their order to Entre them that they were so
written, «fc read: shall be illeagal, and not to be put upon Record.
3''. That the Select Men from time to time shall sign no votes to the Land
Measurer, to lay out Land to any person, but what they liave good satisfaction
from the Record: sucli persons have a Legal Right unto.
4"'. Neither shall they sign any of the Land Measurers Returns to the
'l\)wn Clerk to bo put into the Record; but what by the Record they do judge
to be Legal to be put there, and that wluin notes come in to be Recorded, the
Town Clerk doth judge them not fit, or Legal to be Recorded, he shall suspend
Mic Recording of them, till the matter be decided between himself, and the
Select men, and in case they agree not; Then to be Decided by the proprietors
at their Meeting.
Forasmuch: as I Ik re luith l)ccn many Errours Committed by the Select Men
in the year i)ast, or 1)y tlic major part of them by their Irregular manner of
giving order to y" Land Mcasiu'er (Contrarj' to the Custom of the Town) for
* Ens. Nathl. , of Poquonoc.
186 TOWN ACTS
Laying out of Land; given, or granted in the Spring 1713, at two Meetings as
appears by the Land Measurers returns, some of which Keturns said Select
Men have given their order to j' Town Clerk to Record, and others being
given in, without their order to Record, and all vehemently urged to be put
upon Record, which if done, and be forced so to sTtand, will be very unjust,
and a wrong to the proprietors : Persons having thereby Land upon Record
which they have no Grant of, or right unto.
For the preventing of such irregular, and unjust Records being ma:le in y" Town
book : The Town by a Clear vote did manifest their dislike of said proceedings,
of said Select IVIen, and also order, tliat there shall be no Records made in the
Town Book, of any of the Land that was Given or Granted to any person at
y' Town Meetings on the Twenty fifth of March, and on y 2'"' of Aprill in
the year 1713 : Nor any more orders be given by the Select Men to lay out any
of said Land untill such time, as y" proprietors shall at a proprietors meeting
Consult, and Conclude some proper Method Respecting said Land, to pre-
vent the unreasonable, & unjust practices which arc now managed, tending to
the Desturbing the peace, and Intrest of the Town : And to stand by, and In-
demnifie the Select Men, and Town clerk in their suspending Recording or
giving out orders for Laying out said Land, until! the proprietors have Con-
cluded the matter as afore said.
«
Entred by order of John Austin Modcratour, and Jacob Adams, Benoni Banes,
Ebenezer Burbank, Thomas Copley, Joseph Winchell, Select Men.
Att a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield, July y'' 19"', 1714: It was
agreed, and voted by a clear vote to be at the Charge of sending to his Excel-
lency Frances Nicolson Esq"", Governour of Nova Scotia &c., at Boston, or
elsewhere in this province, or New Hampshire; to enform him of our Difficul-
ties, and wrong Respecting our Township by the late settlement by the Com-
mitioner, and also to Crave his advice, and assistance in that Matter: And
allso to be at charge of procuring Copies, or any other writings that the Select
men may judge to be necesi-^ary in that behalf.
2"''ly. It was agreed, and voted: to impower, and they do hereby impower
the Committee formerly chosen to Lease the mines to Colonel William Par-
tridge, of Newbery, Esq'': and John Eliot of Windsor, Esq', to lease out all
their Right, and Interest of, in, or unto any Mines, or Minnerals within this
Township, within the undivided Land unto his Excellency Frances Nicolson
Esq', and to John Eliot of Windsor Es(i', if there be occation for it.
3''ly. It was agreed, and voted, to advise with Mr. Eliot; whether it be
best to make our application to Collonel Nicolson, respecting our difficulties by
the late settlement of our Township, and to se whether he will resign up the
deed, or* Lease of the Mines, and Minnerals, within this Township, in the
undivided Land, given to himself, and Colonel Partridge, and accept of a
Lease from y" Town to Colonel Nicolson, and himself; and that they will act
according to his advice, in case he resign up said Lease, and give his advice.
* See Town Vote Sept. 9th, 1713.
OF SUFFIELD. 187
At a Legall Town Meeting January 4"', 17y|:
1*'. It was agreed, and voted; That the Towns Newest* Law Book be
yearly kept by such one of the Select Men, as shall live nearest the Centure of
y" Town, and there to be for y"= free use of any of the Town; but not to be
Carryed from place to place.
2"'^. It was agreed, and voted That the Towns other law book shall be for
y' use of y° Constable for y° time being, tiiat is to say; to be kept by such
Constable for his, and y Town use.
3''ly. That there be Twenty shillings in money. Raised for Mr. f Joseph
Smith, to compensiate him for Dispensing the Word of God to us one Sabbath,
some years ago.
4"'. That the Select ]\Ien shall give Order for the Assessing of the Town,
for so mucii as l Mr. Atherton Mather can give them good satisfaction is his
due; for serving, and Representing the Town at a Sessions of the General
Court, in february Last.
5"'ly. That John Warner should be allowed Two Shillings and Eight
pence, for seting up fence upon y" Ministry Lot, which he never had satisfac-
tion for.
6"'ly. That James Younglove should be allowed Two Shillings for going to
Springfield, on the Towns business.
7'*'Iy. That Jared Iluxleys Constable Sallery should be paid in money with
a Third abatement.
The above written votes having been written, & read in y" Meeting, where
they were votecl : we order to be put upon Record.
Jacob Adams, "]
Ebenezer Burbank, I Select Men.
Joseph Winchell, j
COMMONS.
Laid out by us the Subscribers, pursuant t<j a Grant of tliis Town, (made in
May the 14th, 1711, see p. 170,) unto part of y' proprietors thereof, Certain
Tracts of Land to ly as a perpetual Common, for the use and benefit of y" pro-
prietors, intended in said Grant. The description of which Land with its
[founds and limits are as foUoweth: the first parcel, is scituate East of the
Road that leads to Springrt(!l(l, taking in ally' free Land that lyeth between
the North side; of Ebenezer Rurbanks Home lott, and y' above said Road. A
second parcel lyetli on y' East Side of Fylars Brook, Comprising all the Land
that is free from said Brook, Eastward to the lliil called Stevensons, Extend-
ing North and South from Springfield Bounds, to Samuel Kents meadow, and
y' South end of y' Hill called Glovers Ilill, taking in togetlier withall y" Land
which John Pengiliy exchanged with y" Town. A third parcel is between
Muddy Brook, & Fylers Brook, taking in all y" Laud that is free between
y' said Brooks, from Springfield Bounds, to Bushes Bridge on y" East side:
and from Springfield Bounds, to John Kents nieddow on y' West Side: ex-
*This was the cdilion of 1714. A copy of it was given to each Town in the
Province. Now a lare book. (See Note, p. 1(J4.)
I Minister at .Middlctown, Conn.
JBrotlnn-ot Hcv'd Saiu'l Matiier of Windsor — came to Sullichl 1712, and
was a Representative at Boston from Sutlield 4 years.
188 TOWN ACTS
cepting so much as James Barlow, and Thomas Smith shall need for a com-
pensation for the Highway running through their land. A fourth parcel,
lyeth on y' "West side of Muddy Brook, and on the "West side of y* Highway
that leads up North from Ireland plain, to Burlesons Brook; the East side
Bounds on said way: the West side Bounds partly on the great Marsh, and
partly on the Road that lead thereto: y'' North end Bounds on Burlesons
Brook, or the Meadow: the South end Bounds within about Thirty Rods of
Land laid to Joseph Remington. A fifth parcel of said Common, lyeth South
of Stony Brook, taking in all y' Land that is free between the said Brook, and
our South line: extending East and "West from the Great River, toy' "West
side of Tainters Hill, and the west side of the Swamp called Dismal.
These may Certyfie further, that to finde the proportion, or contain of Land
granted as above said, we computed Feather Street Common, and computed
y' whole of y' first grant Land in y' Town, and by dividing the whole between
y' proprietors of Feather Street, and the rest of the proprietors in y' Town,
according to y' scituation of their several grants. (Old Book, p. 195.)
Entred October r 4'\ 1714.
John Hanchet, ^
Jonathan Taylor, |
John Kent, ^ Committee.
Anthony Austin, |
Joseph Winchel, J
* March the 22"'', 17ji: The Freeholders, and other Inhabitants of SuflBeld,
qualified according to Law for the choice of Town Officers; being Legally
warned and Convened; Choice was made of the several persons hereafter
named, to their several Oflflces, and places of Trust, (for y year In.suing)as fol-
loweth, viz:
Select Men — Ichabod Smith, Thomas Copley, Timothy Palmer, Samuel Allen,
John Austin.
Moderator & Town Clerk — John Austin.
Town Treasurer, & Land Measurer — Joseph "Winchell.
ConstabU — Samuel Cople}".
Assessors — Joseph "Winchell, John Burbank, John Austin.
TytMng Men — Thomas Smith Sen", Bcnoni Banes, George Norton, iz John
Harmon.
Clerk of ye Market — Mr. Jo.shua Levit.
Surveyers of HigMcays — Thomas Granger Jun, Josiah Hale, Benjamin Gillet,
Edward Smith Jun.
Fence Viewers — John Huxley, John "Warner, "William Halladay, Samuel
Remington.
Sealer of Leather — Jacol) Adams.
Searchers, sealers, <& gagers of Cask — James King Sen'', John Kent Sen^
John Burlison.
Joseph Harmon Jun, Peter Eastman, Nathan Hamlin, Abraham Granger,
James Hayward, Daniel Adams, "Were chosen to take care to se the Law exe-
cuted Respecting Swine.
*By an Act of the General Court this election was annulled, and a new elec-
tion ordered July 4th, 1715.
OF SUFFIELD. 189
Upon the fourth day of July, 1715: The Inhabitants of Suffeild, being As-
sembled by order of the General Court, to Chuse Town Officers; did then
make Choise as foUoweth :
Moderator — John Kent.
Select Men — Peter Roe, John Kent, John Burbank, Jacob Adams Jun', James
Younglove.
Town Clerk, & Land measurer — Joseph Winchill.
Cfmstahle — Samuel Copley.
Assessors — John Kent, John Burbank, James Younglove.
lything Men — Samuel Spencer, John Burleson.
Surveyors — Samuel Halladay, John Pengilly Jun', Benjamin Winchell,
Thomas Granger Jun.
Fence yiewers — David Allen, Benjamin Remington, John Trumble y'= l'»,
Abraham Granger.
Gagers of Cask — John Kent, John Burbank.
Clerk of ye market — Joshua Levitt.
Sealer of Leather — Jacob Adams Sen^
Town Treasurer — John Bixrbank.
To execute the Iahc Relating to Swine — Peter Eastman, Benjamin Remington,
Benjamin Winchel, John Harmon, Daniel Adams, Matthew Copley.
July the 4"', 1715, Samuel Spencer, John Burleson, Joseph Winchel, Joshua
Levit, Sam' Halladay, Benjamin Winchel, Benjamin Remington, & Peter
Eastman, Were sworn to tlie discharge of their Respective Offices.
ABOUT LAND.
At a Leagal Town Meeting of the Inhabitants of SufiEeild, August the fourth,
1715, It was proposed to the said Town, whether, or no; the Town would Eu-
deviour a friendly and loving agreement among them in a Town Meeting
about their difference with respect to Land, or else leave it to the determina-
tion of a Special Court, according to the act of the Assembly, and the Town
did by a Clear vote agree upon the former.
2'"'. Nextly; it was proposed that the Town would please to appoint the
Town Clerk to entre on Record such of those gifts of Land as were made in
March and April 17f|: which have not the Least Reason of Hendrance by
Reason of those exceptions in the gift; and where there is the Least Reason of
hindrance by Reason of those p]xceptions: the Clerk to desist Entring such
Land till the Town have given their voice in it, or appointed .some persons to
hear, and determine the case in behalf, and stead of the Town; and tlie Town
did by a Clear vote agree to the proposal.
o*^. It was agreed, and voted: to leave the procuring of a Schoolmaster for
the Town, the Remainder of the year, to the present Select men: The above
mentioned Votes Entred, August the 5"", 1715: by order of the Select men; viz:
John Kent, John Burbank, Jacob Adams Jun', and .lames Younglove.
A VOTE ABOUT THE SCHOOL HOUSE.
At a Leagal Town Meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffeild, August the 31",
1715: It was agreed, and voted: to be at the charge to Repair the Scliool house,
and the Pound; there being Great need with Respect to both.
190 TOWN ACTS
A VOTE ABOUT THE MINES.
At a Lawfull Meeting of the Inhabitants of this Town of Suffeild, Aug y
31't, 1715: Voted: Whereas: several persons that were formerly nominated to
be Lessee of the Mines belonging to the Inhabitants of this Town of Suffeild;
have not accepted, and will not agree to performe the Terms proposed: Now:
We, the Inhabitants do further direct, and fully impower, Jacob Adams Sen"--,
John Austin, John Kent Sen^ John Burbank, and James Younglove, our
former Committee, or any three of them, to be our Agents, or Attorneys by,
and with the consent of Mr. John Eliot, of Windsor: in the Colony of Con-
necticut, to Lease the said Mines to any person, or persons in, and for
such manner, form, and time, with suitable accommodations, as they shall
judge will be for Our Intrest, and the promoting the Improvement of Said
Mines.
DESENTERS.
Suffeild, August y^ 4'^ 1715: In Town INIeeting: We the Subscribers do De-
clare against any Lands being put upon Record that were given, or granted to
any person, by the Inhabitants of said Suffeild; at two Town Meetings, viz:
on the 35"' of March, and on the Second of April, 1713: uutill the proprietors
have settled The matters in Controversy Respecting said Land, and do desire
this, with our names hereunto affixed; to be Entred as our desent from the
Vote of the Town, for Recording Said Land; without takeing a right method
for Settling Said Land, as before voted by the Town. Jonathan Taylor, James
King, Edmund Marshall, Anthony Austin, Benoney Banes, Nathaniel Au.stin,
John Rising Jun, Fearnot Burleson, David Winchill Jun, Jared Huxley, John
Marshal, Richard Austin, Edward Smith Jun, Samuel Palmer, Jacob Adams,.
James Hayward, Matthew Copley, Nicolli.ss Hale, James King Jun, John
Trumble, Victory Sikes, Abraham Adams, John Trumble2"'', Samuel Tnimble,
John Austin.
1''. At a Lawfull Meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffeild, Nov y SS"', 1715:
Ebenezer Smith was chosen Moderator, for said Meeting.
2"'^ly. It was agreed, and voted, by the Town in said Meeting to impower
the Select men to take care of the Widdow Froe untill the next Court, and also
to imploy, or improve two men to maniage the affair, with Respect to said
Froe in Court, and to be at the charge thereof.
3'^. The Town did by a Clear Vote, make Choice of Deacon John Ilanchet,
and Ensign Anthony Austin, to manage the matter in Court with respect to the
Widow Froe.
4"'ly. It was voted by the Town, to raise five pounds in money, for the sup-
port of Goodman Elger.
5"'ly. It was agreed, and voted; to raise fifty Shillings for the Committee,
Chosen to Build the Bridge,* that, soe that work may be finished.
HIGHWAY TO BUSHES BRIDGE.
By order of the Select men : We who are the subscribers, have laid out a
highway, from the north East Corner of Serj Thomas Smiths Lot, to Bushes
bridge, being bounded as foUoweth: it is ten rods in breadth, and bounds south
*See Note, p. 159.
OP SUFFIELD. 191
on said Smiths lot, untill it comes to the swamp, where the Old Casey is: thence
to the top of the hill the breadth is still ten rods: there being several trees
markt on three sides, and standing on the north side of said way, being the
bounds thereof: thence it runs norwest down the hill, widening as it goes, soe
that the way at the foot of the hill, is about twenty rods in bredth: the said
way gaining in breadth mostly on the north side thereof: said way soe running
towards bushes bridge, narrowing from twenty rods in breadth to ten rods in
breadth, before it come to said bridge: the bounders of said way are trees
markt, all standing on the north side thereof: there is one boimder, viz: stake
and stone, standing on the north side of said highway, and neer the foot of the
hill where the said way begins to widen most, bareing, or turning northward.
Laid out November y-= 26">, 1715. (Old Book, p. 199.)
, j Joseph Winciiell.
/ Nathanel Warner.
HIGHWAY FROM HALLADAYS FEILD TO STONEY BROOK.
January 6"' in the year 17{|. We who are the subscribers, have laid out a
* highway, from the Westward part of the Town, down to Stoney Brook : We
began against the West Corner of Halladays Feild, and thence running South
West through M" Ruggles his f Land : it lyeth between two swamps on a narrow
ridge of Land: thence, it runneth a straight Corse to the South West Corner of
said Ruggles his Land : thence it runs South untill it comes to the north Cor-
ner of James Youugloves land, laid out to him on John Taylors Right : thence,
it turns Running East crossing the swamp that is there : and soe up the hill
where there is a tree markt, standing on the north side of the highway; thence
running South East on the most proper and best ground, untill it comes to the
West Corner of the one acre of meadow laid out to the heirs of Timothy Pall-
mer Deceased, and soe on the South Side of said meadow to the brook ; there
are several trees markt on three sides, which are the bounds of said way, and
they all stand on the East Side thereof: said way being laid four rods wide.
We likewise laid out a highway of four rods wide, to the West end or Corner
of the Ministry Meadow : and to the East end or Corner of Joseph Winchells
meadow, or laud that lyeth ne.xt adjoyiiing, it turns out of the highway first
mentioned: upon the hill on the East side of James Youngloves Land: and
thence ruiming South on said hill, on the fairest Land, untill it comes to the
place before descrilu'd.
(Old Book, p. 208.) John Kent ) ^^^^^^
James Younglove
. Men.
Jacob Ad.vmes
ITKIHWAY FKOM DEEP Bi{()()K. TO SPRINGFEILD ROAD.
By onUir of tlu; Select men: VVc wiio are the subscribers, have laid out a
highway, leading from Deep Brook through the great Common, to Springfeild
iload: The South West Corner, l)y a White Oak tree with stake and stone,
whicJi is th(! North East Corner of Daniel Adames, Gowins Lott: Soe running
*This road was laid across the present farms of Thomas J. Austin and
.Martin .1. Siicldon, from Sheldon street south westerly from the present school-
liouse. It was a!)andoncd by a vote of the town, ^lay 12tii, 1724.
fin 1724, Capl. .lonatlian Sheldon bought this land (210 aires), of Joseph,
son of the Rev. BenJ. Ruggles, deceased.
25
192
TOWN ACTS
over a gutter that leads out of Aliens meadow lot, twelve rods to a White Oak
tree markt with stake aud stone: see running AVest to the South West Corner
of Alleins Meadow Lot: soe bareing neer South West to a red Oke tree markt
with stake and stone, bareing twelve rods in breadth: then turning about
to the North of the North West, and soe runing till it comes into the Spring-
feild Road: Which Road lyes on the West side of the hill, commonly caled the
Great Hill, set out with several rangers on the East side of said highway,
extending twelve rods in breadth Westward from said rangers: and comes
into Spriugfeild road about midway betwixt the place caled the Tarr Kills, and
the South end of the Great hill: bounded at the North West Corner by a
black Oak tree with stake and stone, and att the South West Corner by a black
Oak tree with stake and stone.
(Old Book, p. 208.) Ebinezek Bukbank.
David Allein.
At a Lawfull Meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield, January the S"*, ITJg,
the several votes following were past, and gifts of Land made, unto the persons
hereafter named, their heirs, and assignes forever, the number of acres given to
every particular person, being aunext to their names.
*1". It was voted to give
John Remington 11^ acres.
To David Winchel Sen' 10 acres
To Benjamin Winchel 7 acres |.
To Thomas Taylor 10 acres.
To William Spencer 10 acres |.
2"''ly, It was voted to give John Bur-
bank 12 acres ^ of land, being between
Ichabod Smiths, at the Great Swamp,
and the highway: that tract of land
being upland.
To Samuel Lane 11 acres i.
To John Trumble y« 2"^ 7 acres i.
To William Trumble 7 acres |.
To Matthew Tously 7 acres i.
To Samuel Trumble 7 acres ^.
To John Burleson 12 acres l.
To Joseph Harmon 7 acres.
To Samuel Harmon 7 acres |.
To Sam" Younglove 10 acres ^.
To Joseph Harmon Juu 7 acres i.
To Ebinezer Harmon 7 acres ^.
3''ly. It was voted to give
To Robert Old Sen'' 12 acres h
To John Pengilly Jun'' 13 acres.
To John Smith 10 acres.
To Ebinezer Smith 10 acres.
To John Warner 10 acres i.
To Ebinezer Burbank 12 acres |.
To Peter Roe 19 acres.
To James Barlow 10 acres.
To Nathaniel Warner 7 acres |.
To Samuel Roe 5 acres.
To Samuel Sikes 12 acres.
4"'ly. It was voted to give
To David Allein 10 acres i.
To William Allein 11 acres I.
To Jacob Adames Jlxn 13 acres |.
To Peter Eastman 13 acres.
To Thomas Smith Jun'' 5 acres |.
To Thomas Smith Sen'' 11 acres |.
To Daniel Adams 7 acres ^.
To Benjamin Allein 10 acres |.
To Thomas Granger Jun'' 7 acres.
To George Granger 10 acres ^.
To Nathaniel Harmon 11 acres |.
To John Warner Jun' 5 acres.
To Samuel Kent Sen' 13 acres i.
To Joseph Rimington 18 acres |.
To Benjamin Jillet 8 acres i.
To Samuel Spencer 10 acres J-.
To James Younglove 9 acres |.
To Dudley Kent 5 acres.
* These grants of land by the Town were annulled, at the next meeting,
and the control of the "undivided" lands passed from the Town into that
of the "proprietors."
OP RUFPIELD.
To John Kent .Tun' 13 acres I.
To Samuel Wincbel 5 acres.
5"'ly. It was voted to give to
Josepli Winchell 10 acres I.
To John Kent Sen"' 12 acres.
To John Rimington Jun'' 5 acres.
To Josiah Kent 5 acres.
To Thomas Kent 7 acres i.
To Medad Pumery 5 acres.
To Jonathan Rimington 12 acres i.
To Eliezer Stocwel 8 acres i.
To Samuel Kent Jun' 13 acres.
To Asaph Levit 7 acres.
To Samuel Coply 11 acres i.
To Benjamin Rimington 11 acres i.
To William Halladay 9 acres.
To Samuel Halladaj" 9 acres.
To John Stockwell 7 acres ^.
To Abraham Granger 9 acres.
To Samuel Remington 11 acres i.
To David Winchel Jun'' 5 acres.
To Hezekiah Parsons 8 acres.
To John Old 5 acres.
To Ebinezer Old 5 acres.
6*''ly. It was voted to give
To Samuel Granger 12 acres.
To John Huxly 12 acres ^.
7"'ly. It was voted to give
To Abraham Adams 10 acres.
S'^'ly. It was voted to give to the
two sons of Jonathan Sikes deceased
five acres apiece, and
To Rebekah Pritchard 5 acres.
9"'ly. It was voted to give
To Samuel Jellet 11 acres.
10"'ly. It was voted to give
To Joshua Levit 7 acres.
ll"'ly. It was voted to give
To John Adams 10 acres.
To Jacob Adams Sen' 30 aci^es.
To Mr Jonathan Ginks 20 acres, on
condition he continue the three years
in the Town.
DESENT. DESENTERS.
January the :5'', 17} j;. In Town Meeting: We, the subscribers do declare
against any Land being granted to any, it not being in our Judgment a Lawt'ull
meeting for that purpose, and desire this with our Names hereto annexed to be
entrtnl as our desent against all the Votes at this Meeting granting Land to any
person.
John Hanchett Sen'.
Thomas Iluxly.
John Rising Sen'.
Thomas Coply.
Samu(!l Palmer.
Thomas Granger Sen'
Nicholas Hale.
Nathaniel Austin.
James King Jun'.
Timotliy Palliucr.
Caleb AUciu.
Edward Sniilli .luii'.
Benjamin King,
.Joshua licvitl.
.lolm Dcvolioii
Jonathan Taylor.
James King Sen''.
Richard Austin.
.Tarred Iluxly.
Matthew Coply.
.Tohn Trumble 1".
Nathaniel Ilamblini
Sanuiel Alleiu.
Epbraiin Truiiiblc,
Viclor}'^ Sikes.
.lolm Marslial.
Hcnony Bancs,
.lolm ilising Jun'.
Anthony Austin,
.bihn .\uslin.
194 TOWN ACTS
Att a Special Sessions of the peace, hoklen at Suffield. in the County of
Hampshire, on the Tenth day of January 17} S.
Present — the Justices of s'^ Sessions viz* :
Sam" Partridge, John Pynchon, Josepli Parsons, Sam" Porter, John Stod-
dard Esq"".
* Whereas: tlie great and general Court, or Assembly held at Boston upon
Wednesday the 20"^ of July last past: Upon reading the Memorial of John
Austin late Town Clerk of Suffield, in behalf of the Select men of the said
towne for the year 1714; setting forth tliat on the 25"' day of March, and on
the 2"^ day of April 1713: The Inhabitants of said towne of Suffield made Sun-
dry Conditional Grants of land: and whereas the Select men of said towne for
that year, without having regard to the Conditions of the said grants, gave
orders for tlie laying out of lands to sundry persons; and also directed the
recording the returne of the land Measurer. By reason whereof, several per-
sons had more land laid out to them, than was granted to them liy y" said
towne. Which proceedings of the Select IMen, being disagreeable to the
towne— On the 22'^ of March ll^: They voted that there should l)e no record
made of any of the lands granted at the aforesaid meetings, as will more
at large appear by the said townes vote : And whereas the towne by their said
vote, ordered that the proprietors, at a proprietors meeting, should consult,
and conclude some proper methods, to prevent such irregular proceedings:
Ordered : that in case the Inhabitants of said towne did not compromise, and
Issue their Differences in the Space of three months: That then the Justices of
the general Sessions of the peace, in the County aforesaid ; should hold a Special
Sessions at the said towne, and hear both parties, and determine, and settle
their Differences: whose Determination should be a final Issue, and soe cntred
in their town book, as by the said memorial and order of Court more at large
appears.
In observance of which order the Justices above mentioned, met at Suffield
af ores'* on the said tenth day of January, and upon hearing both parties (they
not having compromised the said Difference) Doe determine as follows, viz' :
that the afores'' votes of March 25"^, and April 2'* 1713, should be utterly void
and of None Effect— and that the afores** vote of March 22"'', 171 1, so farr as
respects the prohibiting of putting any lands on record, granted at the afores''
meetings of March 25"', and April 2'* 1713, shall stand, remaine, and abide, in
full force and vertue. — And that all grants of land made by s'' towne, since the
* By this act, all grants of land by the town, after March 9th, 1718, were
void, and the control of the undivided land was given to the proprietors, or
their representatives. Some of the voters in town-meeting were new inhabit-
ants, and had no right in the common lands. At this date, there had been
distributed by the committee for settling the town, about 6,258 acres, and by
the proprietors in the second division in 1688, to themselves, about 2,915 acres:
in all, about 9,173 acres. The after divisions, were the equalizing grant of
1,558 acres, in 1720, and another final division of land east of the mountain in
1725, about 2,150 acres: the division of the mountain in 1742, of 583 acres, and
the final division of 730 acres west of the mountain in 1759, in all, about 14,000
acres. By the Colony survey in 1713-14, the area of the town was 22,172
acres, which left for highways, streams, lands given to secure settlers, for large
measure, for lands lost by imperfect surveys and bounds, about 8,000 acres.
The acts of the proprietors relating to the division of the remaining common
lands, are preserved in two volumes, from which extracts will be found in the
notes of Period Third.
OP SUFPIELD. 195
act of the General Assembly of the 30^'' of July last past, be utterly void, and
of None Effect. And that for the future, the proprietors of the common,
or undivided lands, in the afores'^ towne of Suffield; Doe attend all such
methods as the law directs to: Respecting the Managing, Improving, Dividing,
or Disposing of such lands — And that the Clerk of this Sessions, Doe enter the
afores'i Determination in the towne book of said Suffield. Which is accord-
ingly entred this 13"' day of January 17}?;. (Old Book, p. 204.)
Pr John Pynchon, Cler.
End op Period II.
DOCUMENTARY
HISTORY OF SUFFIELD
THIRD PERIOD.
1746-1749.
COLLECTED, TRANSCRIBED, AND PUBLISHED
By
H. S. SHELDOlSr.
HARTFORD, CONN.:
Press of Tiik Case, Lockwood & Buainaud Company.
1888.
DOCUMENTARY
HISTORY OF SUFFIELD
THIRD PERIOD,
1746-1749.
COLLECTED, TRANSCRIBED, AND PUBLISHED
By
H. S. SI-IELDOlSr
HARTFORD, CONN.:
Press of The Case, I^ockwood & Brainard Company.
1888.
CONTENTS.
PERIOD III.
Copper mines, .-.-... 197, 200
Court house at Springfield, -----. 209, 307
Town gun, .-----.. 203, 251, 299
Town stock of ammunition, - - 198, 217, 220, 222, 298, 299, 306
Support of the poor, 164, 198, 201, 203, 204, 205, 214, 217, 221. 223, 225,
228 236 255
Connecticut government wanted, 206, 218, 222, 282. 297, 302, 303, 304, 307, 309
Swine restrained, - . - - 207, 210, 217, 220, 231, 236, 267
Bulls, ----- 199, 249, 250, 274, 277, 278, 296, 297, 300
South line of 1713, a great wrong, equivalent wanted, - 200, 206, 208, 229
Province loans, 208, 209, 213, 214, 226, 233, 234, 235, 286, 241, 243, 249. 250,
286, 292, 295
Pews and seating the meeting-house, 209, 211, 212, 213, 214, 223. 224, 227, 249,
250 ^55 ''SO 257 ^61
Highways, 210, 215, 218, 219, 220, 225, 227, 229, 238, 241,'244,'262,'264,'265,
266, 271, 292, 293, 298, 299, 300
Highways repaired, ----- 234, 236, 237, 230, 240
Encroachments forbidden, - - 206, 210, 213, 244. 257, 263, 264, 284
School-house repairs, - - 204, 217, 233, 252, 272, 285, 290, 299
The second school-house and its site, - - - - 253. 254, 298
Meeting-house repairs, 201, 204, 212. 213, 214. 217, 223, 224, 228, 231, 234,
240, 243, 245, 247, 248, 249, 252, 253, 255, 257, 258, 272
New meeting-house voted by the town ; not built, 27^. 273, 274, 277, 278, 279
Second record book for town acts, ------ 216
Geese regulated, ---.... 207, 228
Negroes for Rev' Ebenezer Devotion, - - - . . 229
Seating negroes in the meeting-house, . . - - 250, 257, 258
Westfield boundary line, . . - - 231, 241, 261, 272, 306
Springfield boundary line, - - - - 261, 286-291, 305, 309
Town drum, --------- 275
Mills, - - - 205, 207, 208, 223, 229, 236, .248, 252, 273, 291, 303, 305
Fish dams; salmon; shad, ------ 245,267,297
Crows and blackbirds, bounty for, 241 ; ox-carts regulated, - - 226
A vote relating to the Governor's salary. - - - - 245, 246
West precinct, or society, votes relating to, - 262, 273, 275, 276, 279, 281,
282, 302
Persons killing deer contrary to law to be prosecuted, 280, 281, 284, 285, 289.
297
Appendix — Town record books, 312; Proprietor's books, 313; Formation of
the west society, 314, 318; Incorporation. 318; Springfield and SufHcld boun-
daries, 320, 321, 322; Simsbury boundary war, 323, 324; Proprietor's roads.
325. 326. 327, 328.
Horse House. 147, 176, 240; Horse Block, - - - - 147
Shade trees protected, -.-..-. 257
Stocks, ..-.--... 259
CORRECTIONS AND ADDITIONS
For Pekiods I, II, III.
Page 17 Note: Ephraim Bartlit (son of Benjamin of Windsor, b. Jan. 17,
1674) was the first wliite male cliild born at SufBeld, died Feb.
19. 1750, ae. 77 yrs; {Hist, of Wilhraham, p. 219.) (See pp. 17, 20.)
19 Twelfth line from top, for Faircliild read Fairfield.
27 For John Iliggins read John Huggius.
30 Thomas Barber, line 22, was not of the Windsor family.
39 Fifteenth line from top, for " Taylor" read " Warner."
39 James Rising was admitted to the church in Windsor from Salem
in 1669.
40 Edward Smith was a son of Hugh Smith of Rowley.
42 Twelfth line from bottom, for blank supply " Smith."
43 Rev. Benj. Trumbull was a grandson of Benoni.
43 Tenth line from top, expunge as improbable.
81 Ninth line, for " Newton " read " Lynn."
83 Joseph Sheldon's funeral charges, £21 6.'*. Id., were paid by the
General Court.
83 Sixteenth line from bottom, for 1703 read 1705.
85 " Rev' Benjamin Ruaigles was ' baptized ' August 11"', 1676."
153 The plain between Kent corner and Sandy Hill, is called " Muske-
toe Hawk Plain" in the old land records.
170 Twelfth line, read " Town " pay.
172 In 1712. lilartin Kellogg was allowed £25 for money paid by him
for his ransom, loss of arms, and equipments. Mass. Court Rec. ,
Vol. 8.
184 Add to note. His grave-stone says, " He was aged 74 years."
209 In last line of note, for $10,000, read $6,000.
224 For last line substitute — " In 1635," guard seats " were ordered to
be provided for the Meeting House at Hartford." (Hfd. T. Rec.)
242 In note, for Thomas Austin read Thomas J. Austin.
249 In note, after "was" supply "a part of."
253 In note, third line from bottom, for 1775 read 1785. Philip Nel-
sons will was made Sept. 16, 1784, prob. June 4, 1789. His estate
inventoried £908.
269 Shadrach Hatheway was the son of Deacon Abraham and Rebecca
(Wilbur) Hatheway of Taunton, Mass. Shadrach, Jun^ grad.
of Yale 1738, d. 1749. (Yale Coll. Obituary, Vol. I.) The Suf-
field Hatheway's were from Taunton or its vicinity.
270 Timothy Phelps the first was a bricklayer.
314 Some records of intentions of marriage — Marriages, Births, and
Deaths from 1740 to 1763, are found in Suffield Land Records,
Vol. II, and are in the transcription of 1799.
At the Anniversary Town meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield, March
26, 1716, being assembled in order to choose Town Officers to order affairs of
General concernment for the welfare of the Town, and accordingly choice was
made as followeth :
1^', Ebinezer Smith was chosen Moderator.
Select Men — John Kent, Sens Peter Roe, James Younglove, John Burbanks,
Jacob Adams, Jun''.
Town Clerk — Joseph Winchel.
Constable — Samuel Allen.
. Tything Men — John Handchett, Jun', James King, Jun^
Assessors — John Kent, Sens John Burbanks, James Younglove.
Surveyors of EigMcay — *Hezekiah Parsons, Nathaniel Warner, Ebinezer
Burbanks, Thomas Copley.
Sealer of Weights and Measures — Joshua Levit.
Fence Viewers — Joseph Harmon, John Pengilly, Jun"", Daniel Adams, John
Warner, Sen^
Tovm Treasurer — John Burbanks.
Land Measurer — Joseph Winchell.
To Execute the Law relating to Swine — John Harmon and Timothy Palmer.
At a Lawful meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield, April the 9"", 1716: It
was proposed to the Town whether or no the Town would grant Mr. Marshal's
bill of two pounds and nineteen shillings without his bringing a perticular
account to the Town how said money becomes due; And tJie Town very
clearly voted the Negative.
At a Lawfull meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Suffield, August
the 8"', 1716: Voted, first, that Ebinezer Smith should be Moderator for said
meeting.
2"'', It was voted that Serj. John Austin should deliver up to Mr. John
Eliot of Windsor a certain bond or writing given to the town of Suffield by
said Eliot, which writing respects the one hundred acres of land laid out to
the said Eliot on the Copper Hill. (See note, p. 183.)
At a lawful Town meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield, Dec. the 10"",
1716, Ebinezer Smith was chosen moderator for said meeting.
2"''ly. It was by a clear vote granted that the land yet to be recorded as
allowed by the proprietors may be entred on the Towns book.
* Hezekiah. son of Benj. Parsons of Springfield, born Nov. 24, 1673. Had
15 acres on Benj. Cooley's Grant. lie soon removed to E. Windsor and d.
there July 11"'', 1748.
25
198 TOWN ACTS
S'^ly. It was granted by a clear vote thai the Select men as formerly, shall
when certitied from the record give order to the land measurer to lay out
divisions of land for the future.
4"'ly. The Town by a clear vote allowed to Ensigue Austin 25 shillings for
his Meeting house Committeeship out of the Town's money now in his hands.
S'l'ly. The Town did bj^ a clear vote alow 10 pounds to be raised for the
support of the poor, and ordered the Assessors to raise the same.
6t''ly. The Town did by a clear vote give to Deacon Hanchet, and John
Kent, eight shillings apiece for their service in their Committeeship for the
bridge. (See note, p. 159.)
Also, voted, to give Mr. Edmund Marshall one-half of his bill on demand,
the whole of which being two pounds, 17 shillings and 10 pence, the one-half
being o\ie pound 8 shillings & 11 pence, granted on this condition, that he
quitt the Town of the rest. Also, allowed to John Burbanks 10 shillings for
his meeting house Committeeship.
At a Lawfull meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffleld, November 29'\ 1716,
first, it was voted that Thomas Huxley should be moderator for sd. meeting.
It was likewise voted that the Select men should have full power to alow of
the bills of all persons that have done anything for the Town soe far as respects
the poor, namely Goodman Elger.
Also voted to procure a padlock in order to secure the town stock.*
Also voted to bare the charge of the late surveying the bounds of this Town
and Symsbury by Mr. Kimbole.-f
Also, voted, to be at the charge at present with respect to relieving the wife
of George Granger.
Also, voted, to be at the cbarge of a petition to send to the General Court,
to see what may be don with respect to the maintenance of the wife of George
Granger.
Also, voted, to alow Goodman Banes seven shillings for his trouble about
keeping the wife of George Granger.
Also, voted, to pay the money sued for by Mr. Allein's Executors, and also
the charge of said suit.
Also, voted, to alow John Kent, Sen% and Jacob Adams, Jun', half wages
to go to Windsor about the debt sued for by Mr. Allein's Executors.
Att a General Town meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffleld, March the 18"',
17ff, being assembled in order to chouse officers to order the affairs of General
Concernment for the welfare of the Town; choice was made as followeth:
First, Joseph Winchel was chosen moderator.
Select Men — Capt. Joseph Harmon, Ebenezer Smith, Joseph Rimington,
John Kent, Jun., Joseph Winchel.
Town Clerk — Joseph Winchel.
Town Treasurer — John Burbanks.
Constable — Joseph Harmon, Jun.
* Every town was ordered in 1693 to provide a stock of ammunition of one
barrel of good powder, 300 pounds of bullets, and 300 flints for every 60
enlisted soldiers, or in that proportion.
f Thomas Kimberly of Glastenbury, Conn., County Surveyor, and a man of
note. (See Conn. Col. Rec, Vols, v, vi, vii.)
OF SUFFIELD. 199
Tything Men — Sohn Warner, Sen'', John Huxley.
Surveyors of Highways — Samuel Coply, Thomas Granger, Jun., Nathaniel
Harmon, John Marshall.
Assessors — Ebenezer Smith, Joseph Rimington, Joseph Winchel.
Sealer of Leather — Jacob Adams, Sen' .
Sealer of waites & measures — Joshua Levitt.
Land Measurer — Joseph Wincliel.
Fence Viewers — Samuel Harmon, Joseph Fuller, Benjamin Rimington,
Freegrace Norton.
To execute the law relating to swine — Ebinezer Nash,* Benjamin Jellett, Samuel
Halladay, John Smith.
March the IS"", 1717, Samuel Copley, Nathaniel Harmon, Joseph Harmon,
Ebenezer Nash, Samuel Halladay, John Smith, Benjamin Jellet, Benjamin
Rimington, Samuel Harmon, Sworn.
Joshua Levitt, svi^orn, March y 25"', 1717. John Warner, Sen', and John
Huxley, svporn Aug. y 3'^, 1717.
The assessors sworn, August y" S"*, 1717. •
At a lawful meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield, June y" 19"', 1717,
Ebinezer Smith was chosen moderator.
2"''ly. It was agreed and voted, to sue George Granger for the money
which the Town have necessarily expended on his wife, or may expend for
her relief before process be made in the law thereabout.
3'*ly. The Town did by a clear vote, make choice of John Kent Jun', in
their behalf to sue George Granger as before voted, and to proceed therein
according as Capt. Ebenezer Pumrey shall advise.
4"'ly. It was voted to raise eight pounds a year, during the term of five
years next coming, to be desposed of by the Select men for the time being for
the procuring of eight bulls for the benefit of the Town, and to be placed in
such partt of the Town as the Select men shall think best, and what the Select
men fall short this year of procuring eight bulls, abatement to be made pro-
portionably out of the eight pounds.
At a Lawful! ]\Iceling of the Inhabitants of Sufiield, October y 7'\ 1717.
It was agreed and voted, that upon condition that John Granger, the son of
George Granger, do take care of his motlier, and will give the Tow^u of Suf-
field sufficient security in the judgement of tlie Select men, to secure the Town
from any future charge with respect to his mother, Liddia Granger; that then
the Town will defray all charge that has been past with respect to the said
Liddia Granger, and quitt all other perticular persons, excepting only, the
bond for thirty shillings given to the Select men by said John Granger. But
if said John Granger do not speedily do as aforesaid, then to proceed to sue
George Granger according to a former vote of the Town.
2"''ly. It was voted to build a new sufficient pound, and to jiay the money
when said pound is finished.
*Son of Timothy Nash of lladley, married Mary, dau. of Jolin Scott of Suf-
field.
200 TOWN ACTS
3'^ly. It was agreed, and voted; to be at the charge to send a petition to the
General Court in order to bring our great wrong (see note, p. 151) by the late
settlement, to a fair hearing which as yet we have never had.
4"'ly. The Town did by a clear vote chuse Mr. John Eliot of Windsor to
be their agent to endeavour on the Towns behalf at the next General Court at
Boston, to bring our great icrong hy the late settlement of the commissioners
to a hearing.
5'''ly. It was voted to raise about twenty pounds, not exceeding 25 pounds,
in order to defray necessary- Town Charges.
At a Lawfull Town meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield November 29"",
1717, The Town did by a clear vote chouse Ebenezer Smith, Moderator for
said Meeting.
oiid]y jjjg Town did by a clear vote declare that they would not give any
mon^ for the support of the Widow Froe.
Z^lj. It was also voted that what any person has done for Goodman Elger,*
necessary for his support in the judgement of the Select Men, should be
alowed, and that for the future no person be alowed pay for what he doth for
Elger without an order from the Select men for the doing of it.
4"'ly. The Town granted William Huxley half a crown for digging George
Grangers childs grave.
5"'ly. Granted to Joseph Remington' for running the line with Springfield
(see p. 156) 3 shillings, also granted to Deacon Hanchett for runing the line
with Springfield three shillings. Granted to John Kent Sen', and James
Younglove, thirty shillings for their copper Committeeship. (See p. 183.)
e^'ly. Granted to John Kent Sen', two shillings and sixpence for going to
Springfield, to give evidence about Mr. Marshals Improvement of land in
Symsbury claim.
Also, granted to Ensigne Austin two shillings and sixpence, for going to
Springfield to give evidence, and also for money expended.
At a Lawfull Town meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield Xov. 29'-'',
Ebenezer Smith was chosen Moderator for said fleeting.
2"<'ly. It was agreed and voted (the wood only excepted) to pay the Rever''
Mr. Ebenezer Devotion his yearly sallary in money, for the term of four years
*" Goodman" Thomas Elgar was a soldier under Maj. Treat in the Fort
Fight Dec. 19"' 1675. He was an invalid pensioner at Hadley in 1678. He m.
Abiirail Filley. July G'*' 1691, and settled in Suffield. Children were Thomas,
b. July 24"" 1692, Abraham, b. July G"" 1695. He was supported by the Town
for many years. He d. Feb. 9'^ 1728. His wife d. Jany. 10"" 1722. His son
Thomas, in 1735, petitioned Conn, (without success) for a bounty, for his
father's services in " King Philips war" (State Archives, War, Vol. 1, p. 148).
In 1740, Thomas enlisted as a soldier in the unfortunate Cuban Expedition, and
nothins: more is known of him See Stiles, Windsor, p. 330, and Trumbull's
Hist. olConn., Vol. 11, Chap. IX.)
"Abraham'" was a soldier under Capt. Kellogg in 1724, at Northfield, where
he settled. His sou Thomas was also a soldier, serving in the " French War,"
and in the war of the Revolution. The origin of "Goodman" Elgar is
unknown. (See Hist, of Northfield, p. 436.)
OF SUFFIELD. 201
next coming; the present year being att a quarter part abutement, provided he
accept thereof, and manifest the same in writing to the Select men.
3'^ly. It was voted to raise eiglit pounds for the future support of y poor.
4"'ly. Voted, to be att the charge to repair the meeting house glass.
5"'ly. It was voted to pay the widow Holcomb nine shillings for her hus-
bands assisting Mr. Kimbole about proving the line, or bounds of Symsbury.
6'ly. Granted to John Burbanks lif teen shillings, for his Copper Committee-
ship. (See p. 183.)
At a Lawfull Town Meeting of the Inhabitants of Sufl3eld June the 23*^
17^1 It was voted :
1*'. That Joseph Winchel should be moderator for said Meeting.
2"'My. It was voted to pay Constable Joseph Harmon Jr., sixteen shillings
and eight pence in money in liew of the twenty shillings in Town pay granted
him for his Constableship.
The Freeholders, and the other Inhabitants of the Town of Suflaeld being
duly warned, did assemble on the tenth day of March t7^| in order to chuse
persons to certain offices and places of trust and accordingly choice was made
as followeth:
1*'. John Burbank was chosen Moderator for said meeting.
Select Men — John Kent, John Burbank, Peter Roe, Joseph Rlmington,
Joseph Winchel.
Town Clerk — Joseph Winchel.
Constable — Samuel Lane.
TytMng Men — George Norton, Josiah Hale.
Town Treasurer — John Burbank.
Surveyors of Highways — John Huxley, Samuel Rimington, Abraham Adams,
Samuel Harmon.
Fence Viewers — John Hanchet Jun., William King.
Land Measurer — Joseph Winchel.
Sealer of waites & measures — Joshua Levit.
To regulate the law relating to swine — Samuel Sikes, Samuel Spencer.
March the 10, 17|J, Samuel Lane sworn; John Huxley, Abraham Adams,
George Norton, sworn.
March y 17"" 1718, William King, John Hanchet Jun., Samuel Harmon,
Josiah Hale, John Burbank, sworn.
Joseph Winchel, sworn to the office of town clerk.
Assessors sworn, August y" 12"' 1718, John Kent, Senior, John Austin,
Joseph Winchel.
At a ijuwfull Town Meeting of the Inhabitants of Sufficld, May the 1.")'''
1718: I'S John Kent by a clear vole was chosen Moderator for said meeting.
2"''ly. Voted in said meeting that the Town will bare the charge of clearing
the burying place, and fencing the same, so farr as in their part and proper for
tliem to do.
202
TOWN ACTS
3My. It was voted in said meeting to send a petition to the General Court,
plainly laying before them our whole difference with respect to our land, and
also an agent to manage the same.
Suffield 3Iay y« lo"", 1718, in a Town Meeting We, whose names are under-
written do entre our decents, and votes against the towns being att anj- charge
to send any person, or persons to the Great and General Court att Boston for
a further explainatiou of what they have done, relating to their confirmation
of the explanation that the Justices of the Peace for the County of Hampshire
drew up on their act passed att a Special Court holden att Suffield on January
the 10*'' 1715. (See p. 194.) And likewise against any persons, or person
being chosen Agents or Trustees, concerning the differance in said Town.
The General Court and Sessions having already done what we judge to have
been sufficient for settling our differance about land, and therefore no occasion
for a meeting for that purpose, or a Moderator to maniage in said Meeting.
Jonathan Taylor,
John Devotion,
Thomas Huxley,
Richard Austin,
Benoni Banes,
James King,
Anthony Austin,
Fearnot Burleson,
Edward Burleson,
Joseph Fuller,
John Rising Jun.,
Edmund Marshall,
Timothy Hale,
Samuel Hale,
Nathaniel Hambling,
James Philleps,
Timothy Palmer,
Joshua Levit,
Matthew Copley,
John Hanchet Jun"",
Benjamin King,
W" King,
William Huxley,
Thomas Granger S'^"''
John Hanchet,
Martin Kellog,
John Marshall,
Jared Huxley,
Thomas Coplej",
Asaph Levit,
Ebenezer Nash,
Nathaniel Austin,
Ichabod Smith,
John Austin,
James King Jun%
Medad Pumrey,
Samuel Palmer,
John Pengilly, Jr,
Thomas Granger Jun.,
Nathaniel Hale,
John Rising Sen^
Att a Legal! Town meeting May 29'", 1718, first, the Town did by a clear
vote make choice of John Burbank to be the moderator for said meeting. 2^,
they made choice of John Kent Jun, to serve the Town in a journey to
Boston, to carry a Petition to the General Court, and to be the Towns Agent
to manage the same in said court; said Agent to deliver the Petition to John
Austin, who is now there on the Towns service.* Said Austin to deliver it,
or present it to that Court, and that our said Agent shall serve the proprietors
in such things as he shall think fitt, or according to their instruction when he
is there.
3''ly. That the Select men should write the Towns Petition.
At a Lawfull Town meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Suffield,
Nov. the IS"', 1718, first, John Burbanks was chosen Moderator.
* John Austin, son of Anthony Sen', was Representative at Boston, 1718,
19, '20, and 1723, four years.
OF SUFFIELD. ■ 203
Also voted; to sel the Towns gun.*
Also, voted to bear the charge that may neccessarily arise by procuring
plank, for repairing the Bridges this present year.
Also, voted; that the Select men should raise money to defray such bills as
were read in said meeting.
Also, voted; to raise money to defray those bills relating to the poor, that
have not yet ben presented to the Town.
November the 31^', 1718. Att a Lawfull Town meeting of the Inhabitants,
Samuel Kent Sen'', was chosen Moderator for said meeting.
It was also voted; to give John Kent Jun. six pounds for his journey and
expence in carrying a Petition to Boston.
Also voted to leave the matter of difference between John Kent Sen^ and
the Town with respect to his demand for going for Mr. Emerson ; to John
Pengilley Sen', Thomas Smith Sen^ and Lieut. Richard Austin to determine;
and what said ai'bitrators shall award the Town to pay, the Select men to raise
the money.
Also voted; that said Arbitrators shall give in their award before the tenth
day of Dec. next coming.
In said meeting, Abraham Adames was made choice of to speak in the
Towns behalf before the arbitrators above mentioned.
Also, voted: to exchange the highway that lyeth on the east side of James
Youngloves house, with John Kent Jun'', for so much land on the west side
of said Youngloves land, which he bought of Samuel Kent Jun., in order to
alter said highway, for the conveniency of said John Kent.
Also voted to raise 12£ for the support of the poor.
Also, voted: to alow Ebenezer Nash twenty shillings for sweeping the
Meeting house this year.
Also, voted: to pay Constable Lane in money for his Constablesliip salary,
att one-third abatment.
At a Lawfull Meeting: viz: Town Meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield,
March the 9"", 17^f, and continued by adjournment till March 10"', 17f^: in order
to make choice of perticular persons to places of Trust, according as by law is
directed for the ordering the prudential affairs of the Town; and accordingly,
choice was made as followeth : — Mr. John Devotion was chosen Moderator for
said meeting.
Select Aft' n — Mar I'm Kellog, Capt. Joseph Harmon, John Kent Sen', John
Burbank, Ebenezer Smith.
*This is the first recorded vote relative to the Town Gun! It was
undoubtedly procured when the town voted to fortify the 3Hnister's Lot, in
170;i Hadley had a gun in 1070, and used it with good elTect when attacked
by tlu; Indians. " The soldiers or Townsmen within the Palisade tiring a piece
of ordnance, it so affrighted the savages they instantly lied." (Hubbard's
Indian Wars.)
Springlield had a town gun, but failed to use it, when attacked in 1075.
(Judd's Hadley, p. 179.)
Windsor had town guns, and voted to sell them at vendue in 1725. (Stiles'
Windsor.)
204 TOWN ACTS
Town Clerk — Joseph Winchel.
Constable — Nathaniel Warner.
TytMng Men — Deac° Jonathan Taylor, Ensign Anthony Austin.
Assessors — Serg' John Austin, John Burbank, Joseph Winchel.
Surveyors of HigMcay s — Samuel Rimington, John Kent Jun"', Samuel
Copley, John Pengilley Jun.
Sealer of iceifjhts & measures — Joshua Levit.
Fence Viewers — Josiah Hale, Xathaniel Miller, James King Jun'', Joseph
Harmon Jun', John Old, Jacob Adams.
Town Treasurer — John Burbank.
The names and time of swaring the above mentioned officers March y«
10'^, 17iJ- . James King Juns Jacob Adames, Joseph Harmon Jun^ John Old,
Samuel Rimington, John Kent Jun^ and John Pengilley Jun'', were s-worn to
their respective offices above said. March y 16* 17|f; Nathaniel Miller, and
Samuel Copley ■were sworn; also Nathaniel Warner, Anthony Austin sworn.
March y 28'^, 1719, John Austin, Joseph Winchel. and John Burbank, Deac"
Jonathan Taylor sworn. Assessors sworn. March y<^ 23'^, 1719, Joseph Winchel
sworn to the office of Town Clerk.
At a Lawfull Town Meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield, April y 9"=,
1719, voted: that Ebenezer Smith should be moderator for said meeting.
Also voted: to pay Ensign Anthony Austin the twenty-five shillings he sued
the town for, together with the charges; which twenty-five shillings he
demanded for his Meeting House Committeeship.
Also, voted: to leave it with the Select Men to sel the timber of the old
pound,* and let out the land it stands upon to the best advantage for the Town.
Att a Lawfull Town meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield Nov. y« 12">,
1719, first, Ebenezer Smith hy a clear vote was chosen Moderator for said
meeting.
Also, voted: to alow three shillings per week for the keeping of Liddia
Granger.
Also, voted : to alow such persons as keep the Widdow Froe, three shillings
per week, for such time as thej^ keep her, they alowing her for what work she
doth.
Also, voted: to raise Ten Pounds for the support of the poor and to pay
that, and all past charge this year in grain, or money as persons shall see cause
(excepting only the school, and debutyf) Viz: in Indian Corn att two shillings
and sixpence perbushell, and rye att three shillings and six pence per bushell.
Also, voted: to bare the charge of repairing the School house, and seats of
the MeetinG; house.
At a Anniversary or General Town meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield
March y" S"", 17J-2, being met in order to chuse Town Officers for the manag-
ing of the prudential affairs of the Town as the law directs. The persons
chosen to places of trust, are as followeth.
■^The first pound was built in 1710.
f Representatives to the Gen' Court.
OF SUFFIELD. 205
First, Samuel Smith Sen', was chosen Moderator for said Meeting. Thomas
Granger Sen', Samuel Smith Sen'', Benoni Bans, Ebenezer Burbank, and
Timothy Pallmer, were chosen Select Men.
Ti/thing Men — John Hanchet Jun'', Jared Huxley.
Constable — Samuel Harmon 1''.
2'own Clerk — Joseph Winchel.
Clerk of the Market — Joshua Leavit.
Surveyors of Highways — Samuel Halladay, Daniel Adams, Samuel Kent
Jun'', Samuel Copley.
Fence Viewers — Benjamin King, Nathaniel Austin, Joseph King, Samuel
Lane.
Town Treasurer — John Burbank.
Sealer of Leather — Samuel Sikes.
Land Measurer — Joseph Winchel.
Assessors — Deacon John Hanchet, Serj. John Austin, Joseph Winchel.
An account of the time when the Town Officers for the year 1720 were
sworn to their respective offices.
Samuel Copley, and Samuel Kent Jun', Surveyors of Highways, sworn
March y° 8'\ 1720. Samuel Halladay, and Daniel Adams, Surveighors of
highways, sworn Mar. y« 14'\ 1720. Joseph King, Samuel Lane, and Benja-
min King, Fence viewers, sworn March 14, 1720. Samuel Harmon 1=',
Constable, sworn March j" 14"^, 1720. John Hanchet Sen', John Austin,
Joseph Winchel, Assessors sworn March 14'", 1720. Joseph Winchel, town
Clerk, sworn March y 14, 1720. Joshua Levit, sworn March y« 14"^, 1720.
Att a Lawfull Meeting of the Town of Suffleld April y 10'\ 1720; First,
Samuel Smith was chosen Moderator for said meeting.
2"'ily, Voted: that what writings Serj. John Austin has of the Towns in
his keeping, should be delivered up to the present Town Clerk.
3''ly, Voted: to raise thirty Pounds in provision pay as money, for the sup-
port of the School, for the tirm of one year next coming.
At a Lawfull Town Meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield May y 31" 1720
Mr. John Devotion was chosen Moderator for said meeting.
2"''ly, It was voted to continue the school in High Street.
3''ly, It was voted to throw up the highway that runs through James King
Jun', his lot; provided there be a way to the Grismill.
4"'ly, Voted, that John Huxley should have the use of the burying place for
twenty year, provided, he clear it, and fence it, and keep it entire, and leave
it fencet when the time is up.
At a Legull Town Meeting November the 17, 1720, John Kent Sen', was
chosen Moderator for said meeting. Also in said meeting several bills of
charge were past.
2"''ly, Granted sixteen pounds to be raised lor tlie poor.
■n
206 TOWN ACTS
3^1y, Voted, That the Town Treasurer shall sue for what money is due to
the Town, and for what money the Court hath ordered any persons to pay for
the maintenance of good wife Froe. (See p. 190.)
4*''ly,* Also agreed, and voted that John Burbank shall take care, and see
what encouragement he can find for us to get to the Government of Connecti-
cutt, to bring to the Town the next March Meeting.
Att a Lawfull Town Meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield February the 10"'
17|f First it was voted that John Kent Sen"' should be Moderator for said
meeting.
gndjy I Voted, That our Representative lay before Ihe General Court or
Assembly att their next Session a representation of the great icrong that we
have sustained by the laste Establishment, fully setting forth our just claimes
to those lands that are taken from our Township, and added to Windsor, and
Symsbury; and Earnestly to petition, that our Township may be restored to
its former bounds, and to the rightfull owners, as granted, and confirmed to us
by the General Court of the late Colony of the Massachusetts Bay.
3''ly, It was allso clearly voted, to chuse three men to take care to prevent
incroaching on highways, and accordingly Peter Roe, John Burbank, and
Joseph Winchel, were chosen to endeavour as aforesaid.
Also, voted, to bare the charge of caring Liddia Granger, the wife of George
Granger, to the house of correction.
Att a Lawfull Meeting, viz.. General Town Meeting of the Inhabitants of
Sulfield, March y 1", 1721. In order to chuse ofiicers as the law directs, to
order the prudential affairs of the Town, and accordingly choice was made as
followeth:
Select Men — John Kent Sen'', Lieut. John Austin, James King Jun, Joseph
Remington, Abraham Adams.
Town Clerk — Jos. Winchel.
Constable — Daniel Adams.
Town Treasurer — John Burbank.
Tything Men — John Huxley, John Warner Sen.
Assessors — John Kent Sen'', Joseph Winchel, Lieut. John Austin.
Surveyors of Highways — Joseph Fuller, Samuel Copley, Benjamin Reming-
ton, John Harmon.
Sealer of waits & measures — Lieut. Joshua Leavit.
Sealer of Leather — Ebenezer Burbank. ,
Fence Viewers — Joseph Harmon Jun, Jonathan Rimington, William King,
Timothy Palmer, Samuel Palmer, John Kent Jun'.
* This, and subsequent votes of the Town of a like tenor, prove conclusively
that a majority of the inhabitants were unwilling subjects to Massachusetts
Government, refuting the accusation found in Holland's Hist, of Western
Mass., Vol. I, chap. xii. This dissatisfaction was unabated for 30 years, or
until 1749, when it terminated in open and successful secession.
f See Town lines, p. 12, foot notes, pp. 151, 183, 200-202.
OF SUFFIELD. 207
Hogg Reeves*— 3o\m Rising, ^amuel Eoe, Caleb Allien, Edward Smith Jun,
John Warner Jun', Benjamin King.
An account of oflacers sworn March y« 6"^ & 7'" & 10'\ Joseph Winchel
Town Clerk; John Kent, John Austin, Joseph Winchel, Assessors; Daniel
Adams, Constable. John Burbank, Town Treasurer; John Huxley, John
Warner, Tything Men; John Rising, Caleb Alein, Samuel Roe, Edward Smith
Jun^ Benjamin King, & John Warner Jun, Hogg Reeves; Samuel Copley,
Benjamin Rimiugton, Surveighours of High ways; Timothy Palmer, William
King, Joseph Harmon Jun'. John Kent Jun', Samuel Pallmer, Fence Viewers;
Ebenezer Burbank, Sealer of Leather; Jonatlian Rimington, sworn March 17'".
Att a LawfuU Town Meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield, March y" 22d,
1721. Voted 1", that Ebenezer Smith should be Moderator for said Meeting.
2"''ly, Voted ; to chuse two men to joyn with Joseph Winchel, to serveigh
the deeds of exchange which concern the Town, to see whether they are exe-
cuted according to true intent, and meaning, and to make report thereof to
the Town.
3'*ly, Pursuant to the preceding vote, Deacon John Hanchet, and Samuel
Kent Sen', were chosen to joyn with Joseph Winchel, in order to do as in the
said preceding vote is expressed.
4"'ly, Voted that there shall be a high way of eight rods wide laid out from
the Highway by the Sawmill Pond, to run across said Pond northward, until
it come to the Highway, that leads out west from High Street. (Now Reming-
ton Street.)
Att a Lawfull Town Meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffleld, March y« 30'
1721, First, John Kent Sen', was chosen Moderator for said meeting.
2""'l3', Joseph Winchel, by a clear vote was chosen Land measurer.
Att a Lawfull Town meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield, May the 22^
1721, first, voted that John Kent Sen', should be moderator for said Meeting.
2"''ly, Voted; to Impower the Select Men to hire a room at the Towns
charge for the Widdow Winchel to live in.
* Hog Reeves were first ordered by the Province Laws in 1714, and first
appointed here iu 1715. Their sole duty was to enforce the laws relating to
swine, wliich wore permitted to run at large in the highways and woods, suit-
al)ly equipped. Afterward the duties of llaward, or Field Driver, were com-
bined in the office of Hog Reeve. "Hog Reeves" were ciiosen here until
1750. No sucii office existed in C!onn. To a late period Towns made the By-
Laws, restraining or permitting tiie use of tlie Highways for pasturage. (See p.
111.) Swine suitably ringed and yoakod, and geese with yokes were i)er-
mitted to run at large on Higiiways until 18:57, wlien the Town Voted: "That
SWMiie, slieep, and geese shall not be iierinittcd to go at large on any terms
wliatever. " Fence Viewers were first ciioscn here in KWO. Their prescribed
duties were, "for tiu; l)etter preventing of daiuage in Cornfields, and other
improved and common Lands, by Horses, Calile, Siieei) and Swine going at
large."
208 TOWN ACTS
3''ly, Voted, to choose some persons to manage on the Towns behalf against
Lidia Granger the wife of George Granger in Court when there shall be occa-
sion for it. The persons chosen to manage against the said Lidia Granger in
Court, as abovesaid, are three of the present Select men, namely, John Kent
Sen', Lieut. John Austin, and Serj. Abraham Adams.
4"'ly, Voted to accept of the first deed of exchange of the thirty-two acres of
land, which John Pengilley Sen', gave to the Town baring date in the reign
of our late sovereign the Lady Anne.
5"']y, Voted to impower Lieut. John Austin and Serj. Abraham Adams to
take care that those Deeds which concern the Town be executed according to
Law.
Att a Lawfull Town Meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield June the 12"',
1731.
1", Peter Roe was chosen Moderator for said Meeting.
2''lJ^ Voted to leave it with the Select Men to lease out the School Lot to
William King, until the last Lease made to his father be out, and four years
longer.
3''ly, Voted; Not to continue the dam (.see p. 165), which Samuel Copley
has made on Stony Brook, att the lower end of High Street.
Att a Lawfull Town Meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield, Aug' y« 16'^ 1721 ;
First, Deacon Samuel Smith was chosen Moderator for said Meeting.
Also voted; that the Town by their Representative will Petition the General
Court, to grant the Proprietors an equivelant for what is taken from our
Township by the late Establishment. (See pp. 12, 13.)
Also, Granted to Serj. Abraham Adams, by a clear vote, full liberty to lay
out thirty-two acres of land on that land which the town of Suffield had of
John Pengilly Sen' by way of exchange, provided : said Adams lay out said
thirty-two acres upon a legal right: And provided that there be an High-way
for the north side of it without purchase if there be occasion for it.
The desenters against the preceding vote relating to Abraham Adams, are
Anthony Austin, Ebenezer Burbank, Jacob Adams, Samuel Copley, John
Pengilly Jun'.
Att a Lawfull Town Meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield, October y« 4'",
1721, and held by adjournment on October y" 9"" 1721 ; Deacon John Hanchet
being chosen Moderator, for said meeting.
1", It was agreed, and voted; to chuse three Trustees for to send for, receive,
and dispose the Towns part of the *Fifty thousand pound according to the
Towns instructions.
2"'^ly, It was voted to give said trustees thirty shillings per year, for their
service, and to pay them in money for all their necessary money expense.
* Suffield received £285 pounds or $950, for its share. To whom the money
was loaned is unknown ! The Town had the interest money, but was responsible
for the principal, which was to be collected and returned to the Province in
nine years. It was a scheme to raise money on a Province Loan, create more
paper currency, and aid the towns to pay province rates or taxes.
OP SUPFIELD. 209
3'ly. The Town made choice of Mr. John Devotion, Peter Roe, and John
Kent Sen", for Trustees for said service.
4"'ly, It was agreed, and voted; that said Trustees should let out said money
for six per cent, anually.
5"'ly, It was voted that the Trustees may let out any sum of said money,
under thirty Pounds, upon good bond obligatory, with good sureties, and any
sum or sums of thirty Pounds, or above thirty Pounds within the limits of the
law to take land security, by good deeds of warrantee, the securitj^ being of
thrible vallue to the sum so let.
6"'ly, It was voted, that said Trustees shall, on the last Tuesday of January
yearly, pay the yearly interest of said money so lent, or so improved by them
in behalf of the Town, to the Select men respectively, and said interest money
to be improved for payment of the Publick Country money Taxes, and no
other way.
October the 21", 1721, Mr. John Devotion, Peter Roe, and John Kent Sen%
were sworn to the faithful discharge of their trust, in leting out the Town of
Suffield's proportion of the Fifty Thousand Pounds granted by the General
Court.
Att a Lawfull Town meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffleld, December y"
8'", 1721, and held likewise by adjournment on the 11'" day of December, 1721.
Dea. John Hanchet was chosen Moderator for said meeting.
2"''ly, voted to raise 12 pounds for the poor.
Voted, also, to be att the charge of building four pewes* on each side of the
Meeting House viz: four on the north side, and four on the south side.
Voted : also, that Mr. John Devotion should have the care of building the pews.
Also, voted: to repair the cushion for the pullpitt.
Also, voted: to new seat the Meeting House when the pews are made.
Also, voted : that the rules to be attended in seating, are first, and principly
Estate; 2"<'ly, age, 3''ly, improvement.
Also, voted: that the Country List of valluation, and all lists since that
being about three, be Improved as Rules to seat by.
Att a Lawfull Town Meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffleld, December y"
19"", 1721: Lieut. John Austin was chosen Moderator.
1", Voted: to give ten shillings towards building the Court House f att
Springfield.
2"''ly, Voted, to prosecute in the law the relatives of the Widdo Froe, for
their not doeing what the Court ordered them to do, towards her mainlaiuance.
3''ly, John Burbank was by a clear vote chosen to prosecute the relatives of
the Widdow Froe pursuant to the preceding vote.
* The first pews knoinn to have been built here.
f Springfield Records also indicate that the first Court House in Old Ilamji-
shire (^'ounty was buill in 1722-3. It was built by Town suli.scriptiims, Spring-
field giving the sum of !J0 pounds. Wni. G. Hates' |)rinte(l address at liic dedi-
cation of the present Court House, in Springtiekl, Api'il 28, 1874, contains a
cut representing the first Court House. Sullieid appears to have contributed
$1.01*8 cents, its Ta.v for one now building at Hartford will be about flO.OOl).
210 TOWN ACTS
At an Anniversary or General Town Meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield
March 1", 17||, for the choice of necessary Town Officers for the year insuing,
and accordingly choice was made as f olloweth, viz : First, Benoni Banes was
chosen Moderator of said Meeting.
Select Men — Timothy Palmer, Peter Roe, Deacon John Hanchet, Benoni
Banes, John Austin.
Constable — James King Jun'.
Town Clerk — John Austin.
Tyiliing Men — Joseph King, James Smith Sen^
Land Measurer — Capt. Joseph Winchel.
Assessors— J ohn Kent Sen"^, Benoni Banes, John Austin.
Sizer and Sealer of weights and measures — Joshua Leavitt.
Town Treasurer — Deacon John Hanchet.
Hogg Beeves — Samuel Lane, Benjamin Gillett, Richard Woolworth, Samuel
Winchel, George Norton, Tho: Granger.
Fence Viewers — Benjamin Remington, William Halladay, Samuel Kent 2"'^,
Samuel Harmon 1*', Ensign Anthony Austin, Freegrace Norton.
Surveyors of Highways — Victory Sikes, Samuel Palmer, Josiah Hale, William
King, Jacob Adams.
The names, and time of those officers that are sworn to their several places
of trust. March y' 1" 17|4, John Austin, Joseph King, Benj. Remington,
William Halladay, Samuel Kent 2"'', Freegrace Norton, Samuel Winchel, and
George Norton. March y* 5'" 17||, James King, William King, Samuel Lane.
March y= 9"', sworn, Benjamin Gillett, Richard AVoolery. March y« 16"^, sworn,
Samuel Palmer, & Jacob Adams; 24"', Victory Sikes, James Smith, Josiah Hale,
Thomas Granger Jun^ March 16"=, Assessors sworn. John Austin, Benoni
Banes, Samuel Harmon 1**', April 24"', 1722. Ensign Anthony Austin, sworn
Aprill.
Att a Lawfull Meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield, March y« 25'\ 1722,
1", John Austin was chosen Moderator of said Meeting.
2'*ly, It was voted ; the swine for the year ensuing may go at large according
as the Law directs.
3'^, Victory Sikes was chosen Surveyor of High ways for the year insuing.
4"', The Town by a clear vote made choice of Deacon John Hanchet, John
Austin, and Peter Roe, to be a Committee, to make up accounts with John
Burbank, Late Town Treasurer, to see how y« state of the Town Treasury
stands.
5"'Iy, The Town by a clear vote, made choice of Peter Roe, John Burbank,
and Capt. Joseph Winchel, as a Committee to se that the High- ways be not .
straitened in their full bredth : to give warning to those that joyn upon High-
waies to run their lines, and to renew their bounds, and where they find per-
sons have fenced in any part of any Highway, or any waies Incumbered the
Highways, to give them notice forthwith, to remove the same, and in case they
be not removed, then to prosecute such Incuniberers in a course of law, unless
such as the Town agree, see cause to agree with the person about.
6"'ly, Granted by a clear vote to Joseph Harmon Jr, the way that lyeth on •
the south side of Olds field commonly so called, in Old street or that runneth
OF SUFFIELD. 211
from Old Street westward, the whole length of said Olds Lot, and so far
Westward eight rod wide, as to meet with a way to be allowed out of said
Harmons Land: s'' Joseph Harmon giving the Town a good or lawful! Deed,
or conve3'ance of a way, four rods wide threw his lot, and part of John Har-
mon's, untill it comes fairly into y" way again.
7'''ly, The question put to y" Town, whether they would proceed in build-
ing the pews in the Meeting House according to the votes that were passed
Last December, or come to new votes in that matter; by a clear vote, it was
determined to come to new votes, and accordingly it was first voted, to build
8 pews in the Meeting House, four on the north side, and four on the south
side, as soon as it could conveniently be effected.
2"'S Serj. Joseph Remington, John Trumble the first, and Mr. John Devo-
tion, were chosen a Committee to take care to get y« said pews made, as soon
as may be.
Att a Legall Meeting of the Freeholders, and other Inhabitants of the Town
of Sutficld May the 11"', 1722, the following votes were made relating to y«
particulars mentioned, in the order for said meeting.
1"', John Austin was chosen Moderatour for s"* Meeting.
2"'^, John Kent was chosen Trustee in the stead or place of his father * John
Kent deceased.
3'^, Joseph Remington chosen assessor in the stead, or place of John Kent
deceased.
4'\ John Burbank chosen Town Treasurer for the remainder of the year,
and to have Ten Shillings for his service in that office.
5"", Relating to y' Execution taken out against the relations of the Widow
Froe, Voted ; that such of the said relatives as shall within Ten Daies give bond
to y" Select Men to perform what they are behind of what the Court ordered
them to do, towards her maintainance, and pay the charge of the execution,
shall have their names taken out of the execution, or credit given them on
said execution: And that the said execution be levied on such as shall refuse
so to do.
6"'ly^ Relating to y« Seating of y" Meeting House: Voted, 1", that the rules
for Seating be first, and principally Estate, 2"'', age, 3''ly, that where there is
an equality between persons; the more ancient Inhabitant themselves, or their
children, to have the preferance. 4'^ The Seaters to take the list of the year
that the valluation was taken, and all the lists of Estate ever since, and as
many lists more as can be found, or come at, since the last seating.
5"', Voted: that, there be three men chosen to be Seaters, and the men
chosen were, Peter Roe, Joseph Remington, and John Austin.
G'My, That the aforesaid Seaters shall set a valluation on the seats, and pews;
and therein to have regard to the estimation of such seats in the neighbouring
ancient Towns, wherein they agree in y* general.
* John Kent Sen. died Apr. 11"', 1721. He was sou of Sam' Kent Sen^ was
not an original proprietor, but was an early settler, and a prominent citizen.
(See p. 30.)
212 TOWN ACTS
T"", Voted, that with respect to Deacon Mixture, and Joseph Ruggles, the
Sealers should seat them according to their best judgment, "without regard to
y'' rules for Seating others.
At a Legall Meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield, June 25'\ 1722, John
Austin being first chosen Moderator of the s'^ Meeting, the following votes was
made.
1", It was voted that the Seaters do seat Mr. John Devotion * according to
their best Judgment, as it was left with them for seating Mr. John Mixer f
and Mr. Joseph Ruggles.:]:
2""^, Voted, to give liberty to such married men as shall give in their names
within seven days, unto the seaters, to be at the charge of building pews over
the Gallery Stairs for them, and their wives to sit in, so many agreeing of such
as the seaters shall accept of, as may be sufficient for both pews; otherwise, to
allow so many j'oung men to joyn with them, as may be suflScient to sit in
them; such young men paying rates, and to sit in y^ pew over the mens stares
only, and that the pews be so built, as not to hinder j" stairs to be made for
y* upper galleries, and that such as shall build s'^ pews in the gallery, or over
the stairs, when their estate shall be sufficient to bring them higher; then, such
persons to have power to sell their right in such pews, to such other, as the
Town shall accept of.
S"*, Voted: that no Boys under the age of Thirteen nor Girls under y<' age of
Twelve years, be allowed to sit in y^ Galleries. Voted y" y^ present seating be
for four years and not longer.
4"", Voted: to be at (all Necessary Charge,) or at the charge of all Necessary
repairs of the IMeeting House.
6"", Voted; to chouse three men to be a Committee to se the meeting house
repaired according to y" foregoing vote.
7"", Voted; that Deacon John Hauchet, Joshua Leavitt, and John Burbank,
b3 a Committee to se to y* repairing y" Meeting House, and said Committee
shall not uncover, nor new shingle y' Meeting House unless it be by further
order of y" Town.
Voted : that there be a by Law made, to prevent Geese going upon y^ Commons.
At a Legall meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield Sept. y" 21", 1722:
1", John Austin was chosen Moderator of said Meeting, and then the fol-
lowing votes ware passed.
1", The question being put to y« Town, whether they did esteem the late
Seating of the House of God to be Regular, and Decent: it passed in the
negative.
2"'', Voted: to try for a Regulation of y* said Late Seating of j'* house of
God that it may be more Decent, and to better satisfaction. In order thereto:
* Father of Rev. Ebenezer Devotion, (See p. 89.)
f For Dea. John Mixer, see note, p. 217.
:}: For Mr. Joseph Ruggles, sec note, p. 214.
OP SUPFIELD. 213
3'', Voted, that if Joha Austin be willing to come back; that he take a Seat
in the body of the Meeting House for his Seat, in regard of his Tuning the
Psalm.
4'", Voted : that David Winchel Sen"", do sek in the first, or fore Pew.
5'\ Voted: that Edmund Marshal do set in y« fore Pew.
6'\ Voted: that Thomas Granger Sen' do take the second pew for his seat.
7'\ Voted that John Austin do take y" fore seat in y" body of y*' Meeting
House for his seat in regard of tuning the psalm, which &<> Austin declared
his acceptancy of.
8'", Voted : that Cap' Richard Austin do take the 2"'' pew for his seat.
9'^ Voted that Capt. Joseph "Winchel, do take j^ second pew for his seat.
10'\ Voted: that Benoni Banes, do take the fore seat for his seat.
11"', Voted that * James Smith Sen^ do take his seat in y« 4"" seat, And the
meeting was adjourned to Monday the first day of October, at one of y" clock
in the Afternoon.
At a meeting of the Inhabitants of SuflSeld by adjournment October y« 1"
1723, the several votes were past.
1", voted, that the men appointed to se what Incumbrances are upon the
High Wales do proceed in that affair, so as to bring in a report what they find,
unto the Town at the next Town meeting.
2'', Upon some Considerable Discourse, some persons manifesting their Dis-
like of Seating persons by votes, or voting persons into their seats; It was by
a full vote agreed, to appoint two men more, to joyn with the former seaters
to Regulate y' Late Seating ; to bring persons forward so many as they can
find Room for, and to do it according to their own best Judgment, and to
finnish their work this week; so as to give persons notice of tlieir seats before
the ne.\t Sabbath. The men chosen to joyn with the seaters were, Deacon
John Hanchet, and Sam' Kent Sen'.
S^ Voted: to choose a man or men to see that John Burbank, Town
Treasurer do speedily gather the Town debts, and pay out such moneys to y®
Select Men to be desposed of to the Towns use, and in case he doth not, nor
is in the use of proper means for getting such moneys, the said Committee to
prosecute the said Treasurer in a course of law, for his neglect, at j" next
Court. The men chosen were, Benoni Banes, and Joshua Leavitt.
Att a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffleld, Nove. y« 9'\ 1722, First,
John Austin was chosen Moderator.
2'"', Voted, to leave it with the Select Men to allow persons for keeping
Goodman Elger, y" widow Froe, and Lydia Granger, after the same lay as the
Town have now voted to others, for keeping of them.
3'', Voted, to be at the whole charge of repairing the Meeting House in
Merchantable wheat, at six shillings per bushel, peas at six shillings per bushel,
* Brother of Ebenczer Smith, and grandson of the Rev. Henry Smith.
27
214 TOWN ACTS
rye at four shillings per bushel, and Indian corn at two shillings, and six pence
p"" bushel, or in money, saving what the Committee have, or must expend in
money and that to be paid in money.
4"", Voted, to raise 12 pounds for providing for y** poor, and finishing the
repairing the Meeting House, and then y"= Meeting adjourned, to the 13'", of
November, at 9 of y* clock, in y« forenoon.
At a meeting held by adjournment November y' 13'", 1723, Voted; to give
* Mr. Joseph Ruggles five shillings per day, for every day he wrought about
y* pews, and eighteen pence per day for Richard Austin, and the Committee
for said pews to bring in a particular account to the Select Men of the work
done about s"* pews.
Att a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of SufBeld, November
y^ 20'", 1722, Agreed, and voted, by a clear vote, John Burbank was chosen
Moderator to order said meeting.
2""*, That Ichabod Smith, have the Towns liberty to take up, or Lay out, for
his own proper use upon a good right, that part of y* highway that lyeth at
the front, or west end of said Smiths lot, which was formerly laid out to John
Severance. The width of said lot from the front to the country road, pro-
vided said Smith do lay out, or take up said land within a month from the date
hereof, as also to pay all the reasonable charge that the committee for y« Town
hath been at, in examining into said affair.
S*", Voted, to relinquish y« vote made to grant the Towns money to y« Select
Men for y*^ use of the poor, and that the Towns money do still rest in the
treasury till orderly passed out.
4'", Voted, to take up the sute now commenced against y Town Treasurer,
and to null y" Committees power chosen to prosecute the same, and s" com-
mittee viz: Benoni Banes, and Joshua Leavit, to act no further upon it.
5'", To recumpence Thomas, and Matthew Copley, for Damage don by high
waies running through their land they making it appear. John Burbank,
Moderatour.
Att a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of SufBeld, December, the 24"',
1722. John Austin being chosen Moderator of said meeting, the following
votes were passed.
1°', Voted; that the Towns Trustees, namely; Benoni Banes, and Joshua
Leavitt, Do prosecute the action that is commenced against John Burbank,
Town Treasurer, to be heard, and tryed at the next Court.
2"", It being proposed to y* Town whether they would grant to Ichabod
Smith, a liberty to appropriate to his own use, that land that lies at the front of
his lot, that was laid out to John Severance, between said lot and said highway,
* Joseph Ruggles, son of Rev. Benjamin, by trade a carpenter, removed to
New Haven 1722, and to New Milford 1733. He was the grandfather of
Chief Justice Ruggles of New York. (Hist, of New Milford.)
OP SUPFIELD.
215
that is; so far as the Town have power so to grant, he, said Smith, paying to
y» Town so much as Indifferent men shall judge said land to be worth, so
obtained upon the Towns right. It passed on the negative.
* HIGHWAY FROM OLD STREET TO STONEY BROOK.
January the 16"^, 172|.* Then, we the Subscribers, pursuant to a vote of y*
Town March y« 22"'*, 1721, Laid out a Highway, from y« Highway granted on
the South Side of Stoney Brook, Leading to Tainters Hill, to y« Highway
that leads out west over Winchills Bridge. We began at the Highway, on the
South Side of Stoney Brook, where we marked a young walnut staddle, at y^
bottom of y* Hill, and a young Elm standing near y« Brook, both on y North
Easterly Side of s'^ way, which bears its breadth Eight Rods Southwesterly
from s'' mark'd Trees, taking in the path, or Hampton Old Road, where it
comes over the Brook : Then on y« Northerly Side of the Brook, we marked
a black oak Tree near the Brook, which is the South west corner Bounds of
Joseph Remington's Land, that was laid out to John Hodge: from thence it
runs the same bredth up y^ Hill, or to y plain Land, where we marked a black
oak on y" Westerly side, and a small walnut bush with a heap of stones at y«
root of it: on the Easterly side of s'' bush stands a great crooked white oak
stump; from thence to y South East Corner of Dibble's Land as we supposed,
where was two stones on the Westerly side of y^ way, against which, on the
Easterly side, we marked a young white oak, and so going Norward we laid it
8 Rods wide between tlie lots laid out on both sides of s^ way, and turning the
Norwest Corner of Joseph Remington's Land purchased of Nathan" Harman,
the Corner stake standing in a Corner, between y« Highway, and a little Gutter
that runs across y« way, just after it turns y- Corner: y" way still bearing its
bredth till it comes to y" Highway that turns out to Norton's Bridge. (Old
Book, p. 199.)
Entered Janury y^lG*'' 172f.
Peter Roe,
Benoni Banes, ^ Selectmen.
John Austin,
February the 32'', 17||.f Then, We the subscribers laid out the high-way,
that turns out norward from the highway that runs from Crooked Lane to
Bushes Bridge, through y" land laid out to Quintan Stockwell deceased, as
nigh as we could in the same manner as it was formerly laid out, and recom-
pence made to said Stockwell for. We began at a white oak tree standing
about twelve or tliirteen rods westward of the southeast corner bounds of said
Stockwelis land; wiiich tree we marked facing to said way, and ranging with
it, from which tree we run or laid the s'» way, till we came over an old cart path,
which we supposed to be the Adamses path to their swamp, called the spruce
swamp ; where we marked a red, or black oak tree, on three sides, from which
*This was that part of the Hampton, or County Road, now called Reming-
ton St. (See p. 207.)
t This higiiway is in the North District, First Society, from Horace Halliday's
dwelling house, northerly.
216 TOWN ACTS
range of trees, said way is to bear its breadth twenty rods westwai'd upon the
high land, so as to take in the cart path aS it now goes.
Peter Roe,
Benoni Banes,
John Austin.
At a Legal! Meeting of the Freeholders, and other Inhabitants of the Town
of Suffield, being convened, and naett for the choice of necessary Town
(officers) for the year Insuing, and other Concerns, the following votes were
past, and persons chosen to their several places of trust, March y IV^, 17%^.
1**, John Burbank was chosen Moderator of said Meeting.
2°", Voted, that the Town do accept of the proposals of Samuel Kent Jun^
Samuel Halladay, and Josiah Kent respecting the maintenance of their Grand-
mother Froe the year Insuing, according to the tennour of a Writing under
their hands, bearing date the 2"'' day of January last past.
Select Men — Deacon John Hanchet, Capt. Joseph Winchel, John Burbank,
Ebenezer Burbank & Josiah Hale.
Town Clerk — John Austin.
Constable — Timothy Palmer.
TytMng Men — Joseph Remington, Nathaniel Warner.
Assessors — John Burbank, Joseph Winchel. John Austin.
Fence Vietcers — Fearnot Burlison, Samuel Palmer, Samuel Spencer, George
Norton, John Harmon, Benjamin Gillet, Thomas Granger Jun, Caleb Allen.
Surveyors of High ways — Benjamin Remington, Daniel Adams, Joseph
Harmon Jun", Samuel Lane, Thomas Copley.
Sizer & sealer of ^ceigTlts & measures — Joshua Leavitt.
Land measurer- — Capt. Joseph Winchel.
Town Treasurer — John Burbank.
Hog Reeves — Samuel Palmer, Ebenezer Nash, Abraham Granger.
Att this meeting it was voted, that swine may go at large being regulated
according to Law.
Lastly, voted, to be at the charge of a new * Town Book, to enter Town
Votes in, and other things necessary, or proper to be entred in the Town
Book of records. An account of the swaring of the Town officers within
mentioned: John Burbank, Assessor, and Town Treasurer, Timothy Palmer,
Constable, John Austin, Town Clerk, and Assessor, Joseph Winchel, Assessor,
and Land Measurer, Sworn, March y« 11*'', 17|f. Thomas Copley, and John
Harmon, sworn, March y* ll"", 17ff. Nathaniel Warner, George Norton,
Fearnot Burleson, Samuel Spencer, Caleb Allen, Joseph Remington, Ebenezer
Nash, Benjamin Gillet, Benjamin Remington, Abraham Granger, Thomas
Granger Jun', Samuel Palmer, Joseph Harmon Jun% sworn, March y'' IS"",
17%^. Daniel Adams, sworn May y" 13"*, 1723. Note: That, where persons
are said to be sworn, are so to their respective offices, so, also where persons
sustain more places of trust than one. Given in to be entred, John Hanchet,
Joseph Winchel, John Burbank, Selectmen.
* This Book is " Suffield Town Records No. 2." It cost £1, 4s, 6d. It con-
tains an unbroken record of Town Acts from 1724 to 1849, a peripd of 125
years. It has been rebound, and is in good condition.
OF SUFFIELD. 217
Att a L^gal Meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield, May the 13'\ 1723.
John Burbank being chosen Moderator; The following vote was past:
1^', Voted, that Swine may go at large being yoaked, and ringed according
to the Law,
Att a Lawful! Town Meeting of y Inhabitants of Suffield, December the
9"'. 1733:
1*', Joseph Winchel was chosen Moderator for said Meeting.
2"'', Voted, in said meeting, to raise Twelve Pounds for the support of the
poor.
S'', Voted to raise Thirteen Pounds in money for y' procuring of a Town
stock of powder. (See p. 198.)
4"', By a clear vote the Select men were Impowered to do something for the
present necessity toward repairing y' School house, and Meeting House.
Given in to be recorded by Joseph Winchel, Moderator.
Att a General, or Anniversary meeting of the Inhabitants of SufHekl, March
the 9"', 17^5=", for the choice of Town Officers for y'' year Insuing, John Kent
being chosen Moderator of said Meeting, the following choice was made:
Sdcct 3/6W—* Deacon John Mixer, Joseph Remington, John Peugilly,
Joseph Harmon Jun', John Kent.
Sureeyora of High v:ays — John Old, Samuel Lane, Jared Huxley, Daniel
Adams, William Halladay.
Hogg Beeves — Nathaniel Harmon 1"', Fearuot Burleson, Matthew Copley,
William King.
Assessors — Capt. Joseph Winchel, Joseph Remington, John Kent.
Fence Viewen — Medad Pumry, Samuel Harmon 2'"', Samuel Halladay, James
King Sen', Josiah Kent, Thomas Smith Jun^
Town Clerk — John Austin.
Constable — Asaph Loavilt.
Sealer of weights and measures — Joshua Leavitt.
Town Treasurer — John Burbank.
Land Measurer — Capt. Joseph Winchel.
Tithing Men — John Warner Sen', Sanmel Harmon 1*'.
* Deacon John Mixer was the son of Isaac of Watertown, Mass., b. March
5, 160^. Mar. Abigail Fiske, Aug. 15, 1G95. He was a "Tanner" at Water-
town. (See Hist, of AVatei town.) He removed to Connecticut, and was the lirst
settler and planter of Ashford, ('t., in 1710. He was also its first Town Clerk,
and Treiisiuer, Tavern Keei)or, Select Man, iind Deacon. In 1721-2 the eoni-
munity there were greatly disiurlied by his removal to Sudield. at wliicli date
liiniseir and two (liuigiilcrs wcic dismissed to tlie eluireh here. (Hist, of Wind-
ham Co.) Whether lie followed his tiaile here is unknown. He located on the
50 acre homestead grant of Isaac Cakebread, near "Rawlins Brook." He
was a Select Man here in 1724, and 1730. His son John mar. Abigail the
dau. of the Hev. John AVoodbridge of W. Springtield, Oct. 30. 1734. .\11
trace of Dea. John Mixer after 1730 in the Sullield Hecorils disappears.
218 TOWX ACTS.
*Att a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield, March y* IS"*, 17^^.
Agreed, and voted as followeth, viz: First, by a clear vote, John Mixer was
chosen Moderator, to order said Meeting.
2"", The Town by a clear vote made choice of John Kent to be their Agent
to manage in the behalf of said Town, to manage according to the best of his
discretion in, and for the procuring for y s'^ Town, the Priviledges of f Con-
necticut Government. Entered by order of John Mixer, Moderator.
AT \ John Pen-gilley Jus'.
^^ ( Joseph Remington.
March y* 12"' 17y. In Town meeting we the subscribers do protest against
any attempts of falling off to Connecticut from y' Government by whome we
had our first settlement, and do declare our aversion to such an action which
seems to us to have much of rebellion, or faction in it, therefore do desent from
all acts at this meeting tending tliat way: Richard Austin, Nathaniel Austin,
Timothy Palmer, John Marshall, Anthony Austin, Nathaniel Hamlin, Joseph
Winchel, Benoni Banes, John Austin.
$A HIGHWAY BETWEEN MR. JOHN DEVOTION'S AND CAPT.
AUSTIN'S, FROM HIGH STREET TO FEATHER STREET.
Whereas the Highway at the middle of the Town that Lead to and from
High Street, as formerly laid out was not Returned with any certain breadth,
and most of y' bounds then erected lost and gon we the Subscribers Did Judge
meet to now lay y* same Discribing it by the breadth and Bounds as near the
place where it formeily was Laid as we could come at; — We began where s"
Avay turns out of High Street between Mr. John Devotions, and Richard
Austin's Lots, where measuring we found above the Nine Rod, and Do Deter-
mine that s^ way of Nine rod wide Do ly in equal proportion Distant from the
Fences of said Lots as they now stand; Then we proceeded eastwardly about
a Hundred or six score Rod about midway between the first stone and the
second where the first Bridge is and fixed a stake and stone on the South side
of the way, by s" Austin's fence and another at y^ Distance of nine Rod from
it North, being the breadth of s'' way: Then we passed towards the Rear of
the s" Devotion's Lot, where his Fence is taken in across the South East corner
of his Lot for the benefit of y* Highway there, and fixed a Stake where s"
way enters first on s" Lot in the corner or turn of Mr. Devotion's Fence, from
which Stake it lyeth nine Rod wide south; there we fixed a stake and stone,
at y^ East end of s" Devotions Lot where s'' fence so taken in joyns to his Rear
fence, also opposite to s" stake at the Distance of nine Rod South we fixed a
Stake and Stone. Then we proceed a little further North Easterly to the South
side of a pond and fixed a stake and stone by a smal knave wood Tree: and
*This was the last Town Meeting recorded in the Original Book of Records,
for the Acts of the Comm'.ttee, and Town Acts, called the " Old Book." (See
Preface.)
+ See note on paire 206, and p. 222.
iln 1673 this Highwav was ordered by the committee to be laid out 16 or 20
R. Wide (p. 63). In 1678 it was laid out 12 R. Wide (p. 71). In 1685 its
bounds "were set" by the County Court (p. 106). In 1701 it was relaid by
the Select Men "aboiUQ or 10 Bods Wide" (p. 140).
OF SUFFIELD. 219
auother at y' Distance of nine Rods south: nextly a little further in or near
the same point we fixed a stake and stone by a black oak staddle and another
opposite nine Rod South by a maple Staddle, a little further on or near that
course -^n either side of y'' gravel pitt at y"^ Distance of nine Rod assunder two
stakes and stones by them. Then in the west side of y« swamp where the
long cause'y is by a swamp white oak Tree Deemed to be a side bounde of
Benoni Banes his lot we fixed a stake and stone, and opposite thereto at y«
Distance of nine Rod South we fixed another then passing eastward to the top
of y' Hill on y' Wast Side of y' Bridge and low land that lies next to William
Holladays, where we fixt a stake and stone by a white oak Tree being Reputed
a bounder of s" Baneses Lot and opposite thereto at y" Distance of nine Rod
South, we fixed another Stake and Stone and further Eastward on the West
Side of y' Bridge last mentioned nigh the same we fixed a Stake and Stone,
and South at y'' Distance of nine Rod we fixed another. Next we Determined
the walnut Tree which is the South East corner of Eastmans Lott so Recorded
since Benoni Baneses Lott and now in possession of Sam'll alias Benjamin
Remington by y" North side of said way and opposite at y" Distance of nine
Rod, being the breadth of s" way we fixed a stake and stone and so Determined
that y' Highway Do hold its breadth by a strait line from one bound to another
on both sides of the s" way as they are fixed and that the said way Do Con-
tinue its course on both sides from said Walnut Tree and Stake and Stone Last
mentioned Direct According to the course of said way till it come or extend
eastward to feather Street common.
Dated March y' 9"' 172f. Entred in the Town Clerk's office March y'' 9'''
172f , and recorded by order of y' Selectmen.
John Hanchet, Jo's Winchei.l, )
Ebenezer Bukbaxk, Josiaii Hale, a Select Men.
John Bdrbank, )
*A HIGHWAY FROM SPRINGFIELD ROAD TO THE STATED
COMMONS WESTWARD.
For as much as it hath been thought Necessary with Regard principly to
feather Street Inhabitants that there should be a Highway Laved out from
Springfield Road thence Westward to the stated common and in as much as
tiie Town and proprietors have given some manifestation that it is their
pleasure that it .should be so: we therefore the Subscribers have laid out a High-
way of six Rods in breadth it begins at Springfield Road on the Norwest side
thereof at a great white oak Tree mark'd; s^ Highway taking its breadth
Norward from said Tree: s' Tree standing Northward of y"= Twenty acres laid
out to Obediah Miller, from which white oak, s"* Highway Runs Westwardly
so strait a course as may be without Infringing on Divided Land untill it come
to y'' eastward end of y" secon Division Land which John Pengilly exchanged
with y° Town; y" south side of y" way bounding at y" corner of Land now in
possession of Abraham Adams and commonly caled y"' new field; from y°
corner of which field and the stake and stone there set we layed y° Highway
baring more to y° south Avest about Twelve perch to a stake and stone standing
* Tills was a private highway in 1684 (p. 71, old Book), and a town
higliwny in l<i!ll (slt p. 110).
220 TOWN ACTS
where there is a great crook in s" way, which we made to gain the best place
for passing over y^ Broolc and through y^ swamp that is there: which stake
and stone stands on the south side of s"" way. Thence baring somewhat North
of the West across y s" Brook and swamp to a popler Tree mark'd and a
stake and stone standing at y^ Eoot of it an being on the South side of y'
s^ way thence Running on to the Hill, called Stevensons a strait course and on
the Highest ground and also up s'' Hill on the best ground for s^ way to a
Stake and stone standing on s"! Hill, Thence Running more Northwardly a
strait course to y'' Stated Common the center or Middle of y'' Breadth of s"^ way
butting against a little pine Tree mark'd, Standing near the Eastward Edge or
side of s"^ Common.
Dated at SuflSeld in y' year 1723. Entred in y' clerks office ^larch y' 9">
172f, & Recorded by order of y select men.
Joseph Wischel. John Burbaxk. } a \ ,.
-n. Ti r Select men.
Ebenezer Burbank. ^ ^^ ^x.
At a Legal Meeting of y* Inhabitants of Suffield on May y* 12"' 1724. John
Kent being first chosen Moderator y« following votes were past.
1*', Josiah Sheldon proposing to the Town that he would procure a Town
Stock of ammunition by the last of June next; the danger of y^ seas excepted,
and to take his pay when it can be raised in the usual time of Rating and that
the Town shall have it at y* market price in Boston for ready money the Town
only to pay the prime cost with Lawful Interest; and the Town to run all
venture of Transportation and the charge thereof; which proposal the Town
accepted and voted that y« money should be raised accordingly.
2, Joshua Leavit and Sam" Palmer were chosen to serve upon y« Jury of
tryals at y' Inferiour Court next to be holden at Springfield.
3, Voted, that swine may go at large for y« year insueing being yoaked and
ringed according to Law.
4, Voted to throw up a Highway that was laid out through M' Ruggles his
farm there having been no Recompence made for the same, and there being
little occasion for s'' Highway. (See p. 191.)
5, John Kent was chosen to Represent the Town in the great and general
Court to be begun and held Boston y^ 27"^ of May currant, and the several
sessions thereof j" year Insueing.
Att a Meeting of y^ Inhabitants of Suffield, August y' 13*^ 1724:
Deacon John Mixer being chosen Moderatour, tlie following votes were
past:
1'', Voted to improve Mr. William Allen to Teach Schoole sometime further.
2'^, Voted to allow Mr. William Allen for Teaching Schoole both English
and Grammar after the rate of Thirty pound p' year for the time he shall so
Teach.
OF SUFFIELD. 221
3*, Voted to choose a man to make an address to His Majesties Justices of
y" peace at the next Court to obtain an order to Inforce the Relatives of y°
Widow Priscilla Froe to do y' whole or part toward her maintainaace, as their
Hon" shall see meet unless the &•* Relatives shall agree with the man so chosen
within eight or ten dales.
4"', John Pengilley Jun'' was chosen to make an address as agreed on in y«
foregoing vote.
At this Meeting were chosen Jury Men and Granjurymen as followeth, viz. :
Grand Jury Men for y' Inferiour Court — Jonathan Remington and John
Harmon.
Petty Jurymen — Samuel Hathaway and Caleb Allen.
Grand Jury Men for Saperiour Court — Samuel Copley and Jacob Adams.
Sen^
Petty Jurymen — Deacon John Mixer, John Burbank, and James Smith, Sen''
Att a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of Sutfield on Wednesday 23'' day of
December, 1724, John Austin being chosen Moderatour the following votes were
passed :
1"', Voted to allow *Mr. John Devotion Sen% 3* and 8'* pr week for keeping
y Widow Frow for the time he kept her the last year; and to allow others
that have kept y" s"" Widow; or that may keep her any part of this year after
the same lay, and no more unless such persons as may or have kept her
can demonstrate to y" Select Men that by reason of extraordinary sickness or
Difficulties of the Winter; they may in y judgment of the Select Men deserve
more.
3'S Voted to allow 3' and 6' p' week for keeping Lydia Granger y' Summer
past.
3^ Voted, That y= Select Men do allow Samuel Copley in the Bill of cliargc
of this year what they shall Judge Reasonable for repairing the Bridge over
Stoney Brook.
4"', Voted; to allow Benjamen Allen 6' p' week for keeping Lidia Granger
until the first Meeting of the Select Men after the General Town Meeting in
March next.
5'\ Voted; to Raise 20£ for y' Relief of y'' poor the Insueing year.
6"', Voted; to allow Thomas Granger Jun% in the Bill of Charge of this
year so much as he paid for Isaac Granger's Pole before he was Ratable ; s"*
Thomas Granger making it evident unto the Select Men that he was so rated.
Att a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffleld on Monday the 11"' day
of January \T2,i Deacon John llanchett being chosen Moderatour the following
votes were pa.ssed :
Whereas John Pengilly, Sen^ hath by two Quitt-Claimes made surrender of
one Tract of Land to the town in consideration of so much Land by him taken
* Father of the Minister.
28
222 TOWN ACTS
up nigh his Meadow, one of which viz: Tliat Eecorded February the sixteenth
17i-§ in J' records of y county of Hampshire in Book No. (6) page 551 is
given with the following Restrictions or Reservations; that it do forever ly
Common, unfenced and untaken up forever.
Voted, that said John Pengilly Sen^ nor his Heirs shall be hurt or preju-
diced by y* restrictions or Reservations above said, Provided s* Pengilly his
Heirs, Successours or Assigns do no way mollest Interrup or hinder the
Proprietors or any holding under them in fencing or improving the Land,
by him y= said Pengilly Demnified or surrendered in the s*^ Quitt Claim.
2'*, Voted; to allow John Kent (for the time he spent and for his charges in
going Agent for the Town to Connecticut to mannage in the Town's behalf to
obtain Connecticut privileges conferred uppon s'' Town) Six shillings per day
for Sixteen Daies.*
3**'^, Voted; to Allow y" Widow Experience Huxley five Shillings p"" week
for the time she kept Goodman Elgar, besides the six weeks sickness, or to
make up what was voted Last Town Meeting five shillings p' week.
4ihiy^ Voted that the Town Treasurer do at the next May Court prosecute all
such of the Relatives of tlie Widow Prescilla Frow as are or shall be bohinde
in doing what thej' were obliged to do towards their s" Grand Mother Froe's
maintainance in order to recover such Debts as are due from them to the
Town, and s" Town Treasurer to take the Select Men's Direction therein.
5"'iy, Voted, That y' Select Men Do Demand and Receive of the Trustees of
the Town's Bank money what interest Money is Due to the Town, and that s"
money be by y° Select ^len paid out towards pa3'ment of the Town's Stock,
and the Remainder towards paying the Representative.
Lastly, it being proposed to the Town whether they would Raise fifteen
pounds to procure what is wanting of y* Town stock and being put to the vote
it passed in the Negative.
Att a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield, March the S"" 172* for
the choice of Necessar}' ToAvn OflScers and some other Concerns, John Kent
being chosen 3Ioderator to order s" Meeting, the following choice was made
and votes passed.
Town Clerk^John Austin.
Select Men — Capt. Joseph Winchel, Dea. John Hanchet, Peter Roe, John
Kent, and John Austin.
Constable — John Trurable y' 1''.
Tything Men — John Devotion, Sen', Ebenezer Nash.
Assessors — Joseph Winchel, John Kent, John Austin.
Town Treasurer — John Burbank.
Sizer and Sealer of W*' and Measures — Joshua Leavitt.
Surveyors of Highways — Ens. Anthony Austin, Noah Smith y^ 1^', William
Halladay, and Josiah Kent.
Sealer of Leather — Samuel Sikes.
Land Measurer — Joseph Winchel.
* See page 218.
OF SUFFIELD. 223
Fence Veiwers — Benjamin Allen y« 1^', Sam'll Granger y« 1»*, Matthew
Copley, Samuel Kent, Juu", Samuel Remington, Samuel Halladay, Nathan'^
Harmon, 1"', Josiah Hale.
Hogg-reeves — George Norton. Sen% Samuel Granger y" 2<', Samuel Kent y' S"*,
Noah Smith y"^ 2*".
V\ At this meeting voted that Liberty be Granted to any of y« Inhabitants
of the Town of Suffield to Build a Grist Mill or Grist Mills on any of y»
Streams in y" Township of Suffield, and to Joyu one side or end of y" Dam on
Common Land or Highway.
2"*, Voted that Iron shall pass and be accepted as Town pay, and shall pass
and be Received into the Town Treasury at forty shillings p" Hundred.
3"', Granted to John Burbank Town Treasurer a salary of twenty shillings
for y^ Insuing Year.
4"*, Whereas there is a Flighway of Twenty rod wide Laid out through a
parcel of Land (Laid out to Quintou Stockwell), now in the jDossession of
Asaph Leavitt, to prevent trouble about s"* way Voted to accept of a
Highwaj' of but Ten Rod wide, through s"* Land, provided said Asaph Leavitt,
his Heirs or Assigns, Do not put y« Town to any Trouble about, or Demand
any further Recompence for said waJ^
5"', Granted to Samuel Smith y" 3* Abner Kent, Nathaniel Norton, Daniel
Spencer, Thomas King, Jonathan Rising, and Abraham Burbank, Liberty to
build a Pew for their own use over the womans stairs, provided they pay the
Town forty Shillings for the priviledge.
Att a Legal meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of Suffield
(^ualitied as the Law Directs, to vote in Town Meetings, May the Tenth 1725,
the following votes were passed:
1*', John Austin was chosen Moderator to order s'^ meeting.
2'', John Kent by a clear vote was Chosen to Represent y« Said Town at the
Great and General Court at tlieir Several Sessions the year Insuing.
3'', Voted to raise Twenty pounds in Town pay, to pay the Town Debts that
are already contracted and for Reliefe of the poor.
4'"' Voted that tliere shall be a Rate made (for the afores'* Twenty pounds) by
the List that the Rates wore made by the Last year.
5"''>, Voted to Leave it with Peter Roe, John Burbank, and Jo.seph King,
{w\\o was chosen a committee to Repair the meeting House) to take care to
have the meeting Hou.se Si)eedily Repaired So far as is needful for Repairing
Seats and Windows in the best way they can for y Towns Advantage, and
also to take care tliat some time between this and the last of next March, a
Sufficient Number of Eighteen Inch Shingle good and merchantable be pro-
vided, and have tliem piled up by the Time afores"* that they may be ready to
€over the Meeting House next year, and also so many Two foot Shingle as is
needful for y'' gutters.
6"', Mr, John Devotion Jun' proposing to the Town that he would provide
Slungle, Boards and nails for covering the meeting House, and do it by the
Last of July next, and to take his pay in Town pay next Spring and allow
persoi^s to get Shiugle qr Boards toward their Rates, which proposal the Town
224 TOWN ACTS
accepted with these provisals, that y afores'' committee Inspect the work,
that no shingle or boards be Improved for worke but such as thej- shall allow
of, and that the Shingle be not put on before Winter unless they be so Season-
ablj' got, as that in the Judgment of y* s"" committee it ma}" be thought best,
or be voted by the Town.
7'^, Granted to John Devotion Jun^ John Kent, Sam" Dwight, Joseph King,
John Pengilley, Josiah Sheldon, Sam" Kent y« 3'', Asaph Leavitt, Joshua
Leavitt & * Jonathan Sheldon, to Build pews .where the Guard Seats are, on
both sides of the Great Door for y'"selves and familys, untill y<= Town shall se
cause to take the s"* pews and paj'^ y' cost of Building them.
Att a Lawfull meeting of y^ Inhabitants and freeholders of SufBeld,
Qualifyed to vote in Town meetings, on Wednesday y"" 25^'' of August, 1725,
John Austin being chosen Moderatour for 8*^ meeting, the following votes were
passed.
1"', The Question being put to the Town whether they would confirm the
vote passed at a Town meeting on j' 10"" Day of May last for raising Twenty
pounds for payment of Town Debts & support of y"^ poor and to make y' Rate
by y' last years List; It passed in the negative, bein the 3** and 4''' Articles in
y fores'* meeting.
2'', The Question being put to the Town whether 'they would confirm the
vote of the meeting afores'd for the choice of a committee for Repairing the
meeting House and their worke. It passed in the afirmative being the fifth
Article in s<* meeting.
S**, The Question being put to the Town whether they would confirm the
vote of the afores'' meeting, Granting to Sundry persons Libert}^ to make pews
"where the f Guard Seats are, for themselves and familj^s untill such time as the
Town shall se cause to take s"* pews, and pay for Building of them as by s"*
vote appears, it being the Seventh Article. It passed in the negative. Nemene
Contradecente.
4"', Voted to fill up the broad Alley by lengthening y' mens and womcE^
seats in the Bodj' of y meeting House so as to Joyu in the middle of y' Broafl/'
Alley and to Leave the care thereof with the afores"^ Committee for Repairing
the meeting House, and that s-' Committee Do .se that s*" seats be ballestred
according as is usial in other places.
5"', Voted to Allow of y" alteration made (by the Selectmen) of y" Highway
that turns by John Rents to the Round Hill provided the Selectmen Do se
that there be as much Land now in y* way as was in the old one and that it
be laid so as may be best for the way, and also to give s"* John Kent all their
Right to the old way there as a compensation for the New way taken out of
s"* Kents Land purchased of Benjamin Gillet, said Kent to be at all charge.
6"', Voted to Impower the Selectmen to agree with John Kent about y' Land
that Benjamin Gillet fenc'd in, in y^ Highway now in possession of John
Kent afores".
* The pioneer settler and founder of the family in Sheldon Street.
f Guard seats to be occupied by armed men (on the Sabbath) were common
in New England, until the close of the last French and Indian War, m 1768.
The first meetinghouse in Hartford in 1635 had guard seats.
OP SUFFIELD. 225
Att the same meeting was chosen petty Jurymen for the Superior Court —
Abraham Adams, Joseph Remington and Ensign Anthony Austin.
Grand Jurymen for y'' Superior Court — John Burbank and John Austin.
Petty Jurymen — Joseph King and Daniel Badger.
Grand Juri(»urs— Cap't Joseph Winchel & Serj. James King.
Att a Lawful meeting of the Inhabitants and free holders of the Town of
Suffield, Qualified as the Law Directs to vote in Town meeting, on Fryday the
3'' Day of December 1725. John Austin being chosen Moderatour to order s"*
meeting the following votes were passed.
P', Voted to Allow Nathaniel Warner 6' p*" week for keeping Goodman
Elgar from Jlarch meeting to the time y« Widow Huxley took him and for
money Expended to Doctor and other things in his sickness, & mending
clothes, 8^ 8'^ ; for Tendance in sickness, 1\
2^, Voted: to Allow y" Widow Experience Huxley five shillings and Nine
pence p"' week for the Time she hath kept Goodman Elgar, and 5" & 6'' p' week
till the next March meeting.
3'', Voted to Leave it with the Select men to procure Clothing or Cloaths
mended for the poor at the best lay they can for the Town.
4"iiy, Voted to raise Thirty pounds in Town pay for the support of the poor
y« year Insuing, and other unforse<'n charge that may happen.
5''', Voted to Allow Siimuel Haliaday 8% & 6'', p'' week for keeping his
Grandmother Froe, for the time he kept her, and 4* over, for 3 weeks Extra-
ordinary.
6"", Voted to free John Stockwell from the Town pay Rate this present j'ear
in Consideration of his keeping his mother.
7t^ Voted to leave it with the Select men to Allow men what in their Judg-
ment they think Reasonable for w't they have Don for the Town not now
brought in.
8"", Whereas the town have Information that there is a fence set across y«
l^ighway or Road leading from High street to Springfield— Voted, that in case
^ fence be not Removed then to pay John Pengilly Juii"- for, and to Endemnifie
him in Removing s'' fence.
G'!-, Voted, that Iron Do pass in all Town payments or Town pay Rates, and
be accordingly accepted by the Town Treasurer at the Market price as it is
sold at y« Iron works in Suflieid; and all sorts of provision pay at y" money
price as it passes from man to man in s' Suffield— the ministers Rate Excepted.
At this meeting John Pengilly was chosen to serve at the jury of Tryals at y»
next court at Northaniton.
A HKUIWAY OVER RAWLIN'S BROOK.
May y 28"', 172"). Then we tiie Sub.scribers Laid out a Highway on tiie
West side of y" Lott in y" possession of Deacon John Mixer, and s'' way
Bounds East on it, the Diseriplion of wliich way is as followelh: It beginsjit y
Highway that Leads from s'' Mixc'rs Lantl Wcstw^ird to High Street, at which
226 TOWN ACTS
beginning we laid y" s** Highway four Rod wide, thence Running Southwardly
bj' s"* Mixers Land widdening 8"^ way Gradually until we came to y« Brook
commonly called Rawlins Brook, where we Laid s"* way Ten Rods Wide for
Conveniency to pass s'^ Brook, the Bank on y* South side thereof being very
Steep & Stoney, Thence Southerly about 13 Rods and tapering until it comes
to a White Oak Tree marked on Two sides, supposed to be one of y Ranging
Bounds of s** Mixers Land at which Tree we Laid s*" way Three Rods ia
Bredth, thence, holding that Bredth untill it came to feather Street or y" little
Common Commonly called feather street Little Common, entring y" Lane be-
tween y« West corner of s"^ Mixers Lot and the East Corner of John Burbanks
Lot.
Entred by order of y« Select Men December. y« 29''', 1725.
John Hanchet. Peter Roe. | g^j^^^ ^^^
Jos WlNCHEL
Att a General or Annaversary Town meeting at SufHeld on Munday y*
Seventh Day of March 172f. for the Choice of Town officers for y' year Insu-
ing, John Austin being chosen Moderatour, y* following choice was made.
Select Men, — Deacon John Hanchet, Cap' Joseph Winchel, Corp" Samuel
Kent, Joseph Remington, John Austin.
TitJdng Men, — Samuel Spencer, & Asaph Leavitt.
Surveyors of Highways, — Sam'' Hathewa}', Medad Pumrj% Abi-aham Granger,
William King, Fearnot Buriison.
Assesors, — Joseph Wincliel, John Austin, John Kent.
Tomn Clerk, — John Austin.
Ci9/i&^«We»,— Benjamin Remington, & John Rising.
Toion J'reasurer, — John Burbank.
Sealer of Leather, — Sam" Sikes.
Sizer and sealer of weights and measures, — Dea. John Hanchet.
Fence Viewers, — John Hanchet Jun^ Josiah Kent, Daniel Badger, Joshua
Kendal, Samuel Harmon, y« 2'\ Benjamin Gillet.
Josiah Hale chosen Constable, & Refused.
Then the meeting Adjourned to Munday the 14"' Day of March, at Ten of y«
Clock.
March y*' 14"', 172|, By Adjournment.
B}' a clear vote Matthew Copley chosen Constable.
Peter Roe, and John Warner, chosen Rogg Eeevs.
1", At this meeting, voted, that the Interest of y* Town Bank* that is in the
Trustees hands, be let out upon Interest, as the principle is Lett untill y« Town
se cause otherwise to order it.
2'^, Whereas it hath been Experienced that there is a very Great Inconveniancy
In the wheels of Ox Carts Going so near together as the usial manner of this
Town is: Therefore, Voted, that if any person or persons from and after the
Last Day of May next. Do presume to go upon any of y* Highways or private
Wales within y® Township of Suffield, with a cart, with an axle Tree, shorter
* See p. 208.
OF SUFFIELD. 227
than four foot and four Inches from Shoulder to Shoulder, and shall be thereof
convicted before any of His Majesties Justices of y" peace, shall forfeit five
shillings, the one half thereof shall be to the complainer, and the other half to
be paid into the Town Treasury, for, or towards the Support, or maintenance
of y" poor of y" Town, and that the Select Men be hereby Desired to present
this vote to the Honorable Justices of y'' peace for y County of Hampshire at
their next Session in May, for their aprobation.
3'', Whereas: it hath been Experienced, Lambs coming in the Winter Season
hath been very Detrimental! to Increase of Slieep. Therefore voted; that
there shall no Kam be Suffered to go upon the commons in the Township of
Suffleld, from the Tenth Day of August next, to y« fifteenth of November
following: and so Annually for y« space of Three years next comming; and
that all, or any Ham or Rams that shall be found so going upon s'' commons
shall be forfieted to y" person that shall Discover and take them, and that y'
Select men Do take care that this vote be presented to the Hon*"* Justices of y«
Session of y" peace, at y" next session for their Sanction theron.
Att a Lawful! meeting of y" free holders, and other Inhabitants of SufReld
May y« IS"" 1726: Joseph Winche! beiu Moderator to order s'^ meeting: Mr.
Jolin Burbank was chosen to llepresent s'^ Town m the Great and General
Court at Boston tlie year Insuing.
May y 12"' 172G. Att a Lawful! meeting of the Freeholders and other
Inhabitants of Suffield Qualif3^ed as y« Law Directs for voting in Town meet-
ing; Capt Joseph Winchd being first chosen Moderator the following votes
were passed:
1'', Voted to Reduce y« tlighway Leading from High Street to Springfield
from Eight Rods wide to four Rods wide, from the south side of y" Allotment
Granted to Obadiah Miller, now in possession of Joseph King, to the Road, or
Highway Leading from the Road afores<i, to y' upper end of Feather Street,
And to allow s"" Joseph King y« four Rods so Thrown up on y" East side of
s"* Highway, as a Recompence in part for y" Highway going through his Miller
Lot af ores''.
2'', Jacob Austin, Benj. Pumry; Nathan" Pumry, Aaron Rising, John Gran-
ger, ibenezer King, Jos. Remmington, Ichabod Smith Jun'', John Austin,
Jonathan Remington petitioning for liberty to build a pew in High Seat, and
Third seat in y" front Gallery.
Voted, and Granted to y above named persons, liberty to build a pew at
y« North End of y* Long hind seats in y° Gallery, provided they build it accord-
ing toy" Direction of a Committee that may be appointed for that purjiose;
and provided they satisfic .s'' Committee for their Trouble there about, and Do
also when y Towns i)leasure is. Resign s'' i)ew up to therti. Provided also,
the Town Do pay to persons the full value thereof in the Judgment of Indif-
ferent persons. Also Granted to Nathan" Wooster. Richard Austin Jun',
Sam" Granger y' 1"', Thomas Spenser, Nathan'" Copley, John l'>uibank ,hnr,
and Sam" Harmon y» 2''; a liberty to build a pew at y" soulii end of s' .seats,
22-^ TOWN ACTS
on y« same condition as y* pew at y« North End was Granted. The Committee
chosen for s'* purpose are John Kent, Joseph King, & John Pengilly Jun^
8'*, Voted to Leave it with the Selectmen to procure a Grammer Scliool-
master y' year Insuiug, and to agree with such School Master about his Sallery.
4"^, Voted that any *Geece that shall be found going upon any of y" commons
within the Township of Suffield after the 20''^ day of Ma}^ currant, not having
on a yoak with a bridge of 12 Inches long, and the other part 14 Inches in
length y« whole extent: the owner or owners of such Goose, or Geece, being
thereof convicted before any of His Majesties Justices of y" peace for the
Count\^ of Hampshire, shall forfeit the sum of sixpence p' head for such
Geece: to him that shall prosecute and sue for y« same; and that any person
may take up such unyoaked Geece, and secure them for the space of Three
Daies, and if no owner appear to take care of s'^ Geece and pay s'* fine, Damage,
and Charges of keeping them, to expose & openl}^ to sell such Goose or Geece
at an out cry: Notice of such sale having l)een posted up 24 hours before
hand in some publick place within said Town, and the over pluss ("if any be),
besides paying s'^ fine. Damage, and Charge of keeping, to be Immediately
Returned to y' owner, provided, hereafter geece may go upon y common
unyoaked, from y"' Last of October, to y^ Last of March and that y= Select men
do present this vote to y' Hon"'" Justices of y* General Sessions of j' peace,
at y^ next session for their approbati(m.
Att a meeting of the freeholders, and other Inhabitants of the Town of
Suffield. August y' 25"', 1726. for the choice of Jurymen. Petty Jurymen for
y« Inferiour Court — Samuel Kent y" 3"^, and Jacob Hathaway. Grand jurymen
for s'' Court — Ichabod Smith, and John Marshal. Grandjury — El)enezer Smith
Sen^ Ensign Anthony Austin, and Benony Banes. For y*^ Jury of Tryals in y"=
Superiour Court, John Kent, John Pengilly, and Ensign Samuel D wight. — John
Austin being chosen Moderatour fors^ meeting the following votes were passed.
1^*, Voted that the Committee for Repairing y« meeting House, Do as
speedily as may be, provide where withal, and Repair y« seats, both in y*
Body, and Galleries of y* meeting House, in the form they now are.
2"^, Voted not to New Shingle y« meeting House before Winter — but only to
mend.
3'', Voted two men be appointed to sit in the Two pews in the front Galleries
to inspect y« children and youth in y« Galleries, to prevent y^ profanation of
y° Lord Day: & to Leave it with y' Select men from time to time to procure
men, till y" Town se cause otherwise to order.
Att a meeting of y^ freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Suf-
field December y« 2'"^, 1726. Serj Joseph King being chosen Moderatour for to
order s"* meeting, the following votes were passed. Viz.
I'S Voted to raise fifteen poimd in Town pay to be paid into the Town
Treasury, for the support of the poor, and for payment of other Town Charges
that may arise.
* Domestic geese, then rare in New England, were raised here in great num-
bers in the last century, as a source of profit from the feathers, which were
peddled extensively. No daughter's marriage outfit was complete without at
least oue " live feather bed."
OF SUFFIELD. 229
2'^. Voted to allow the Reverend Ebenezer Devotion Twenty Pounds in Town
pa3% Towards y purchase of his Negroes.
3'^, Voted to Leave it with the Select men to allow as they shall Judge
Reasonable (for such Bills as shall be brought in to them) for what they have
Don for the Town.
Att a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of Suftield on Thursday y" 16"' Day
of februarj^ 172^^: John Austin was chosen Moderatour to order .s" meeting.
1"', The Question being put to y' Town whether they would accept of the
Grant of y« proprietors of a part of y" Equivolent to be granted and to Raise
money to Defray y' charge of obtaining s** Equivolent.* It passed in y«
negative.
2'', Voted to Allow the Town Treasurer Twenty Shillings for his Sallery for
y" year past.
HIGHWAY TO TAINTOR'S HILL.
February the 7'\ 172f. Then we the Subscribers Laid out a private way
for the Town of SuflSeld on the South side of Stoney Brook, the Discription
whereof is as f olloweth : it begins at a Staddle marked on Three Sides which
stands in or near the east corner of Matthew Copleys Lot next the old Saw
Mill. Taking its bredth from s"* Staddle Northward four Rods holding that
breadth westwardly as the path now goes untill it comes to the foot of the
Hill or Rising ground on the which is the Country Land; at y'' foot of which
Hill we Laid the s'' Way Eight Rods wide : Thence Running Westward Taper-
ing untill it comes to the North Corner of the Countrey Land where s" way is
but four Rods wide, Thence Running across the North corner of s'' Countrey
Land Taking about Three Rods and half of y' breath of the s" way out of the
Corner thereof, Thence it bears more Sothwardly Gradually Leaving s" Coun-
trey Land so as to leave it about Two Rods in the Space of Thirty Rod,
Thence it turns baring toward s" Country Land so that Running about fort)'
Rod it Joyns to it; Thence Running by s" Countrey Land untill it comes to a
swamp that is by the East corner of Thomas Spensers House, thence it Runs
Westward by where the path now goes untill it comes to the North corner of
Sam" Spensers five acres of Land that lies on a little Rivolet on the East Side
of y Hill called Tainters, s" way being but four Rods in breadth Excepting
only as afore E.xprest. there are several Trees and Stumps and Stadlcs mark'd
all standing on the Southcrmost side of said waj'.
Entred March 13'". 1721'.
Samuel Kent, ^ g^j^^^ ^I^^
Jos: RE.MMINGTON, ^ ^f Sufficld.
Jos: WiNCHELL, *
HIGHWAY FIIO.M KENTS HILL TO Y' FALLS OF MUDDY BROOK,
THENCE WEST.
February the 27'^ 1721:. Then we the Subscribers Laid out several private
ways wliich we thought fitt and Necessary for tlie Town of Suflicid viz, tlio
* This eciuivaloiit was a grant of six miles stjuarc, now Blaiulford, Mass. It
proved of but little value to tlie SulHeld Proprietors. See page 151. Also
Proprietors Book, Vol. 1, pp. IIJ-IJI.
• 29
230 TOWN ACTS
Inhabitants thereof, a Discription of A\'hicb waies are as foUoweth: We be-
gan one way at y" foot of y** Hill called Kents Hill and at the West Corner of
Land Laid out to Joseph Segars in Lieu of Meadow, Thence Running North-
wardly up said Hill four Rods wide, so Running on y^ top of s'* Hill, untill it
come to Land that was Mr. Ebenezer Devotions, now in possession of James
Barlow, thence Running on the East side of y' s"* land untill it come to the
Korth East Corner thereof, and so on the same Course about Thirty Six perch.
Thence it turns more westwardly Running Down y" Hill ; when Down y* Hill
it turns more west, so Running to y' Falls of Muddy Brook; when over s"*
Brook it turns more North untill it comes near a Deep Valley where it turns
Running west on the South side of y' Valley between the Two acres and the
Eighteen acres there Laid out to Joseph Segars, and so on westward between
Two parcels of Land Laid out to James Lawton untill it come to the Highway
that Leads Northward to Burlesons Brook; Thence Running across s<' High-
way Westward about Twelve Rod then turning more Norwest Running to a
narrow miry place near y" West End of a little piece of Bog meadow where is a
chestnut Tree marked standing on y" East Side of y" s'^ way. — thence Running
across s"^ mire so as to gain the firm Land and then Running Norwest to y«
North branch of Rattle Snake Swamp and so on across s"* Swamp to j" North
end of a great Ridge or Hill of Rocks where there are Trees mark'd on each
side of s'^ wa3^ The s'* way we Laid four Rod in bredth. Excepting on the West
side of y^ Highway that leads to Burlesons Brook, west of that we Laid it but
Three Rods wide. There are many Trees mark'd mostly Standing on the Right
hand of y' way as we went out. We also Laid out a way for y' benefit of
the Town on the West side of Filers Brook begining at or near y'' field called
Grangers : Thence Running Northerly until pas't Samuel Lanes House : Then
Turning Gradually baring toward y' west in or near where the path now goes
for y' most part and so along y^ best Land for a Highway untill it came over a
wett, low place that leads into John Stockwells Land or swamp, on the West
side of which gutter or wett place we mark'd Two Trees, on each side of s"
way one ; Thence up the Hill toward James Barlows Land until y" s"" way was
Eight Rods wide, at which place Trees are mark'd on both .sides of s" way,
at which s** way parts. One part thereof viz: four Rods of y* breadth bares
South West untill it comes to the way first above mentioned and Discribed:
The other part or branch of s* way bares more Northerly untill it come to y°
same way that y' other part or Branch extended to. The Trees mark'd for y*
Bounds of s" way are mostly standing on the Southerly side of s"" way.
Entred March y' 13" 172f.
SAiiuEL Kent, ^
John' Hanchet, > Select men.
Jos: WlNCHEL, )
March the 13'^ 1724.
Att a meeting of the freeholder & other Inhabitant of y' Town of SutHeld,
Qualified for voting in Town affairs for y" choice of Necessary Town ofliccrs
for y"= jear Insuing, y" following Choice was made. .....
Chosen ^loderatour to order s"" meeting.
Select men — Joseph Winchel, Peter Roe, Joseph Remington, John Kent,
John Austin.
Assessor — Jos: Winchd, .John Kent, & John Austin.
OP SUPFIELD. 281
Town Clerk — John Austin.
Constables— WiW"^ King, & Sam" Remington.
Surveyors of ITiglncais — Sam" Kent y' S"*, *Thoma3 Sheldon, Victory Sikea,
Benjamin Remington, Jacob Adams, and Sam" Granger y'' 2''.
Town Treasurer — John Burbank.
Land Measurer — Jos: Winchel.
Sealer of Leather — Sam" Sikes.
Sizer and Sealer of Weights and Measures — Joshua Leavitt.
Tithing ?were— Mr John Devotion sen% George Norton sen'. & Josiah Hale.
Fence Viewers — Jonathan Remington (not sworn) & James King sen^
Hog Eeevs — Timothy Hale and Nathaniel Warner.
At the above s'^ General Town meeting March y*^ 13'" 172|— Voted to Leave
it with the Select men to manage the affair with Westfield Respecting the Line
between the Towns, Either in the Law or Arbitration as they shall think best
for the Town.
Att a meeting of y* freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Suf-
field, on Munday the 27'" Day of March 1727: — John Kent being chosen
Moderatour, — the following votes were passed
1"', Voted, to Referring the acting about Repairing y» meeting House unto
y^ meeting for y" Choice of a Representative, and that Capt Austin, & Asaph
Leavitt as workmen, and Deacon John Hanchet, Sam" Kent sen'', and William
King with them, to take a view of y Meeting House to se what may be
Necessary to be Don about the Repairing thereof, and to make Return thereof
at s"* meeting.
2'', Voted, that Swine may go at Large the year Insuing, being Regulated
according to Law.
o"\ Voted, to Leave it with y® Selectmen to procure a Grammer School!
]\Iaster for y' year Insuing, that may be approved of as the Law Directs.
4"', Voted, that when a Town meeting is warned, Fifteen men that are voters
Including y" Selectmen (that may be then present) may begin and proceed to
vote in y" concerns of s*^ meeting at y Time prefixed in y warrant for s*
meeting, and in case there appear but Ten men untill one Hour after the time
for y« s" meeting be expired, then s'' Ten men having the warrant for s"" meet-
ing shall go on to vote as afores".
Att a meeting of y" freeholder and other Inhabitants of Suffield Qualified
for voters on Fryday y" 12"' of May 1727: Mr John Kent was chosen to
Represent s" Town at y Great and General Court y year Insuing. On the
afores<' 12"' Day of May being a Town meeting for Town affairs, Joseph
Remington was chosen Moderatour to order said meeting. It having been found
by E.xperience that coming in the winter Season is very prejudicial! to y«
Increase of Slieep, for y" Remedy whereof —
♦Thomas Sheldon, son of Thomas, and grandson of Isaac, all of Northamp-
ton, was born in 1G88, was a nephew of "Capt. Jonathan," of Sheldon St.,
settled here in 1725, and d. 1770. His descendants have been widely scattered —
some eminent. His only lineal descendant here, bearing the surname, is Lewis
C. Sheldon.
232 TOWN ACTS
Voted, that no Ram be suffered to go at large from the fifteenth Day of
August to y fifteenth Day of November following and so yearly untill y'
Town se cause otherwise to vote, and that any person or persons that shall
presume to let any Ram or Rams to go at Large Contrary to this Vote, shall
forfeit and pay y' sum of fifteen Shillings for each Defect to be disposed of as
y Law Directs; and that this Vote be presented to y' Honourable Justices of
the General Sessions of y' peace at their next Session for their approbation.
Att a Meeting of y' Freeholder and of SufBeld November the 14"' 1727
Mr. John Kent was chosen Representative to serve in the Great and General
Court at Boston the 22" Day of November Currant, and the Remaining Sessions
of this year.
Att a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of SufSeld Novem-
ber the 22*^, 1727. Capt. Joseph Winchel being chosen Moderatour to order y
s" Meeting, y« following votes were passed :
l^S Respecting the prizes of Specia for payment of y*" Contrey Rate.*
Voted, that all sorts of Grain, Oats only Excepted, be paid in unto, &
Received by the Constable at sixteen pence per Bushell under y" price set by
y' Law for y' Treasurer or Receiver General is to Receive s"* specias of y^
Constable, and that Oats shall be paid in, Twelve pence under y« price set in
y^ Law: and in Case the s" abatement on y price of Grain as afores" be not
Sufficient to Defray y' Cost and Trouble in Transportation and other unfor-
seen Losses that may arise; the Town to make good such Deficiencj''; and in
case it be more than Sufficient then said Constable to Refund or pay back to
y' Town such overpluss.
2". Voted, that whatever s"* Constables shall Receive toward said Rate by y''
Barrel to be Reconed eight shillings p' barrel under y« price Set in the Law.
3'^. Voted, that those Specias which y' Law Innumerates to be Received by
y pound, shall be received by y" Constable at one penney by y* pound under
y* price set in y s"* Law.
4*''. Voted, that Turpentine and Iron be paid in to the Constable at Two
Shillings & Six pence in the Hundred, under the price set in y« Law afors"*.
2''. Voted, to Leave it with the Select Men to appoint or agree with what
person they Judge sutable to keep school, and to Ingage any, specia money only
excepted.
3*^. Voted, pay what Demands any person or persons hath to make upon
the Town that the Select men Shall Judge Just and Reasonable.
4"'. Voted, to be at y* charge of Repairing the f Bridge over Stoney Brook
*The country, or colony rates were paid in all "species" of commodities
the product of land or sea, to be delivered by the towns, to the province
treasurer at Boston, at prices established in the province law. The farm
products included grain of all kinds, flax, hemp, peas, beesw'ax, butter, beef,
pork, hides, tallow. The sea contributed codfish, mackerel, whalebone, and
oil. Bar-iron, and cast-iron pots, and kettles were received at 40 shilling per
cwt., and well cured tobacco, four pence per pound. Suttield's country tax
was £61, 10s, 6d, in 1727.
f See foot note, p. 159.
OF SUFFIELD. 233
in the Eoad to "Windsor; and Also that Ensign Anthony Austin, and Matthew
Copley, be a Committee to manage s^ affair.
Joseph Winchel Modderatour.
Att a Legal Meeting of the freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town
of Suffield, March y« 11"^, 172|, being an Anniversary Meeting, for the choice
of Town officers for y® year Insuing, John Kent being chosen Moderatour to
order said Meeting, the following choice was made —
Select Men— Ca.Tpl. Joseph Winchel, Serj Joseph Remington, Serj Timothy
Palmer, John Pengilly & Serj Joseph King.
Toicn Clerk — John Austin.
Constables — By a majority of votes, Joseph Fuller was chosen constable and
excepted.
By a Majority of votes, Sam" Kent y' 3'' was Chosen Constable & Refused
to serve.
By a Majority of votes, Sam" Hathaway was chosen constable & Refused to
serve.
By a ^Majority of votes Edward Foster was chosen Constable & excepted.
Survey&rs of High Ways — Thomas Sheldon, Daniel Adams, Nathaniel
Austin Sen', Sam" Roe, and Samuel Copley.
Fence Viewers — Joseph Harmon, John Old, Jacob Adams, Nathan" Warner.
Tything Men — George Norton Sen% & Thomas Copley.
2'oicn 'Treasurer — John Burbank.
Land Measurer — Joseph Winchel.
Sealer of Leather — Samuel Sikes.
Sizer & Sealer of Weights & Measures — Joshua Leavitt.
Hogg Reeves — Jonathan Rising, and Samuel Granger y®, first.
Att a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of
Suffield March the ll"", 172J, being a meeting warned to pass Town Debt.s,
and to pass some acts Relating to y« s'* Towns proportion of the 60,000£ Loan
Joseph King was Chosen Moderatour to order s** Meeting, first, Relating to
y' Towns Debts voted,
1=". Voted, that Cap' Joseph Winchell, Serj Joseph Remington, and Peter
Roe, be a Committee to view the new * Bridge over Stoney Brook at y« North
end of Tainters Hill, Built by sundry persons at their own Charge, and make
Report to y Town what benefit it is or may be to y" s'' Town, and what they
shall judge proper for the Town to Do Respecting the same.
3'. Voted, to Allow Timothy Phelps 24' & 6'' for Repairing y-' Glass &
Window frames of y" School House.
Secondly. Respecting the Towns 60,000.£.
Voted, for Direction of the Trustees that may be Chosen for Receiving and
Letting out the said Loan as followeth. That they Let out to no person Less
than five pounds, nor Exceeding. That none be Let out to persons but upon
*Tli(' first bridge at llils place.
234 TOWN ACTS
good bond security, and with good surety, and that all bonds that may Relate
to said money, become payable within y space of a year from y« Date they bear.
2'^ Voted, that the said Trustees Do pay y* yearly Interest as y Law
directs.
3''. Voted, that Cap' Joseph Winchel, Joseph Remington, and Joseph
King, be a committee of Trustees to Receive the said Towns proportion of y*
s'^ Sixty Thousand pounds Loan, and to Let it out according to the Direction
of y s'' Town.
4'''. Voted, that y*' s'^ Committee Do from Time to Time put in suit all the
Bonds of those who neglect to pay their Interest as soon as it becomes Due:
And all Bonds of those that shall neglect to pay the Principal in Convenient
Time to pay in to y^ Province Treasury.
Joseph King, Moderator.
Att a Legal Meeting of the Freholders and other Inhabitants of the Town
of Suffield on the eighth Day of April, 1728:
1**'. John Burbank was chosen Moderator to order said meeting.
2'"">'. Voted, to Leave it with the present Select men to order the moddell-
jng of Pews on the Beams of the Meeting House for such young men as may
appear to build there, and order y« sitting of such j'oung men: and all at the
charg of such as shall appear as afores"* to Build there.
3''. Voted, to Defray the charge of mending High waies this j'ear by way
of Rate.
4"*. Voted, upon what was offered by Sam" Hathaway and Samuel Kent
to forbear to prosecute them for neglect or Refusal to take oath to y*" office of
Constables, to which they were chosen Respectively on our Anniversary Meet-
ing Day Last.
S"". Voted, to prosecute all other Town officers chosen on this Anniversary
Meeting Day in March Last, who have not made oath to their Respective
offices then chosen to, & Do still now Refuse to make oath thereunto by y«
space of fourteen Dales from this Day.
6"'. Voted, that when it happens that no Select man is chosen in High
Street where the Towns principle Law Book ought to be, that then it shall be
put into Deacon Hanchets Hands to keep for y^ use of y" Town.
T"*. Voted, that y^ Next Newest Law Book shall be kept by y" Town Clerk
Annually. Entred by order of
John Burbank Moderator.
Att a Legal Meeting of the Freeholders of the Town of Suffield, May y«
6'\ 1728.
1". Joseph King was made choice of for a Modcratour to manage s'^
meeting.
OF SUFFIELD. 235
2''. Voted, to Eeceive y^ s-^ Towns proportion of the Sixty Thousand pounds
Loan Granted by the Gen" Assembly in their Late Sessions.*
3''. Voted, that Mr. John Burbanlc, Mr. John Pengilley'sen'', & Mr. Jona-
than Sheldon, Be Trustees to Receive of the Province Treasurer the Town of
Suffields proportion of the s<* Sixty Thousand Pounds Loan, and to Let it out
upon Intrest according to the Towns Directions.
4'\ Voted, that the Trustees be hereby Directed to Lett out y'' Towns Pro-
portion of the Sixty Thousand pounds Loan Lately Granted, in manner as
foUoweth, viz. : upon Bond Security with good surety and in sums not exceed-
ing Thirty pounds, and not Less than five pounds: and all Bonds to become
payable by y^ first of May next. And s'' Trustees are further Directed to put
in suit all y^ Bonds of such persons that neglect to pay the Intrest and prin-
ciple seasonably to make payment into y^ Treasury.
5'\ Voted, to give y" Trustees Ten Shillings p"^ year for their service in
Receiving and Letting out y" money above said, besides y^ Charge of sending
to Boston for y'' money. Joseph King— Moderatour.
Att a Legal meeting of the freeholders and other Inhabitants of y Town of
Suffield, Quallified as the Law Directs to vote in Town Meeting, May y« 6'",
1728.
1". Joseph King was Chosen Moderatour to manage s'' meeting.
2''. Abraham Granger, Abraham Burbank, and Samuel Hathaway, were
chosen surveyors of High ways.
3''. Voted, to Allow to John Trumble Late Constable, out of the Treasury
the Rates of Daniel Warner Deceased that were not paid, and John Bartlet
sens his Rates, s** Trumble giving security to y° Select men to collect the same
if he have an opportunity, and pay them in to the Town Treasury.
4'\ Voted, to exchange the High way leading to the Ferry from Deacon
]\Iixers old House, and to Run y way through the Lot of s" Mixer, and John
Trumbles Lot, and they to have y" old Highway for a Recompence, provided,
s'' Trumble & his Heirs or Assigns, make and maintain forever a good fcasa-
ble way over a Valley in Deacon Mixers Lot, and the s'' way to be four Rods
wide ; and s'' Exchange to be Regulated by Clerk John Burbank, and John
Pengilley.
5'\ Voted, that John Burbank, John Pengilly inW, and Ensign Samuel
Dwight and otlicrs to view and consider.
G'\ Voted, That upon Condition that Clerk John Burbank Do forthwith
*Suffield's share was £405. The bills were of various denominations from
2s to £5. Four per cent, of the interest money went to the Province treasury,
and two per cent, to the town. A fund for the redemption of the loan within ten
years, was created by taxing the towns, liy too great emissions of tliis papi'r
currency, from Ui'JO to IToT, it lost its credit and became so nuich depreciated
that -lo shillings of it (instead of six) were retpiired to make a dollar. This was
"old tenor" currency. Issues of paper money from 17:37 to I74i), were better
secured, and lis. 3d of it were reckoned a dollar, a slirinkage of only al)out
one half. Tiiis was styled "new tenor" currency. These values were lixed
by the Massa(;husetts General Court iu 174'J. The terms "old" and "new
tenor ' often appear in our records.
236 TOWN ACTS
errect a good cart Bridge over his mill pond at Rawlins Brook, Cap* Joseph
Winchel, Leiut John Austin, & William King, be a Committee upon s'* Bur-
banks cost, to view the s"* Bridge when Buil'd and make Report to the Town
what they shall Judge the Bridge is Better for y" Town than the Highway
would be if not ponded.
7'". Voted, that Clerk John Burbank, Leiut Joshua Leavitt, & iP Jonathan
Sheldon, be a Committee (at y cost and charge of such as shall Request the
same) To view the Highway from Thomas Sheldons corner to John Harmons,
and to view Samuel Harmons Lot to find a convenient place for, and to se upon
what terms, the Town may have a Highway through s'^ Lott, and s'^ Committee
to make their Report to the Town what they shall then propose for y^ Town
to Do in that afair. Joseph King, Moderatour.
Att a Legal Meeting of y'' Town of Suffield May the 27'^ 1728.
1^', Joseph Remington was chosen Moderatour to order s^ meeting.
2''. Voted, that swine may go upon the Commons to y= end of this present
year, Regulated as the Law Directs; and also from time to time During the
Present Law Respecting the Regulating Swine, except y« Town se cause to
alter it.
Entred by order : Joseph Remington Moderator.
Att a Legal Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town
of Suffield, November y* 29'", 1728. Cap' Joseph Winchel being chosen
Moderatour to order s"* meeting, the following votes were passed.
1". Voted, to allow the Assessors the Three pounds six shillings which
they paid the High Sheriff for his coming with a warrant of Distress from the
Province Treasurer for the Third fifth of y' fifty Thousand pound Loan.
2"*. Voted, to allow John Warner after y' Rate Three Shillings and six
pence pr Rod for fence set in y^ Inside of y" pound, and five shillings for other
Repairs of s** Pound.
3'i. Voted, to Raise fifteen pounds in Town pay for support of the poor,
and other charges that may arise the year Insuing beside what y' Town is
ahead}' Indebted.
4'". Voted, to Leave it with the Select men to allow what they shall Judge
Reasonable for what men bring in that they have Don for the Town the year
past.
5"\ Voted, that Cap" Joseph Winchell, Cler' John Burbank, and Serj
Joseph King, be a Committee to examine the Surveyors of High Ways, to
what work hath been Don about Highwaies the j^ear past, and how it hath
been Don, and to make Report to y"' Town at this meeting what is propor for
y Town to do in that affair.
6"\ Voted, at y^ Request of Christopher .Lacob Lawton, and Joseph Pumry
for alteration of y Highway that goes out by * Muddy Brook falls; That Cap'
* These falls are at the bridge west of Hasting's Hill, then called Kents Hill.
See p. 229. A dam and a saw mill were there.
OF SUFFIELD, 2S7
Joseph Winchel, Clerk John Burbank, & Leiut Joshua Leavitt, be a Com-
mittee at the charge of y'' petitioners to view s'' Highway, and make Eeport
to y*^ Town at this Meeting what they shall Judge Reasonable for y"" Town to
Do Relating to that affair. Then the meeting was adjourned to y' the first
Munday of Januarj' next at twelve of y' clock.
January 6'\ 172f . At a meeting of the freeholders and other Inhabitants of
y' Town of Suffield, being a meeting by Adjournment from November 29"".
1728.
1". Voted, to allow such person or persons as have allowed the *AVidow
Mary Winchel House Room from the nineteenth of March Last untill this 6'\
Day of January 172|. after y Rate ef eighteen pence p'' week.
2''. Voted, to allow Samuel Smith y*^ 2'', Ten shillings for his wives Tend-
ing the Widow Mary Winchel in her sickness.
S** Voted, that the Report of the Committee appointed November y<^ 29"'. 1728,
To examine the Surveyors of Highwaies, Relating to work Don about the
Highwaies the year past, be excepted and in every part allowed according to
tlie True Intent and meaning thereof which Report is as followeth: viz: —
That there be an Assessment Speedily made by the Assessors on poles and
Estates according to the Direction of Law to y® contain or sum of Two Hun-
dred pounds and to be paid in work at Highwaies at the price hereafter men-
tioned— that is to say, from the middle of February to the Last of March at
2* & 3" p-- Day, from the Last of March to the Last of June 2' & 9'' p-- Day.
from the first of July to y' Last of August Three shillings p' Day, from y"
first of September to y« Last, S** & 9'' p'' Day — from the first of October & No-
vember to the middle of February 2* p' Day; and that the wages of a Team
Do Corrispond with the wages of a single hand. And that y'' s'' Assessment
togetJier with a Warrant for collecting the same be committed to such person
or persons as may be chosen either in whole or in part, to collect y® same, and
that such Collector or Collectors be ciiosen Surveyors for y* year Insuing. —
And that so far as any person hath faithfully work'd at Highwaies in the year
1728, Either with hand or Team by the Direction of a Surveyor, shall accord-
ing to the above mentioned prises have credit on his Rate, and that what any
have Don either in Work or other waics surmounting their Rate to have their
surplusage out of y* Town Treasury in Town pay unless they se cause to
pleasur their Neighbor with it:
And further, that some meet persons be appointed to Adjust tiie accounts of
y present Surveyors, and others their Deputies, in order to find out in partic-
ular according to the prises above s"" what every man has Don, & that a Cer-
tificate to the collector that may l)e chosen as above s'' of what they find in
favour of any person be Improved towards Discharging his Itate. So far as it
will amount, and that what any person shall be found to fall short of having
paid his Rate according to the Rule above s'', the Coili'dors or Surveyors that
may be clioson Do Indeavour as ilicrc maybe ocatioii to collect (lie same in
worke at Highwaies according to the prises above s''. And if any person
being behindhand in his Rate, having been Timely Notified lo work by said
Collectors or Survtiyors, Do neglect the same eitiier l)y himself or otlier meet
person in his Room to the acceptance of the surveyor in every such case the
* Widow of Jon» Wincbell, a pioneer settler. She died Feb. 10th, 1729.
238 TOWN ACTS
Collector to make speedy Distress of such person or persons goods or chattels,
to y« full valine of what may Remain of his Rate unpaid, unless such person
or persons Do bring a Certificut under the Town Treasurers hand that he has
paid the whole of what was behind in his rate to the s^ Treasurer, either in
money or Town pay to the 8*^ Treasurers acceptance, which Certificate shall
be SuflSciant to Discharge such person or persons as to what may be behind in
said Rate. And that the Town Treasurer for the time being be directed
hereby to keep a full and particular account of all mone}' that he may thus
Receive by him in order to Adjust y* same with the Town or Select men in
their behalf when opportunity shall serve, and that the whole of said Assess-
ment be collected before the expiration of y^ year 1729, unless the Town in a
Town meeting se cause to Lengthen it further. Furthermore, that the Sur-
veyors that may be chosen for y year 1729, Do not proceed to Repair, mend,
or clear in any part of any Highwaj^ without the concurrence of such person
or persons as may be appointed to oversee that matter, and Determine the
same: and that such person or persons as may be chosen to collect s"" Rate,
either in whole or in part be allowed a compensation for their service therein,
as y" Town in their Wisdom may Judge. meet, and the Bill of Charge Respect-
ing Highwaies be exhibited to y"" Town Treasurer for his Direction therein.
The within or foregoing Report we sign to as ours:
Joseph Winchel, j
Jno. Burbakk, |- Committee.
Joseph King, )
4"". B}^ a clear vote Cap' Joseph Winchel, and Serj Joseph King were
chosen a Committee to Adjust the accounts of the Surveyors of Highwaies the
j'ear past, and inake a List what each mans account is for his work at High-
waies according to the several prizes in y* afore s'* Committies Report, and s^
List to be Transmitted to the Town Treasurer.
5thi.v Voted, that the present Assessor Do forthwith make an Assessment
according to the afores** Report of y® Committee, with a warrant to Abraham
Burbank & Abraham Granger, Two of y' present Surveyors of Highwaies to
Collect ye same or part thereof according to the Direction of y^ Committee that
shall be appointed for that purpose, and said warrants to such Surveyors or Col-
lectors as shall be chosen or bj^ye Town appointed to that service the year Insu-
ing or longer, untill y* s"" Rate shall be wholey collected according to s"* Report.
gthiy Voted, that Cap* Winchel & Joseph King be a committee to direct y'
Surveyors in their mending Highwaies, untill our Anniversary Town meeting
in March next.
'j'thiy^ Voted, that the Receiving the Reports of Severall Committees that
are not yet Brought in be Refered to next March meeting.
The alteration of y- Highway through Deacon Mixers and John Trumbles Lots,
by y Great River above Feather Street,
Pursuant to the Trust, and at the Request of Deacon John Mixer and John
Trumble* y« first, we Did set oat the Range of y Highway through y^ Lands
* John Trumbull, 1st, was a son of Joseph the proprietor. He was born at
Rowley, Mass., before his father came to Sutfield. He bought a portion of the
Allyn lands at the Ferry, and his son Joseph was a proprietor of the Ferry
in 1754 after the death of his father (John 1st). See pp. 42-3. Conn. Col.
Rec, Vol. X, pp. 268, 524.
, . OF SUFPIELD, 239
of s'' Mixer and Trumble in such manner as we Did Judge most accommo-
dating to Travelling, and having Sum Respect to the priviledge of y'^ persons
Requesting of it. We began first, at the Southerly end of said way, and first
fixed a stake and stone on y" East side by Deacon Mixers fence, about Two
Rods North of y Ditch formerly made between Eastmans and Cakebreads
Lots, so fixing y Bounds of s'' way only on the East side, we set stakes and
stones by Three several Apple Trees of Deacon Mixers winding or turning
Eastwardly towards the Great River, and from the Third Apple Tree we
Turned our course more Northeasterly Runing about fonr foot off from s'*
Mixers new Dwellirhg House, Leaving it east of s'' course: So a straight course
five Rods from y North, or Norwest course of s" House, we fixed a stake and
stone, so we keept a straight course to the Dividing fence betwixt s'' Mixer
and Trumble, on the Brow of y Hill where we fixt a stake & stone; from
thence we kept a straight course on or near the Brow of y Hill through y" s"*
Trumbles Land (Still Leaving the Highway on the west side) till we come to
his new House where we fix'd a Stake & Stone four Rods Eastward of s*" fence
or House partly Down y« Hill. Then extending Northwardly to a course or
Row of Apple Trees in si^ Trumbles Orchard, We Determined s'' Row of Apple
Trees to be the East Bound of s" way till we came to, or near the North side
of his s'' Trumbles Orchard where we fix'd a stake and stone a little west of
an apple Tree. All y*^ Bounds above s'' Setting out y east side of s" way, and
the width of the way to Extend four liods from the s" Bounds.
Entred Jan y 8"' 1728.-9.
John Burbank, John Pengilley Jun', Committee.
Att an Anniversary Town meeting of the freeholders and other Inhabitants
of y' Town of Surtield on :Munday the Tenth day of Marcli 1728-9, to make
choice of Necessary Town ofiicers for the year Insuing; and other Concerns
of a Publick nature; Capt Joseph Winchel was chosen Moderatour to order
s'' meeting.
Select Men, Peter Roe, Joseph Winchel, John Austin, Joseph King, and
Joseph Remington.
Ihion Clerk, John Austin.
Assessors, Jo.seph Winchel, John Austin, & Jo.scph King.
ConsUtMes, Edward Foster, and Samuel Hathaway.
Tythiiifj-Men, Ensign Anthony Austin, Icliabod Smith, Josejjh Harmon
.lun', and Samuel Sikos.
Samuel Kent y 3^ and John Pengilley, were Chosen Collectors to collect
y Rale for Repairing Highwaies and Bridges; (iV Sworn.)
Toion Treasurer, John Burbank.
Joshua Ijcavitt, Sizer and Sealer of Weights ct- Measures.
Joseph Winchel, fAind Measurer.
Sam". Sikes, Sealer of Leather.
Fence Viewers, Daniel Adams, Sanuiel (Jranger y l"', Samuel Kent y 2''.
Benjamin Giliet, John Warner sen^ Serj James King.
Jfof/rceres, El)ene/er Nash, and Samuel Hale.
By a clear vote, Edward Foster was accepted oil" to serve as (-onstable in tlie
Room of Sanuiel Hathaway. Jo.sepli Fuller chosen constable by his own cou-
sent & sworn.
240 TOWN ACTS
Sworn March 10">, Daniel Adams — fence viewer, Samuel Sikes — Sealer of
Leather, Anthony Austin — Tj^thing man. Ebenezer Nash — Hogreeve.
March y« 17"" sworn, Joseph Winchel, John Austin, Joseph King, Assessors.
John Au.stin, Town Clerk.
John Burbank, Town Treasurer.
Joshua Leavitt, Sealer of weights and measures.
John Warner, Fence veiwer.
Ichabod Smith, & Samuel Sikes, Tything men.
Att a Legal and Anniversary Town meeting in SuflBeld, March y" 10"", 172|.
Capt Jo.seph Winchel Moderator.
1**, Voted, that y* Collectors of tlie Highway Rate Giving Notice to any
person to work at Highwaies, Either with his hand or Team; or do Leave
word at y House or place of abode of such person Three Dales before hand,
shall be accounted seasonable warning.
2'. Capt Joseph Winchel, and Joseph King were chosen a Committee to
Direct y Collector of y^ Rate for Repairing Highwaies, where to work from
time to time till y s'' Rate be wholy collected.
3'^. Voted, that all the Land lying East of y'^ Highway, (from the water fence
of John Trumble y first. Northward, untill it comes Twenty Rods Northward
of the North East corner of John Pengilleys Home lot,) be laid to y« Highway.
4"'. Voted, that Peter Roe, and .John Burbank be a Committee at the
charge of the petitioners, to view the Land Re([uestcd to be taken of from y«
Highway that goes to Springfield by Crooked Lane; for conveniency of
Building, and to make report to y" Town the next meeting.
5tiii,v Voted, or granted to Richard Woolworth, peaceable Injoyment of
his well he hath Dug in the Highway by his House, he allwaise keeping a
curb round it, y" s"* well; and if he sees cause, a Liberty to turn out his fence
(Two Lengths of it) to y* side of }•'* curb next to his House, being about eight
foot.*
Att a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of
Suffield on the Sixteenth Day of April 1729, Joseph King was chosen Mode-
rator to order s'^ meeting.
1", Voted, to Allow an}' person or per.sons a Liberty to Build a House, or
Houses, for the Reception of Horses in bad weather, near the Meeting House,
and joining to the sides of the Highwaies, not coming nearer than Two Rods
to y« Meeting House.
2'3iy, By a clear vote, Joseph King was chosen fTown Treasurer for the
Remaining part of y' year.
3'^'y. Voted, that the Select men Do Indeavonr to hire Mr. William Allen
to Teach School.
4"''>. Voted, to Refer the Receiving the Reports of y'' Committees Respect-
ing Highwaies and Bridges, to the meeting for y choice of a Representative
in May next. Joseph King. Moderatour.
*This well is still in use, and is in the highway north from Wood's station,
f John Burbank, Town Treasurer, had deceased Mcli. 25th, 1729.
Oi^ RUFFIELD. 241
April J' 16"', 1729. At a meeting of y Freeholders of y« Town of Suffield,
for the choice of a Trustee for y" G0,000£. Loan, Joseph King was chosen
Moderatour.
By a clear vote, Mr. Samuel Kent tlie Third, was chosen Trustee for s" Loan,
there being a vacancy by the Death of one of y" Trustees first chosen.
Joseph King, Moderatour.
Att a meeting of the Freeliolders, and other Inhabitants, on May the Eightli,
1729, Joseph Remington being chosen Moderatour to order, and Regulate s''
meeting.
1^'. Voted, that the Interests of both y" Town *Banks be brought into y«
Town Treasury, or some other meet person that tlie Town shall make choice
of to be let out for y* Town.
2'"y. Voted, that s'' Interest be brought into y"^ Town Treasury to be let out
upon Interest by y* Town Treasurer for the Town's use at £6. p'' cent, for one
year next Insuing.
3diy Voted, to Improve, and Impower Cap'. Joseph Winchel, to treat with
such as may be appointed by y" Town of Simsbury for that Relating to
Exchange of Land for y" conveniency of the Highway, by y" Round Hill, by
Stony Brook Fails, the Land most conveuien for s'^ Highway, Northward of s'^
Brook being in Simsbury Bounds, and on y« South side in Suffield Bounds,
s'' way being for y^ conveniency of botli Towns. f
4tiiiy Voted, to chouse a committee to make an end of y" Difference
between SutReld and Westfield, Relating to y« Bounds between s'^ Towns, to
settle and fix a Sufiicient Number of Bounds, both on the Mountain, and
l)etween s'^ Towns from the Mountain Westward, to ye Nor West corner.
Jo.seph Winchel, John Austin, and Joseph King, were chosen to be a Com-
mittee for settling ye' s"" Bounds as afore said.
5"''>'. Voted, to give six pence p'' head for killing crows from y" tirst of
April, to y« last of September.
gthiy Voted, to give one penny p'' head for killing black Birds of the Great
sort, from the finst of April, to y Middle of June.
7"'. Voted, that no person shall be Inlilled to the premium for Killing
crows and black birds, but such as bring the heads of y" crows; and the
Bodies of y' Black Birds to y« Select men, or any one of them, to have their
Bills crop'd, and to take account of them.
gthiy Voted, that ye Town Treasurer Do prosecute in y" Law, s\ich persons
I hat were cho.sen to office in March Last who have neglected to make oath to
y offices to which they were Respectively chosen, and Do continne so to Do
untill y Twentielli Day of this Instant May.
9"''>. Voted, that Deacon John Ilanchel be one of the Committee (Instead
of John Burbank, Decea.sed) to make Report to the Town what they think
proper for y" Town to act Relating to y Highway by Crooked Lane for
aeeonimodating persons for Buihliiig.
*The agencies for loaning the Colony iiilis, or currency, were termed i)anks.
See foot note, p. 208. f See Town Acts, 174"). and 1765.
242 TOWN ACTS
Att a Lawful Town meeting of j" Inhabitants of SufHeld, July y*^ 2""*, 1729.
1"'. Joseph Winchel was chosen Moderatour for s'^' meeting.
2'. Voted, that in case Mr. William Allen Do not within the space of Six
Dales next coming, Comply with the Court's Advice with Respect to his being
Examined, and Do not bring a certificate of his being thus Examined to y«
Select men by the Expiration of y" s"^ Six Daies ; Then y" Select men to pro-
ceed to procure some other person that may be capable to keep a Grammer
School according to y" True Intent and meaning of 3"^ Law.
3<">'. Voted, to Improve Peter Roe, and Joseph Winchel, to search y«
Records Relating to y« Breadth of High Street, and also measure y« Breadth
of s"" Street in Sundry places, as they shall Judge needful and proper, and that
they make Report to y* Town how they finds things Relating thereto, in the
next Town meeting. (See p. 246.)
4"''y. Josiah Hale was chosen Hoggreeve for the Remainder of the year.
Given in to be Recorded by Joseph Winchel, Moderatour.
Att a Legal meeting of y" Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of
Suffield, on fryday the 28"' Day of November, 1729.
1^'. John Kent was made choice of for Moderatour to manage s*' meeting.
2"''. Voted, to chouse Deacon John Hanchet, and Mr. John Devoti6n, to
allow y Select men and Assessor accounts.
S"*. Voted, to allow the Reverend M". Ebenezer Devotion Twenty pounds
this year over and above his stated sallery, for his more comfortable Support
in the work of y" ministry.
4"". Voted, that the Time for y' Collectors for perfecting the Collection of
y*' Highway Rate be Lengthened out untill y" Last Day of November next.
S'*". Voted, to remitt to Josiah Hale his penalty for not serving as Hoggreeve
this present year.
6"'. Voted, that the Several Speacias hereafter mentioned, shall be Received
into the Town Treasury to pay the Towns Debts as followeth; (the minister's
stated sallery excepted): Iron at Sfe. p'' Hundred, Rie at 6s. p' Bushel, Indian
Corn at 4s. & M. p' Bushel, Oats at Two s. & (id. p"^ Bushel, Pork at M. p'
pound, Beef at 'dd.i p'' pound, and other things that shall pass for Town pay
to go at the market price. Signed p'' John Kent, Moderat\
Att a General Anneversary Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants
of the Town of Suffield, for y choice of Town Officers for y^ year Insuing,
and other matters of Publick concern. John Kent being chosen Moderatour
to order s*^ meeting, the following choice of Town officers was made, viz. :
Select Men — John Austin, John Kent, * Jonathan Sheldon, Dea. John Mixer,
and Joseph Remington.
Assessors — John Austin, John Kent, & Joseph King.
Town Clerk — John Austin.
*Capt. Jonathan Sheldon, the founder of the Sheldon Street branch of the
family, was the youngest son of Isaac of Northampton, and a half brother of
Capt. Joseph Sheldon. (See pp. 80 and 231). He settled here about the year
1723, and his dwelling-house then built, (now Thomas Austin's,) is still well
preserved.
OF SUFFIELD. 243
Constables — Medad Pumry, & John Rising.
Town Treasurer — Joseph King.
Tything Men — John Warner, John Hanchet, jun^ Nathan" Harmon y' 1^',
Ehenezer Burbank.
Sizer and Sealer of Weights and Measures — Joshua Leavitt.
Land Measurer — Cap'. Joseph Winchel.
Sealer of Leather — Samuel Sikes.
Hogg Reeves — Samuel Spenser, and Jared Huxley.
Fence Viewers — Freegrace Norton, Samuel Roe, George Norton, Ebenezer
Nash, & Joshua Kendol, & John Burbank.
March y^ 16"', 1729-30. Then all y officers were sworn but Sam" Roe,
Nathaniel Harmon y" Ist, and Jared Huxley.
1"'. At this meeting, Joseph King Town Treasurer was by a clear vote
appointed to prosecute such persons as shall Refuse or neglect to take y oaths
by Law appointed, to y« office whereto they are Respectively chosen.
3''. Voted, to Repair y" meeting House* and that Sam" Kent sen' , Peter Roe,
and Jacob Adams sen', were appointed a Committee to Repair the meeting
House, so far as they shall Judge necessary for Repairing, or making New
Seats.
Signed pr John Kent Moderat^
At a meeting of the freeholders and other Inhabitants of Suffield Quallitied
as y« Law Directs to vote in Town meetings, on Munday the 20"" Day of July
1730, Deacon John Mixer was chosen Moderatour to order s* meeting.
1*'. Voted, to cover the meeting House wholly New.
2'^. Voted, to continue the Committee for Repairing the meriting House
according to y" vote passed when s'' Committee were chosen.
S*". Voted, to order and Impower Joseph King, y present Town Treasurer,
to Demand and Receive the Interest money due to y Town in the hands of y*
Trustees of y' several Banks.
4"'. Voted, that y' Town Treasurer Do pay out of y"= Interest money what
be shall Receive order for, from y Select men, to supply y' Committee for
Repairing y" meeting House with money to procure what is Necessary for
matterials for Repaireing s'' House, that can't be procured without money; and
to Lett out the Remainder of s"" Interest money upon Interest for y' Towns use.
Att a Legal meeting of y' Freeholders and other Inhabitants of y Town of
Suffield, November y' 30'\ 1730:
Joseph Remington was chosen moderatour to order s'' meeting.
1"'. Voted, that a Rate of Thirty seven pounds. Ten shillings, money, be
made for payment of y" Grammer School-Master for Three quarters of a year.
2''. Voted, that the Committee for Repairing the Meeting House Do Receive
out of the Town Treasury of y' Interest money y sum of four pounds.
3'. Voted, to Allow Three Select men for their Expenses Last August while
attending at Court to Answer to Enfields Complaint about John Thatcher, five
sliillings apeice.
*This was the second meeting house, see p. 80.
244 TOWN ACTS
4"'. Voted, to Leave it with y' Select mea to Adjust all accounts wherein the
town is Indebted to particular persons whicl/'Doth not come under y' care of
any Committees.
5"=. Jacob Adams presenting a platt of a piece of Land In the Highway
against his own Land for Conveniency of Building proposed to y<' Town to Lay-
out Land upon — a good Right upon it, and allow y' Town Twenty Shillings
which proposal y' Town accepted, and by a Clear vote Relinquished their
Right to s" Land, accordingl}^ the of s" Land is as followeth, viz. Suf-
field Nov. y 30'\ 1730. We the Subscribers, being appointed hy the Town to
view a certain place in the Highwaj- at Crooked Lane in order to accomodate
Corp" Jacob Adams with a part thereof for conveniency to Set his House, and
having been upon the place, and considered all circumstances Relating thereto,
Do advance what followeth as our opinion, viz: That saving the Highway
Elven Rods in breadth on the West side thereof it is not so Inconveniant and
prejudicial to y' Highway, but that we Judge it proper and Reasonable that
y' Town in order to gratifie y' s" Adams Do Relinquish their Right in s'' High-
way to the contain of about Three Quarters of an acre on the East side there-
of, and according to the following Description, that is to say, to begin at a
Stake and Stone being the Bounds Dividing between Land formerly Laid out
to s"* Adams and Land he bought of Caleb Allen, thence runing North about
fifteen Degrees West about Ten Perch, thence Runing North East according
to y' Rang of s'' Highway, Six Rods, then to turn more Easterly Runing a
straight Course about 18 or 20 Rods to y° North Corner of s"* Adams his own
Land thence south west by s*" Adms his own Land to y' place where it began.
John Hanchet, Peter Roe.
6'\ Voted, to allow Ten Shillings to manage Edward Baker's business at y'
General Court.
Att a Legal meeting of y' Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town
of Suffield Quallified for voters, November y^ 24", 1730.
Decon John Mixer was chosen Moderatour to order s" meeting.
V\ Voted, to chouse a Committee to take care for Removing Incumbrances
of Highwaies for one year Next Insuing, and other things Necessary Relating
to waies & Bridges.
2''. Voted, Joshua Leavitt, Joseph King, & John Kent, be a Committee, and
herebj^ are fully Impowered to Remove all ordinary Incumbrances that are or
may be, y"* year Insuing upon any of y' Town waies and where the}^ may find
any Incumbrance, where there may arise or be any Dispute Respecting Inter-
ests, or any other thing that may Ijc Adjusted by an agreement that s" Com-
mittee shall agree with the persons concerned therein as well as may be
Respecting both Publick and private Interest therein Concerned, and make
Return to y" Town for their Confirmation.
3''. Voted, that the s'^ Committee Do forthwith se that y" Bridge over Raw-
lingses Brook be forthwith made good and feazable and that the Town be at
y* charge of a causey from y' Hill to y'' North End of y Bridge as it is now
built provided; John Burbank Do give to s'' Committee a sufficien Bond to
make and maintain a good and feazable Bridge over s*' Brook where it is now
errected. (See pp. 235, 236.)
OP SUPPIELD. 245
4'". Voted, to Raise this year y sum of 130£ in Town pay for y« supply of
y' Town Treasury for payment of Town Debt, for Repairing y« meeting
House, and other Town Charge that may arise.
5'\ Voted that Cap* Winchel, Cap' Kent, & Joseph King, be a Committee to
take account of y* several Committees of what y* Town is Indebted.
Att a Legal meeting of y® freeholders and other Inhabitants of SuiBeld on
December y' 14'', 1730.
1". Cap' John Kent was chosen Moderatour of s** meeting.
2'ii.v *Voted, that the petitioners y« owners of y^ fish Dam have y priviledge
they petition for that is to say the Town are willing for it provided y'' s" own-
ers sell sallmon at five pence p'' pound, and shad at a penny apiece, and that
they will not barrill up any for a market when any of y" Town appear with
any vendable pay to take them off for their own use, and that the owners put
one Hundred pounds security into the Town Treasurers hands for the Towns
security for the fulllillment of the above s'', when they s" owners have a grant
of the General Court, and y" security to be given to y Treasurer before nine
o'clock to night. Test, JOHN KENT.
Jacob Hathaway, Sam". Copley, Richard Woolworth, William Halla-
day, Nathaniel Hall non voter, Samuel Roe, Sam" Hathaway,
Peter Roe, John Roe, Entred their Decents against y" above written Vote.
December y« 14*'', 1730. Then Received of Eight of y« owners of y* fish Dam a
bond of one Hundred pounds according to y above s** vote.
pr me Joseph King Town Treasurer.
3'. Voted, that the Bridge over Rawlins Brook be built 12 foot wide, cov-
ered with Two Inch plank : and the Bridge Raised Two foot Higher at y« North
end, and Rail'd on each side, and to be forthwith finished.
4"'. Voted, that y« Collectors of y« Highway Rate, Do forthwith collect s"*
Rate of those that Refuse to Do it in Labour, & Lay out so much thereof as is
Necessary for Repairing y" Bridge over Stony Brooke by Samuel Copleys.
January 12*'', 17|f. At a legal meeting of y® freeholders and other Inhabi-
tants of y" Town of SuflBeld, Quallified to vote in meetings:
1"'. Joseph Remington was chosen Moderatour to manage this meeting.
2'. Voted, to Allow the Reverend Mr. Ebcne/.er Devotion Thirty pounds in
Town pay out of y* Town Treasury, for his further Encouragement in the
work of y« Ministry for this year.
Att a Legal meeting of y" Inhabitants of Suffleld January the 12"', 1730-31,
being Assembled in order to manifest their minds with Respect to a compli-
ance with his Majesties 27"' Instruction Relating to fi.xing a Sallery on our
Governours for y' Time being.f & having Read the s'' Instruction together
* Salmon were not super-abundant at this date, the price per pound being
about Iwciity limes more tlian thai of sliad.
I Tlic King appointed tlie Governor, and instructed the Province to settle
upon him a fixed annual salary of i;i,000. The people were willing to main-
tain a Governor appointed by the Crown, but desired to miike the sum contingent
31
246 TOWN ACTS
with liis Exccllencys speech upon the Conference, as also y* Two Letters
therein Refered to; and being thereby made more Deeply sensible how greatly
our most valluable privileges are Exposed by our hitherto neglect, and the
Displeasure of our most Graciouse Sovereign procured, and all the marks and
tokens of his favour, kindness, and Respect for y* future forfieted ; and con-
sidering also that Debt of Gratitude which is Due from us to our Sovereign in
appointing one to Represent His Majesties Royal person at y° Head of this
Government Virtually of our own chousing and so much to y Good liking all;
when we had given such cause for other measures which amounts to such a
Degree of unexpected Indulgence and mark of Respect as is almost unparra-
leld and not to be forgotten, hoping also; that if y' several Towns of this
Province would take sumthing of a like method with us, although it might not
prevail with those that Represent us to comply with His Majesties pleasure,
yet might be of &o much service as to Incline His Excellency our Governour
not to make so speedy a Return to Great Brittain to give y' Required Informa-
tion as otherwise he might have Determined to Do. Such things as these,
together with many others considered, therefore, voted: Declared, & by a very
groat Majority concluded, that it is highly Expedient, and of y' most urgent
Necessity and are fully of y^ minde that his Majesties 27"' Instruction be forth-
with comply'd withal, and that fully, both as to the quantum and in the man-
ner prescribed, that so His Majesties Lenity towards us may have the Desired
Effect, and also His favour for y future continued.
The above written was voted & consented to by every man present.
Joseph Remington, Moderatour.
A vote for establishing the breadth of the Highway through High Street.
We the Subscribers, being appointed to Serch the Record with Respect to
y breadth of High Street, and also to measure the Breadth of s'^ Street in sun-
dry places as we should think needfull, as also to make Report to y* Town
thereupon in order to their acting somthing in Refference thereto. . . In
pursuance of which betrustment Reposed in us, we have Indeavoured to con-
firm; and having measured s"* street in Divers places Do find the breadth of
s'* street between front fence and front fence as it now stands in opposition to
be as followeth: at y' North side of y" Meeting House the breadth is 18 Rods
and fifteen feet, at y' South corner of Josiah Sheldon's Lot nineteen Rods and
fourteen feet; at y« east corner of Josiah Sheldon's Lot fifteen Rods and five
feet; at Josiah Kings south corner. Ten Rods: at Mr. ]\Iathers west corner
Ten Rods and eight feet: at Edward Burlisons south corner nine Rod and
Eight feet : at Stockwells South corner seven Rods and Two feet : at Thomas
Taylors south corner eight Rod & 14 feet: at Nathan" Warners west corner
six Rod and eleven feet: at s'' Warners North corner Six Rod and 3 feet: at
Springfield Road, 8 Rods and fourteen feet: at the west corner of y' school
upon his official conduct, and their ability to pay. An exciting contest for
the principle involved, continued for many years, tending to estrange the
Crown from the Province. Notwithstanding our loyal town vote and appeal
in behalf of peace, the colony through its House of Representatives at Boston,
secured one of the early victories that led to final independence.
See Barry's Mass., Vol. II, chap, v; Hutchin.son, Vol. II, p. 338; Minot,
Vol. I, p. 62.
OF SUPFIELD. 247
Lot; eight Rod and fourteen feet: cat y^ west corner of y^ Lot y' was Serj.
TLomas Huxleys, y= breadth is Nineteen Rods: at y« east corner of Filleys
Lot fourteen Rod & four feet: at y^ South corner of Mr. Ebenezer Devotions
Lot 14 Rod and fifteen and half foot: against y'= Lot that was John Taylors 8
Rods: aganst y^ House y- was Joseph Remingtons, eight Rods and one foot:
at Samuel Kents y^ S-^ Nine Rods and four feet: within about a Rod of Sam"
Copleys south corner Eleven Rods & Three feet: att Sam" Hathaways East
Corner, Seven Rods & Thirteen feet: at Sam" Hales House, Nine Rod & seven
feet; at Timothy Hales House, Seven Rods & Twelve feet; at Josiah Hale's
House, six Rods and four feet: at y° South end of High Street, by Jonathan
Risings Lot the Bredth is four Rods.
And for as much as we have considered all cercumstances Relating to said
street, both as to the Records and other matters Relating thereto: Do Humbly
offer it as our oppinion that it is Necessary that the Town Do Establish the
Highway through High Street, from the Highway that Leads to Springfield,
toy' Southend of s'^ Street according to y« Breadth above mentioned; and
that in all other places between these above set forth & Discribed by Bredth,
there be a conformity by a just Rule of proportions, and that some persons be
appointed and Directed to sett up Sutable Bounds on each side of s'^ Highway
or Street, at each of those places, that so those that may be appointed from
time to time to prevent Incroachments, may have somthing to guide and
Direct them.*
Peter Roe, Joseph Winchel.
4"". The above Report was accepted and voted.
S'l^'y. Voted, By a full and clear vote Cap' Joseph Winchel, and Peter Roe
was chosen to set up y*' Bounds of y" High Way according to y« Report
accepted.
G"". Voted, to Leave y" further Allowance of y" committee on Repairing
the meeting House with y committee already chose to allow their accounts.
Att a Legal meeting of y<" Inhabitants of Suffield quallified as Law Directs
to vote in Town meetings, January y- 28"", 1730-31. 1"' John Kent was chosen
Moderatour.
2'^ Voted, to allow the constables: viz: John Rising and Medad Pumry
so as to make up their wages Twenty Shillings apiece for their service in year
1730.
3'"y. Voted, to allow Mr. Josiah Sheldon his charge for conveying John
Thatcher to Water Town, and that it shall be Left with the Selectmen to Ex-
amine and allow s'' account.
4"''>'. Voted, that there be allowed and paid out of y" Town Treasury six-
pence p' week p' scholler, to all such as hath sent children to School Dames
for y year past and that shall send to School Dames at any Time until iMarch
1732: that is to say, Such School Dames as havi; or shall make the Teacliing
of cliildren to Read &c, their whole business During the proper Hours in the
Day for that l)usiness, and that upon certificate from such School Dames Sig-
nifying the time of her In.structing sucli children, and also tliat slic iialh been
in Constant Imploy as aforesaid.
* No later Act establisliing tlie breadth of High Street is found. Sec Ai)peudix.
248 TOWN ACTS
The Selectmen for y« Time being may Give order to y Tjown Treasurer for
y time being for y^^ payment of y« s'^ six pence p'' week to y" parents or Mas-
ters of such children.
To y* Town Clerk, S^ please to enter The foregoing vote in the Town Book.
John Mixer, Joseph Remington, John Kent, Select Men.
John Kent, Moderator.
Att a General or Anneversal Meeting of the freeholders and other Inhabit-
ants of y* Town of Suffield Quallified for voting in Town affairs, on Munday the
Eighth Day of March 173y for y« choice of Necessary Town OflBcers for y' year
Insuing; and for other things of General Concern.
Joseph Eemington was Chosen Moderator to order and Regulate said
Meeting.
Town Clerk, John Austin.
Select Men — Timothy Palmer, Samuel Kent y" 1'', Ebenezer Burbank, Joseph
Remington, James King, Sen'.
Assessors — Joseph Remington, John Pengilley, Samuel Hathaway.
Fence Vietcers — Anthony Austin, Thomas Copley, John Burbank, William
Mather, Samuel Roe, Samuel Warner.
Hogff Reeves — Nathaniel Phelps, Nathan'^ Wooster.
Constables — Nathan" Harmon, Timothy Phelps.
TytMng Men — John Devotion, Jonathan Remington, Ichabod Smith, Samuel
Kent y« 3^
Sizer & Sealer of Weights & Measures — Joshua Leavitt.
Sealer of Leather — Sam" Sikes.
Land Measurer — Cap* Jos Winchel.
Ihwn Treasurer — Joseph King.
1^'. The question being put whether the Town would make any further
allowances to men that have wrought about the Meeting House: It passed in
the Negative.
2'^. For as much as the vote passed at y« Town meeting January y^ 28"', 173y,
for granting sixpence p' week p' Scholler to such as are tauglit by school
Dames, is in the opinion of the Town not Legall, not being according to y®
Notification for the s** meeting; and not Legally warned, and being very
Dissatisfactory to y Town; Therefore voted, that y° s'* vote be utterly void
and of none effect.
S''. Voted, that there be the sum of Twenty pounds in Town pay Raised for
y' promoting Learning in the Remote parts of the Town that can't have Bene-
fit by the publlck School, to be Disposed of for the Teaching of children in
such parts at the Discretion of y' Select Men at four pence p" week for each
scholler that are Taught by School Dames, so far as the s'l Twenty pounds will
allow.
4"'. Voted, that there be a* Horse Bridge Built over Stoney Brook below y*
Corn Mill, y charg therof to be Defrayed by y High way Rate.
5"'. Voted, that y° article about sheep be Refered to y* next town meeting.
6'\ Voted, that the article Relating to Lengthening y*^ time for collecting the
Highway Rate be Refered to y' next Town Meeting.
*Near where Boston Neck Bridge now stands.
OF SUFFIELD. 249
7"'. Voted, that y' pews on Each Side of y* Great Door in the Meeting
House, be Esteemed Equal with y" corners or 2" pews, only giving the preffer-
ance to y* corner pews.
8"'. Voted that y meeting House be new Seated, and y" Rules for the Seaters
in seating thereof be as followeth, viz: by Estate principally, and y" Estate
to be Recconed by y* Lists from the last Seating to this Time, having Respect
to persons, age, and quallities, as the Seaters in their Judgment shall se meet.
9"'. By a clear vote, Cap' Joseph Winchel, Peter Roe, Sam" Kent Sen',
Joseph Remington, and John Austin were chosen to seat y" meeting House as
afore s'*.
10. Voted, that y' young men be seated from sixteen years old & upward,
and the maids from Fourteen years old and upwards, according to y<^ Descretion
of y' seaters.
11. Voted, that the Selectmen Do forthwith se what Bulls there are in the
Town fit for service, and agree with the owners of them for y« use of y"
Town: and to give suitable Incouragement to persons that shall procure good
& sufficient Bulls to y* number of Ten Bulls or more, for y" Towns use.
Joseph Remington, Moderator.
Att a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffleld May the 17"', 1731.
1''. Joseph Remington was chosed Moderatour to order s" meeting.
2**. Voted, to Raise five pounds. Ten shillings money, for the CVmimittee
appointed to Repair the Meeting House.
3^ Voted to Defer y^ further Repairing the meeting House as to the New
Clabboarding, for y" space of one year next comming, onely to Repair some
Breaches.
4. Voted, to give Deacon John Hanchet seven shillings and six pence which he
Informed the Town he had some time in his hands thogh unknown to him-
self, being Intrest Money.
5"'. Voted, that Joseph Remington, Ebenezer Burbank, & Cap' Joseph
Winchel, be a Committee to examine the Recconing made with the Trustees of
y 50000£ Loan, and Rectifie what mistakes they may finde if any be.
6"'. Abraham Burbank petitioning for a part of the High Way west of
* Thomas Sheldons: it passed in y" negative.
7"'. Voted, to abate what is behind of y" High way Rate of William Pcarse
Deceased, of John Thatcher, and of Benjamin Pumry.
8"'. Serj. James King petitioning to Set up a Gate at y>' Head of y way (to
y mill) south of his House, by a clear vote it passed in the Negative.
9'\ It being Requested to Try y^' mind of y" Town whether they would
Lesson y Breadth of y High way from Deep Brook to Springfield:
It pass'd in the negative.
*Thonias Sheldon's homestead was the 50 acres originally granted to tlie
Rev. Jdliii ^'(iiiiiiilovc; situate, Norlii of liic Wc.'^l Sullicld load, iielwecn
IMuddy 15rook and Old Street. (See Map, IVriod II, and foot note p. 2;;1.)
250 TOWN ACTS
10"'. It being put to the Town whether y Broad alley in y*' meeting House
should be fil'd up:
It pass'd in y" Negative.
11"". Voted, y' y Seaters Do proceed in Seating y young People according
to y vote of y^ Town Last meeting.
12"'. Voted, to allow y masters of negroes, and free negroes, a liberty to, for
them to make a seat for s'' Negroes at y Norwest corner of y Meeting House,
upon y beams.
13. Voted, that y Select men Do allow to such persons as shall keep Bulls
for y use of y Town for y« space of seven years next comming, what they
shall yearly Judge meet.
14. Voted, that Cap* Richard Austin Do take y first Pew for his seat.
IS"*. Voted, that Joseph Remington Do take y 2"^ pew for his seat.
16"*. Voted, that Jonathan Remington and John Trumble the first have
Liberty to exchange seats.
Joseph Remington Moderator.
At a Legal Town meeting, Sept. y-' IT"", 1731.
1"'. Voted, that Joseph Remington be Moderator to manage this meeting.
2'^. The Question being put to y^ Town whether they are minded that the
Province Treasury be Supplyed and the money Issued according to his Majes-
ties Instruction : It was voted in the affermative.
3''. By a clear vote the Town approved of an order given by y Select men
to y*-" Town Treasurer for the payment of Twelve pounds Ten shillings to Mr.
Jonathan Ashley, School Master; out of y« Towns Bank Intrest money.
Joseph Remington, Moderator.
Att a meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield on Wednesday y« 24"' of
November, 1781.
Scrj. Joseph Remington was chosen Moderator to manage s'' meeting.
1^'. Voted, to allow the Seaters for their Service for the Town in seating
the Meeting House 4' p'' Day being 8 dales a piece.
2''. Voted to allow the Committee appointed to Recon with the Trustees of
y^' Bank money half a crown a piece for s"^ service.
3'^. Voted to Allow Serj. Joseph King y* like sum for Assisting the s'' Com-
mittee in s'' Reconing.
4"'. Voted, to Allow Peter Roe half a crown for Entertaining s'' committee
at s'' Reconing.
5"'. Voted, to allow Ebenezer Burbank and James King 4" a piece for ser-
vice Don for y^ Towu about y" pound.
e"". Voted, to allow Cap' Austin Ten shillings Extraordinary, for Two years
past in Sweeping tlie Meeting House when seats were making.
7"'. Voted, to allow of y Select mens Bargains with particular persons for
service Don for y« Town.
OP SUFFIELD. 251
8"'. Voted, to Raise forty pounds in money to pay a School master and
other Town money Debts.
9"'. Voted, to allow the Reverend Mr. Ebeuezer Devotion the sum of Thirty
pounds in Town pay over and above his Sallery, for his further Incouragement
in the work of y" Ministry y year Insuing.
10"'. The Town by a clear vote made choice of, and Impowered Joseph
King to prosecute all such persons as he shall from time to time Receive Infor-
mation from the Select men or Town Clerk that have Entertained or taken in
Strangers under any consideration and not given Notice to y^ Select men or
Town Clerk as the Law Directs, for Two years past and also forTiiue to come.
11"". Voted, that such notes or Bonds as are taken for y Town Led Lent be
forthwith Brought to j" Town Treasurer in order to their being put in Suit.
12"". Voted, that j^ Town Treasurer Do Recover y^ Towns Gun * in Ensign
Adams his hand, and the Rent of it for y" Towns use, from the time it was
Lent unto this Day.
IS"". Leiut Joshua Leavitt proposing to y*' Town to pay j" sum of 15 Shil-
lings in Town pay for what of y" old seats he had, and to Return what was
best of them. The Question being put whether y Town would accept of s''
proposal!, it pass'd in the affirmative.
14"'. Voted, that L'on be Receive into y Town Treasury and paid out at
the Rate of 56 shillings p' Hundred. (See pp. 152, 223, 225.)
March the 13"', 1731. At a General or Anneversary Town meeting for the
choice of Necessary Town officers for the year Insuing and for other things of
a General Concern. Cap'^ John Kent was chosen Moderatour to order s''
meeting.
Select men— Cap't. Joseph Winchel, Joseph Remington, Ebenezer Burbank,
Joseph King & John Austin.
Assessors — Joseph Winchel, John Austin, Joseph King.
Town Clerk — John Austin.
Constables — Dudley Kent, & Nathan" Harmon y VK
Fence Veiwers — Joshua Kendel, Samuel Remington, Medad Punirj'-, Samuel
Kent y 2'', Josiah King, & William King.
Tythiwj Men — Sam" Copley, Ebeuezer Nash, Daniel Adams, Asaph Leavitt.
Sizer and Scaler of Weights & Measures — Joshua Leavitt.
Land Measurer — Joseph Winchel.
Town Treasurer — Joseph King.
Sealer of Leather — Thomas Sheldon.
At tliis General Town meeting vote pas't as followeth.
1"'. Voted, to Allow Asaph Leavitt Twenty Shilling for tlic use of his
House for Schollers for half a year, or till y" Last of April next.
2''. Voted, tluit fla.x from the Swingle be Received in and paid out of y»
Town Treasury at Twelve pence p'' pound.
3''. Voted, tliat y Select men Do Let out y" ScJiool Lot for Three years to
y Highest bider, and the money to be to the use of y School.
* See note, p. 203.
252 TOWN ACTS
4"'. Voted, to Allow Daniel Adams a Libert}- of one quarter of an acre of
Land out of j" Highway by his House for Conveniency of Building, & to have
it in Exchang for Land on a good Right. Cap' Winchel to measure y« Land
and to se that it be Laid in a Regular form at y* charge of y** s"* Daniel Adams.
S"". Voted, to Allow Fearnot Burlison fifty shillings for work about y«
Galleries over and above what he hath already Received, being Six pounds.
6'^. At the motion of Jacob Adams sen''. Voted, that Capt Joseph Winchel
Joseph King and Joseph Harmon be a Committee to Repair to a Highway and
Land that Adams Shall show them and at his charge, and to make Report to
y^ Town the next meeting what they think proper to be acted thereon.
7"'. Whereas, there was a Highway Laid out through Land* of Joseph
Pumrys, s** Pumry having fenced up s'' Highway, and Left a Highway South
of his House and the Sawmil oq Mudd}' Brook, and proposing to y*^ Town, y«
Town to Except of y s'^ Exchange, the town by their vote excepted of s'^
Exchange.
S"". Voted, that Nathan" Austin be Collccter of y^ Highway Rate in y^
Room of Sam" Kent y" 3''.
9"". Voted, to Allow John Pengilley Jun"^ untill y" Last of June next to
Complect y" Collecting of y Highway Rate.
10"'. Voted, to Improve Asaph Leavitt to mend the Breaches in y" Clab-
board part of the meeting House, and to Allow said Leavitt six shillings p"^
Day for his service.
11"'. Voted, to pay Timothy Phelps for mending the meeting House Glace,
and for keeping it in Repair.
12"'. Voted, to allow James Rising Six Shillings p'' Hundred for what
Clabbourds y" s' Asaph Leavitt shall give the Select men account of that
there is of y" Clabbord that s'' Rising brought for y*^' meeting House.
Att a Legal meeting of y« Inhabitants of y" Town of Suffield on Munday
the IS"" Day of May, 1732, Joseph Remington was chosen Moderatour to
manage and order y s'' meeting, and then voted ;
I'*'. Voted, to Repair the School House so as to make it fit for the use of
the School.
2'">'. Ensign Anthony Austin was chosen to take ye Care to se the School
House Repaired as afore s'^.
3rtiy Voted, to Leave it with the Select men to provide the Town with a
School Master for this present year.
4'y. Voted, there be money Raised (at y** ordinary Rating Time) for Defray-
ing y» charge of a School master.
5'^. Voted, that in case f John Thatcher Do Return to Reside again in this
Town, to be at y charge of y Select mens procuring a warrant and sending
him away, as y« Law Directs.
*Now the Eli Freeman farm. See text and note, p. 236.
flic was a native of Watertown, Mass., which was liable for his support.
OP SUFFIELD. 253
6"'. Voted, that Matthew Towsleys Rates tlie year past be abated, and that
the Town Treasurer Do Discount with Constable Timothy Phelps so much as
s"" Rates amount unto.
August the 24"', 1732. At a Legal meeting of y" Inhabitants of SufReld : first,
Capt John Kent was chosen Moderator to order s^ meeting.
2''. It was voted, that the Committee for Repairing y« Meeting House Do
give a Power of Attourney to some meet person to appear for them at y« next
Inferiour Court at Springfield; in the action commenced against s** Committee
by Richard Austin, and to pay all costs of s"" Sute which s'' committee or their
Attourney shall Necessarily Expend ; Except s"* Attourney shall agree with s*
Austin which s" Town Do Impower s'' Attourney to Do, and Do also hereby
Ingage to perform y s<i Attourneys aggrement on the Towns behalf in y«
premises.
3'^. Voted, to allow y Constables for their Service, Twenty shillings apiece
with wbat is already voted.
4"'. Voted, to abate * Phillip Nelsons Rates y" year past.
5"^. Voted, to be at y" charge of Building a f New School House 24 feet in
Length and Eighteen feet wide, and nine feet between Joints, and to Set it up
in the Lane in the most convenient Place near against Abraham Burbanks
House.
e"". Voted, to pay to Mr. Josiah Shelden forty Pounds, y one half in
money, and the other half in Town Pay, when he the s* Shelden shall have Set
up a School House of y^ Dementions before mentioned, and every way fitted
for y service of a School House, and also that s'^ Shelden shal have y" old
School House.
November y 30"', 1732. Att a Legal meeting of the freeholders and other
Inhabitants of the Town of Suffield Quallified to vote in Town Meetings as y«
Law Directs.
*Mr. Thomas Nelson of Yorkshire. England, came over with the Rev.
Ezekiel Rogers Company in 1638, bringing two sons, Philip and Thomas, and
settled at Rowley, Mass.. where he was a prominent citizen. He returned to
England on bu.siness, and died there in 1648. By his will; Sir Richard Belling-
hainaud Richard Dummer, Gent., were guardians of his sons. Philip graduated
at Harvard College in 1654, was a Lieutenant in King Philip's AVar, 1676, and
Captain of llie Rowley Company in Sir Wni. Phipp's Canada Expedition in
16<J(). He became involved in a religious controversy with his clnirch, and
was censured hy the General Court. He died August I'J. IG'Jl, at Rowley,
al)oul 5") years of age, having had three wives and ten children. His oldest
son Philip was born at Rowley April 16. 1651) ; married, lived, and there
died December 4. 1721, leaving but one son Philip, who was born August 19,
1690, and came to Suffield about the year 1732, there married Sarah the grand-
dauu;iiter of the Rev. John Younglovc, July 25. 1733, who bore him eleven
children. He bought land in Ratley in 1736, settled there, and was the founder
of the Nelson family in Sullield. He had the title doctor in tli(! records, and
was prominent in the early days of the Second Eeelesiastical Society. The
precise date of his (U;ath is nolknown. but probably 1775. His widow died
April 30, 18U4. aged 8!) years. His homestead is now the property of James
I). Looinis. He was tiie great grandfather of Horatio K. Nelson.
fSee fool note, pp, 142. 254. This was Uie High st. school house until 1797.
32
254 TOWN ACTS
1'*. Voted, that Joseph Remington he Moderator to order and manage 8"^
Meeting.
2'">'. Voted, to allow the Reverend Mr Ebenezer Devotion Twenty Pounds
in Town Pay in consideration of the great Prizes of Provision Pay.
3'1'y. Voted, that Thirty pounds in Town pay be Raised and put into y«
Town Treasury to Defray Town Charges over and above what hath been
allready Granted.
4thiy Voted, that Twenty five pounds in money be Raised and put into the
Town Treasurj' for Support of y* Schooll the year Insuing.
5thiy Voted, to allow Dudley Kent Constable, Twenty one shillings in
Town pay for warning sundrj^ Persons out of Town, and his other Trouble
about John Thatcher viz: his citing the Select men to answer the complaint of
s* Thatcher.
Qthiy Voted, to allow Timothy Phelps so much of the Rates of such per-
sons who absconded before he had opportunity to collect them, he giving
security to collect the same when he shall have an opportunity, and to pay
such Collections into the Town Treasury.
7thiy. Voted, that the Select men pass Town Debts.
gihiy Voted, that Iron, Indian Corn, Rie, Oats and flax shall be Received
as Town pay, to pay Town Debts at the prizes following viz: Iron at 56^ p''
Hundred, Indian Corn at 4' 6** p"' bushel, Rye at 6^ p'' bushel; Oats at 2^ 8'^ p''
bushel, and flia.x at 12'' p'' pound. (See foot note, p. 137.)
gtiiiy The Question being put to the Town whether they would .set the New
Schooll House that is to be Built in some other place than where it was Last
voted to be Sett. Voted in the affirmative ; and voted that Cap' Joseph Winchel
and Joseph King be a Committee to prefix the Place it shall be set on, so that
it should not exceed the space of forty Rods from, nor within y space of Ten
Rods of y« Meeting House.
IQthiy Voted, that the Select men take care to put out the children of such
persons as are not able or neglect Due means Sutably to provid for them.
ll"". Voted, that the Select men take the best care they can of such Persons
who Live Idle and Disolute Lives, and follow no Lawfull Calling, so as to
Subsist themselves and familys thereby.
Given in to Enter under y" Attest of
Joseph Remington Moderatour.
Att a meeting of y« freeholders and other Inhabitants of Suffield Quallified
as y« Law Directs for voting in Town affairs; being Notified to meet, to make
choice of Needfull Town officers for y« year Insuing, and for other matters of
a General Concern for s-^ Town, accordingly meet on Munday the Twelfth Day
of March, 173;;,, and voted as followeth, viz: John Kent Esq^ was chosen
Moderator to order s'' Meeting.
Selectmen — C-d\n John Kent, John Pengilley, Jacob Hathaway, Cap' Josiah
Shelden, Lieut Abraham Adams.
Town Clerk — John Austin.
Constables — 'Edwiwf^ Foster, & Jn" Burbank.
OP SUFFIELD. 255
Asuessors — John Austin, Dudley Kent, Joseph King.
Fence Viewers — Timothy Pahuer, William Halladay, Josiah Hale, & Jon'.
Rising, Samuel Granger y 1^', John Adams y« 1^', Benjamin Gillet, & Sam".
Kent y« 2'^
Siirveighors of Highicaya — Thomas Shelden, John Granger, Daniel Adams,
Benjamin Remington, AViiliam King, Samuel Granger, and John Rising.
TytJiing Men — Nathaniel Warner, Ebenezer Burbank, Joseph Harmon, John
Olds, Ichabod Smith, Sam" Spenser.
Sizer and Sealer of Weights & Measures — Josiah King.
Town Treasurer — Joseph King.
Land measurer — Cap' Joseph Winchel.
Sealer of Leather — Thomas Shelden.
Att this meeting, upon other affairs voted as followeth:
1*'. Voted, that Timothy Phelps and Nathaniel Harmon, Constables for y«
year 1731, be allowed Ten shillings Each over and above their Sallery for their
service as Constables ; provided they subject the several Rates (committed to
them) to be cast up by the present Assessors, together with John Pengilley,
Late Assessor, and if it apppear that the several Sums Contained in them
amount to more than the Sums Contained in tlieir warrants that they pay it
into y" Town Treasury, for the Towns use.
2''. Voted, to allow y" Town Treasurer Ten Shillings addition to his Sallery.
Att a meeting of y" Inhabitants of Suffield, May y« 10'", 1733.
1*'. Voted, that the Selectmen be Directed to take Effectual care That the
Surveyors Do Substantiall Repair y* Great Bridge over Muddy Brook and
a.so y Causey there, & that with all convenient Speed.
S''. Voted, to Grant John Kent so much of y« Highway North of his
* House Lot where he now Dwells as is now within fence provided y" s"* John
Kent Resigns up to y^ Towns use (so much Land as is now granted;) out of
the West Side of his s^ Lot as he hath now Granted to him, and the select men
are appointed at y s'* Kents cost to see y Land Stak'd out to y Town.
3'">'. Voted, that the Assessor Do for the Insuing year Leave out "William
Ilalladays sons Moses head out of y* Publick Ta.\es.
4"'. Voted, that the Assessor Do Omitt Rating three of y Poorest men in
tlie Town provided they have considerable familys of Children, for this Lisuiug
year.
5"". Voted, that Leiut John Austin Do sit in y^ fore Pew.
fi"'. Voted, that the Select men Do for this year make such Alterations in
llie Meeting House as they Judge meet, Respecting persons Selling.
7'''. John Old and Dudley Kent were appointed a Committee to take care
that order be observed in persons sitting in the Galhnies, & to make complaint
to some authority of any continued Disorders. Adjourned to 3, and then met.
8'''. Voted, that ye Select men .shall for Rules observe the former seating
List, and since what men have paid to y publick, as also age and Improve-
ment in part.
* Julius Harmon's heirs now own this homestead. John Kent, Esq., was
tlieson of the first Sullield John, and died June 24lli, 1737. (Sec p. 224.)
266 TOWN ACTS
June the 8"", 1733. At a meeting of y Inhabitants of SufReld warn'd to tiy
3"= minde of y^ Town Relating to seating the meeting House and seats in the
same: and Relating to Highways and confirmation of y™.
1*'. Joseph Remington was chosen Moderatour to order s' meeting.
2'*'y. It was put to vote to se if the Town would fill up y« Broad alley in
the meeting House and it passed in y Negative.
S"^. Voted, that y Town would not Do anything Respecting Seating y«
Meeting House.
4thiy Yoted, that Leiut Jo.seph King Do sue out y" Bond that John Bur-
bank gave to y* Town for making and keeping y Bridge over Rawlingses
Brook, if y s'* Burbank Do not fortliwith compleat y s'' Bridge accoiding to
J" Tenour of s'* Bond.
S"*. Voted, that ye Select men Do take care to get y^ seats Repair'd in the
meeting House where they are gon or wanting.
Given in to Record
By Joseph Remington Moderatour.
Att a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of Suffield December
the 20«^ 1733. "
1^'. Cap' John Kent was chosen Moderatour to order s" meeting, who with
Drawing, John Austin was chosen Moderatour to carry on the s'^ meeting and
then the following votes were passed.
2'K Voted, that forty five in money be Raised this year for the Defreying
what the Town is already Indebted, and for Defreying what money Charge
may Occationally arise afterward.
3'*. Voted, to leave it with the Select men to Examine and allow mens Bills
for what they have Don for the Town, and to allow or give them Credit for
the same.
4"". Voted, that so long as the Inhabitants of feather Street at their own
Cost and Charge shall make and maintain a Sufficient Pound for Impounding
Creatures it shall be Deemed a Lawfull Pound.
5"". Voted, that William Halladay be allowed and paid out of the Town
Treasury what he was Rated the Last year for his son Closes his head.
e"". Voted, to abate what Judah Trumble, Matthew Towsley, Jacob
Wheeler, William Pearse, and Ebenezer Old, were Rated in the Highway
Rate, or what is behind of the s'^ Rates and the Collections of s'^ Rate be
accordingly Discharged of the afore s'' Rate.
7tb * Voted, that in Case John Burbank Doth not make y*' Bridge over Raw-
lins Brook, In the Judgement of the Select men according to the Bond he
hath given Relating thereto, Twenty Days before the Court in Maich next,
then the s"^ Select men by themselves or others whom they appoint to prose-
cute y s"" John Burbank at s'* Court for his neglect therein.
9"^. Voted, that the Select men shall have power to Let out the School
House to such person or persons, (for their comfort between Exercises on the
Lords Day,) «fc upon such conditions as they shall Judge meet for one j-car next
coming.
* See Highway, pp. 225-26-44.
Of SUFFIELD. 257
8"''>. Voted, thiit the Reverend Mr Ebenezer Devotion be allowed and paid
out of y<= Town Treasury (in consideration of y fall of money) Thirty pounds
in Town pay over and above his stated Sallery.
10. Voted, that John Pengilley one of the Collectors of the Highway Rate
Do forthwith Se that the Incumbrance that is or may be on the Highway over
Muddy Brook by Joseph Pumrys be Removed.*
Ijihiy Voted, the Select men Do take care that the Pew Doors in the mete-
ing House be made and Hung.
12. Voted, that the Select men Do .see that there be a window made and
Glased in, the womens pews by y<= Pulpet.
13. Voted, that the Select men Do make a by Law for the preventing per-
sons felling, Girdling or lopping any Trees, (in any of y High ways) that may
be appointed for Shade Trees, and to present the same to y Court for
approbation.
14"\ Voted, to allow Mr. f Benjamin Pumroy forty shillings in money for
his preaching one Sabbath.
lo'h. Voted, to allow Constable Harmon the Rates of Edward Strickland,
Joseph Smith, and Thomas Copley Jun% & Dudley Kent the Rates of Jacob
Wheeler.
16"'. Voted, that the Hind flank seat on the North side of the upper Gal-
lery 1)6 made up forthwith by the Committee that is appointed for Repairing
the Meeting Hou.'ie, and that seat and that only be for the Negroes to sit in.
IMarch 12"', 173|. At a General or Anneversary meeting of the freeholders
and other Inhabitants of the Town of Suffield for the choice of Necessary
Town officers; and for other things of a General Concern. Cap' John Kent
being chosen Moderatour to order s'' meeting, the following choice was made
and votes passed.
Select TOgTi — Samuel Harthaway, John Austin, Samuel Kent y 3'', John
Pengilley & William King.
AssesKors — i o\m Austin, Joseph King, John Pengilley.
Town Clerk — John Austin.
■ Connlables — 1£.(\\\AY<X Foster, & John King.
SarveyoTK of Hifjhways— Nathaniel Pumroy, John Adams y 1", Joseph Ful-
ler, Samuel Lane, Timothy Palmer, Samuel Kent y 2'', Jo.shua Kendel, A: John
Trumble y 2''.
Sealer of Leailier — Noah Pumroy.
Sizer & Sealer of Weights & measures — io^n\\\ King.J
Town Treasurer — Joseph King.
Land Measurer — Cap' Joseph Winchel.
* See p. 252. For other votes about negroes, see pp. 22i)-")().
f See note, p. 81. He was conspicuous in the religious dis.sensions of the
period. See Trunihull's History of Connecticut, vol. ii, cliapter 8, and Con-
necticut Colonial Records, vol. i.x.
JJosiah Kiiiii. irraiidson of Captain Jolm, and son of William (all) of North
field, lilaiilcd a familv 1h re about the year 1736. Fie was nut a des<'endanl of
James King, the SnMicld planlcr, as supposcil. (Si-c p. 3(1.)
258 TOWN ACTS
Tythimi men — Abraham Burbank, John Roe, Jacob Adams, Nathan" Har-
mon y^ 1"*, Benjamin Gillet, & Thomas Copley.
Fence Veneers — Josiah Hale, Jonathan Rising, John Warner Juu, Medad
Pumroy, Daniel Adams, ifc Nathaniel Warner.
At the same meeting voted,
1"'. That John Austin, John Pengilley be a committee to Recon with the
Town Treasurer (also Cap' John Kent added to s'' Committee by a clear vote
at y next meeting).
2"^. Voted, to allow Constable Harmon the Rates of Edward Strickland,
Joseph Smith & Thomas Copley Jun"' and to Dudley Kent the Rates of Jacob
Wheeler.
3*. Voted, that the Hind flank seat in the upper Galler}' on the North side
be forthwith made up by the Committee for Repairing y« meeting House and
that that seat and that only be for y^ Negroes to sit in.
May y« 9"^, 1734. Att a Legall meeting of the freeholders and other Inhab-
itants of Suffield Quallitied to vote in Town meetings, being Notified to meet
and being conveened, voted as followeth.
1*'. John Austin was chosen Moderatour to order s^ meeting.
2''. Cap' John Kent was chosen to Joyn with the former committee that
was chosen to Reccon with the Town Treasurer.
3''. David Smith proposing to y" Town to Exchange some Land for conven-
ience of Building.
Voted, that Cap' Joseph Winchel, and William King be a Committee at y«
charge of s" Smith to view the Land Requested for. and the Land that is to be
Laid Down in Exchange therof, and niiike Report to the Town at the next
meeting how much Land and in w' form will suit s'' Smiths Design, and also
what Land in their Judgment s'' Smith shall Throw up to y" Town having
Regard to all cercumstances of y" Land that may make y« Exchange Equal.
4«'''>'. Voted, that the Town shall be at the cost of mending all the Glass in
the Meeting House, and mend all y Breaches therein to prevent Birds Coming
into s'' House, and that Ensign Josiah King be a Committee to lake care to
get y worke Don, and to se that the Breaches in s'^ House be speedily Repaired.
f)*''. Voted, that the Pound be set in the Town Street near where the old
])()und is, and that the Town be at y*^ Charge of Removing the Timber, and
that the Select men se that the Town speedily have a pound erected in the
Street as afore said.
■ At a Legal Meeting of the freeholders and other Inhabitants of Suffield
August y 22*'. 1734. John Kent Esq"" being chosen Moderator to order s''
Meeting, the following votes were passed.
1^>. Voted, that Mr. *Ebenezer Devotion Jun' be Desired to keep school for
us and also somthing to assist his Reverend Father in Preaching the Gospel
t^o us, and also to Give him an Honourable Reward for the same.
2'^ Voted, to Leave it with the Select men to Treat with the b^ Mr. Devo
tion and agree with him as afore s**.
*He was the minister at Scotland, Windham Co., Conn., 1735-1771.
OF SUFFIELD. 259
Att a Legal Meeting of y^ fi'eeholders and other Inhabitants of y" Town of
Suffield conveened & held on the 13"> Day of December 1734.
1'*. Deacon Joseph Reraington was chosen Moderatour to order s'^ meeting.
2'^. Voted, to allow Abraham Burbank for \sstocks Eleven shillings &
sixpence. To Richard Austin for work at y" school House sixteen shillings.
To William King for a pad lock lour shillings. To James King Sen"' for
plank Eleven shillings & Two pence. To Lieu* Abraham Adams for Two
Journey^ for School master fifteen shillings.
3'^. Voted, to allow the Reverend Mr. Ebenezer Devotion over and above
his stated Sallery — In Regard of y" fall of money. Thirty pounds.
4. Voted, and made choice Serj Abraham Burbank in the Room of Jn"
King to serve as constable.
5. Voted, to Raise Thirty Eight pounds in Town pay: and one Hundred
and Thirty one pound in money.
6. Voted, that Iron should be In Town payments Three pounds p"" Hundred,
Wheat at Ten shillings p' bushell, Rie at seven shillings p'' bushel], Indian corn
at five shillings p'' bushell, Oats at Three shillings p'' bushell, flax at fifteen
pence p"' pound, and Barly at six shillings p'' bushell.
7. Voted, that the Select men Do Inquire Into the Town Debts and allow
what they shall Judge to be Due.
At this meeting Voted, that y" select men Do allow Timothy Phelps his
account.
At a meeting of the freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Suf-
field Qualified to vote In Town Meetings, being Notified to conveen and meet
on the 2'i Munday of March being the Tenth Day of s<i month Annoque Dom-
ini, 173f for the choice of Necessary Town ofiicers for y year Insuing and
some other things of a publick concern. They accordingly met on s<' Day and
made choice of John Pengilley Jun'' Moderatour to order s'' meeting, and then
proceeded to choice of ofiicers as foUoweth.
Select men — Joseph Winchel, John Austin, John Pengilley, William King,
Sam" Kent y« 3''.
Assessors — Joseph King, John Pengilley, & Sam'U Kent y" 3''.
Town Clerk — John Austin.
Constables — Benjamin Kent, and Thomas Spenser.
fThe Plymouth Colony Laws in 1637 required each town to be provided
with "the stocks" and the whipping post, and these were the appendages of
every Meeting House, one hundred years ago. (Thatcher's Plymouth.) In
1730, the ^Massachusetts Province Law required every town to be provided
witli them. Tliey were common tiirougliout the Colony at an early date, vol-
untarily erected by the towns, as a terror to sinners. The •' Kfor/.s" are once
again mentioned in our records, Proprietors Book, vol. i, p. 2(j, as follows:
""At a Lawfull meeting of the Proiirietors of the Common and undivided I-ands
within the Township "of Sullield, Dec-eni!)cr the 12tli, 1737. First. By a clear
vote, C:ipt. Joseph Wincliell was clioseii Moderati)r for s'' meeting. 2'>. It was
voted tliat notitieations for Proprietors Meetitigs should be .set up on a signpo.st.
southward of the Meeting-Housc in s'' Sutlield, some few rods distant therefrom
that is to say! by the stocks that stand by a While Oak tree that is there. y'>.
By a clear vote said meeting was dissolved."
260 TOWN ACTS
Fence Viewers — Timothy Phelps, Joseph Kent, John Burbank, William
Mather, Thomas King, and Dudley Kent.
Tything Men — Ensign Joshua Kendel, Samuel Harthaway, Sam" Kent y<* 2'*,
John Smith, Jonathan Remington, Timothy Palmer.
Toion Treasurer — Joseph King.
Land Measurer — Cap'. Joseph Winchel.
Sizer & Sealer of Weights & Pleasures — Josiah King.
Sealer of Leather — Noah Pumroy.
Surveyors of Highways — Jacob Hartheway, John Trumble y" 1^', John Old,
Ed'^'. Foster, Sam" Granger y 2'^, William Halladay, Nathaniel Harmon y«
2^, Nathan" Norton, and Jonathan Remington Jun'.
Then Voted not have any Hogreevs.
2<">'. At this meeting Voted, to chouse a Committee to Lease out the School
Lot for a Term not Exceeding five years.
3''. Voted, that the Selectmen be a Committee for that purpose.
4"'. Voted, That the Town Treasurer Do pay to (or Discount with) John
Burbank late Constable the sums of Joseph Burlisons and Will™ Hammiltons
Rates Committed to s'^ Constable to collect, provided he give the s'* Treasurer
good security that so soon as he has an opportunity he will collect s"* Rates and
pay y^ same Into the Town Treasury. And then the meeting was adjourned
to the last Munday of this Instant March, at sun an Hour High at Night.
Given to Record by John Pengilley, Moderator.
Att a Legal Town meeting of y'' Inhabitants of Suffield May the 8"", 1735,
1*' Samuel Kent the 3'^ was chosen Moderator to order s"* meeting.
2**. And then voted and Granted to David Smith his Heirs & Assigns full
Liberty by way of Exchange for Land of his. To take up, fence, and Improve
as his and their proper Estate for ever. Two acres and Three quarters
of Land on the Westward side or part of y High Way where s"* Smiths
House now Stands, and that according to the following Description, that
is to say; Beginning at Twelve feet Distance south from the south corner
of s** Smiths House as it now stands. Thence, Running North Twenty Degrees,
East Thirteen perch to a stake; Thence North seventy Degrees East, Seventy
six perch to y^ Southward corner of the second parcel of Land which s'' Smith
has given the Town by a Deed bearing Date, March the 10"^ 1735. The south
end of s'' Two acres & Three quarters is Twelve Rod and Tapouring to a point
at the Northward End: The South End to be terminated so as not in y" Least
to Infringe y* Towns priviledge with Respect to y*- main and Chief Spring or
springs of Water that are in s'* Highway a Little Westward of s'^ Smiths House,
Entered ]\Iay y*- S"", 1735, Sam" Kent, Moderator.
At a Legal Town Meeting at Suffield upon the Twenty Seventh Day of
November 1735.
l'«. John Pengilley was chosen Moderator to order s'* meeting.
2'>iy. Voted, to allow the Constables for warning persons out of y^ Town,
Three pence p'' mile for Travel, and one shilling for serving a warrant on each
person.
OF SUFFIELD. 261
3'"y. Allowed to Dudley Kent, AVilliam Hambletons Rates what he had not
collected before he went away, y« s'^ Dudley Kent giving Security to pay it
again to y« Town if ever he hath opportunity to collect the same.
4"''.v. Allowed Cap* Winchel, William King and Sam" Kenty^B^ Select
Men, Ten shillings each for Time spent in Reckoning with the Town Treasurer.
5"''y. Allowed Leiu' Joseph King Eight Shillings for keeping the Select
Men whilst they were making up a Reckcming with him.
6">'>. Allowed to those of the Select men that perambulated (he line with
Springfield & Westtield six Shillings p' Day.
7"''>'. Voted, to allow "William King seven shillings for going to Windsor
for a School Master.
8"". Allowed to John King,* Doctor John Drews Rates, he giving security
to the Town for to pay them the same if he has opportunity to collect them.
9ihiy_ Voted, to allow Nathan" Pumro}'^ five shillings fof five Loads of
poles.
10"'. Voted, to allo'j? Thos: Copley fourteen shillings for Timber.
ll"". Voted, to allow those of y® Select men and Cap* Winchel five shillings
a Day for going Avith y Comitioners to Run the Line.
12"'. Allowed to Jacob Adams Eight shillings in Money for Nails for the
Meeting House, and for writing a bond & time spent in the Towns service,
Eight shillings & six pence.
13^''. Voted, to allow y Reverend Mr Ebenezer Devotion Eighty pounds in
Town pay over and above his stated Sallery in Regard of y fall of mone}-.
14"'. Allowed Leiu' Jonathan Shelden 12^ for going to Northamton for a
School Master.
15"'. Voted, to Raise Sixty pounds in Town pa}^ for Defraying Town
Charges.
16"'. Voted, that the Select men Do something as they .shall think best
about fencing clearing & laying out y Burj'ing Yeard.
17"'. Voted, that Cap' Wiucliel, Deacon Mixer & Sam". Kent y 3'', Do
consider if they think best to move some persons in the Meeting House for
their more convenient Sitting.
IS"". Voted, for ye Select men to Request of y Itcvcrend Mr Ebenezer
Devotion a copy of his Last Thanksgiving Day Sermon f & to lake care to get
it printed at y cost & charge of y Town & to get 400 books printted & tiiat
every family l)e .supplyed with a Book, and that every single person tliat paj's
Rates by himself have one book, & the Remainder of ye 400 books be at y"
Desposing of y Town as they please.
19"'. Voted, that y Select Men Do consider & allow Abraham Burbank,:}:
■•Dr. John Drew, and Reliance Leavitt were published Ju)y 13, 1734, and
married Aug. 22, 1734.
f Tills sermon probably was never printed. No copy is known to exist, and
Thomas' Hist, of Printing does not nienlion it.
X The remainilerof this vote, bottom of page 53, Rec. Book No. 2, is illegible.
262 TOWN ACTS
August J" 4. 1735. At a Legal meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi-
tants of ye Town of Suffleld to Trj^ whether the Town would set off y« West
part of y« Town for a separate Precinct, and the Question being put to ye
Town whether they would set off s^ West part for a Precinct.* — It pass'd in
y Negative.
March the S''', 173|. At an Anneversary meeting of y« freeholders and
other Inhabitants of the Town of Suffield Quallified to vote in Town affairs to
make choice of Necessary Town Officers for the j^ear Insuing, and other
concerns of a publick nature.
Samuel Kent the 3"* being chosen Moderatour to order s"* meeting, the
following choice was made.
Select Men — Joseph Winchel, John Austin, John Pengilley, William King,
Sam" Kent y 3<».
Assessors — Joseph King, John Pengilley, Sam" Kent y« Z^.
Toion Clerk — John Austin.
Constables — David Smith, and Noah Smith y" 1"'. afterwards voted to Except
of Noah Smith y<* 1"' to serve alone.
Tything Men — John Rising, Dudley Kent, Nathan" Wooster, Joseph Fuller,
Noah Smith y 2^, and John Granger.
Fence Vieicers — Nathan" Warner, & William King, John Old, and Joseph
Harmon, Joshua Kendel, & Benjamin Remington.
Surveyors of HigMoays — John Smith, George Norton jun'', Mcdad Pumry,
Thomas Copley sen"", Joseph Kent, Daniel Adams, John Burbank, and
Thomas Granger.
Land Measurer — Joseph Winchel.
Town Treasurer — Joseph King.
Sizer & Sealer of Weights & Measures — Josiah King.
Sealer of Leather — Noah Pumroy.
Hogreeves — Daniel Spenser, Posthumas Sikes, James Austin, and Joseph
Remington.
Surveyor of flax and hemp — Samuel Kent y<-' 3''.
At this meeting Voted to Discharge the Collectors of the Highway Rate y''
whole of y<* Remainder of said Rate.
Sam" Kent S**, Moderator.
May y« 1736. Att a Legall meeting of the Freeholders and other
Inhabitants of y<^ Town of Suffield to act something Relating to Highwaies;
John Pengilley being chosen Moderatour to order s'^ meeting; Then:
1''. Voted, that Joseph Winchel, Jonathan Shelden, and Samuel Kent y«
3<', be a Committee to Treat Simsbury Relating to a Highway from j" Round
Hill to y' West Iron Workes f and that what said Committe shall Do therein
shall be good and valid to all Intents and that any person through whose Land
* The first record of a desire to divide the town into two parishes.
f The dam for these works was about 10 Rods East from the present bridge,
or about half -way between it and the present Saw Mill dam. Here was a
fulling mill later. See Note, p. 153.
OF SUFFIELD. 263
is to pass from s'* Iron Works to Windsor Line s<^ Higliway not to exceed
three Rods in breadth.
2'^. Voted, that Joseph Remington, Joseph Wiuchel, John Trumble j" firste,
and Abraham Burbank, be a Committee to take care that the Towns Highways
have their full breadth, and to give Notice to such persons as Do Incroach
upon said Wales, that they Do Remove such Incumbrances, & in case such
Incumbrances be not speedily Removed, to prosecute such offenders in the
Law.
Voted, and Read in Town meeting. Test:
John Pengilley, Moderator.
November y<' 36">. 1736. The freeholders and other Inhabitants of Suffleld
Quallified to vote in Town meetings being Notified to conveen on fr3^day y s"*
26"' of November — To pass or allow Bills of Charge for y" year past, and to make
a grant of money and Town pay to be raised for y« Defraying Town Debts,
and other charges that may arise, and for an adition to Reverend Mr Devotions
Sallery; to act somthing Relating to Highwaies & something relating to Ish-
mael Negro, and for Thomas Spenser Late Constable, and being met on s'*
Day Joseph Remington being chosen Moderator. S'' meeting was adjourned
unto Tuesday y" 30"' of s*" Nov''",: at Twelve of y« clock, and being met on
s"! day, adjourned again unto the next Day being ye first Day of December
1736 at Two of y clock in the afternoon. And being met the following votes
were passed.
jB e d
1. To allow *Jo' Hastings for mending seats in y<-' Meeting House. 0-03-0
2. To Sam" Hathaway for spikes 0-02-6
3. To Joseph Remington for Tending mason 2 dales 0-10-0 .
4. To Isaac Remington masoning at y school House 0-12-0
5. To Tho: Shelden for plank & one logg 1-09-0
6. To Dr Nathan" Austin for plank 0-16-0
7. To Tho: Granger for 500 of Bricks 0-12-6
8. To Tho: Copley for plank 1-03-0
9. To Samuel Granger y" 2" for carting Brick 0-05-0
10. To Timothy Phelps for mending y" School House 0-06-0
11. To W"' Austin 10* p'" Hundred for what plank he found
12. To Sam" Kent y^ 3" for E.xpenses of y Select Men and Laying
out Highwaies and 2 Loads of Clay 1-10-0
13. To Cap* Winchel for six Days Service for y Town 1-10-0
14. To Lieu' Jonathan Sheldon one Day 0-05-0
15. To W'" King for five Days 1-05-0
16 To Nathan" Pumry for plank 0-10-0
17. Voted, to Raise more than above in Town pay 70-00-0
* Joseph Hastinirs " entred his purpose of Marriage with Dorca.s Smith, at
Suilield Oct. 1»'. 1726, and was married Nov. 10"'. following." He was the
founder of the Sufiield family, and was an elder or e.xhorter in the "Sepa-
rate" or "New Litrhl" Movement in 1750, and was the organizer and Pastor
of the First Baptist (!hiirch of Siilficld in 176!» lie was a son of Benjamin,
and grandson of Deacon Tiionias llastinj-s of W'alcrtown, Mass.; was born at
Northampton, Dec. 27, 1703, and died at SuHicld. Nov. 4, 1785. His son John
(by a second marriage) was his eminent successor in the Baptist ministry.
264 TOWN ACTS
18. Also in money 45-00-0
19. Voted, y" Reveren Mr Devotion for fall of money in Town
pay 80-00-0
20. Voted, to Serj Jared Huxley for keeping Ishmael Negro for
y^ time past 05-00-0
21. A^oted, to Xoah Smith constable for warning persons out of
Town 00-18-0
22. Voted, to Jacob Adams for Boards 00-01-6
28. Voted, to Abram Burbank partly for wood and for Doing som-
tliing about ye pound 00-09-6
24. Voted, more to Constable Smith for *pressing a Nurse for y«
Wife of Henry Blotchet 00-03-0
25. Granted to y" Committee for Removing Incumbrances on
Hiwaj^s 5' p'' Day (viz)
To Dea: Remington for four Days 01-00-0
To John Trumble for four Days 01-00-0
To Cap' Winchel for Eight Days 02-00-0
To Abraham Burbank for 8 Days 02-00-0
26. Voted, that what y Committee for Highways have received for Incum-
brances be put into y"^ Town Treasury.
27. Voted, that y price of Town pay be as followeth viz: Iron at Three
pound five shillings p' Hundred. Wheat at Ten Shillings p'' bushel. Rie at
seven shillings p"^ bushel. Indian Corn at 4 shillings p"" bushel. Barley at 6
shillings p"' bushel. Oats at Three shillings p'' bushel. — Flax Eighteen pence
p"^ pound.
28. Voted, that Joseph Remington, Cap' Winchel, <fc Sam" Kent y" S"* be a
Committee to Search y Records Rehiting to y" High Way from Town to Fea-
ther Stieet by Benony Banes's, & to Lay out s' way and make Return to y«
Town y next meeting.
29. Voted, William King make Inquiry In order to find out f Ishmael
Negroes Master.
Joseph Remington, Moderatour.
t HIGHWAY OVER THE MOUNTAIN.
November in the year 1736, We the subscribers with the concurrence of the
Selectmen of Suffleld have Laid out a Highway of six Rods in breadth from the
foot of the first 3ronntain or hill on the east side thereof, and from thence to the
east side of Mount 3Iannatick. — The South Side of said Way is bounded at every
turn or crook with good boundaries: being fixt by the point of the Needle and the
chain as hereafter exprest and set forth : that is to say ; It begins at a yeallowoak
Tree mark, haveing Stones about the Root, and standing neer and on the North
side of a little Brook, or Rivulet ; where it comes out of the. Mountain, said Tree
being Reputed a bounder of Lieut Joseph Kings Land : from which tree said way
* Forcing into service.
f •' Ishmael" was probably a fugitive slave. The efforts to find his master
■were ineffectual. In 1744 the Proprietors gave him the use of a "small parcel
of land " which he liad already inclosed with fence, situated on the east side
of the Springfield road. In 1753 the Town voted to give Lshmael twenty
pounds.
:j:This Road was used until 1822, when the present one around the " Short"
or "Coldspring" Mountain was laid out. See Town Rec. B. No. 2, p. 385.
OF SUFFIELD. 265
Runs West five Degrees South: about Twenty Rods to a heap of stones:
Thence West Nineteen Degrees, North Twelve Rods: To a Red oak tree raarkt
with the Letter H. thus: With stones about the Root — Thence North Twenty-
one Degrees: West Eleven Rod to a great ycllowoak tree ; Slarkt with the
Letter H. thus = Thence North Twelve Degrees East — Sixty Two Rods to a
Stadle Markt: and stones about the Root: Thence North seven Degrees East:
Twenty Three Rods: to a small white oak, Markt with the Letter H thus; and
standing on a small Ledge of Rocks: Thence North Forty Two Degrees West
Twenty Three Rods; to a black oak markt with the Letter H. thus : Thence
West Thirteen Degrees South: Twenty four Rods to a heap of stones: Then
North Twenty five Degrees: West Twenty Rods to a heap of stones: Thence
North four Degrees, West for forty Rods to a Walnutt Stadle, whh stones about
the Root: Thence West Twenty Eight Degrees North: Twenty Rods to a black
oak tree markt: With the Letter H thus; Thence North Eight Degrees, West:
Twenty one Rods: to a walnutt tree: With stones about the Root: Then North,
Twenty four Degrees West, Twenty six Rods to a Walnutt tree markt and
stones about the Root: Thence North Twenty Degrees West Eight Rods to
Two Stadles a white oak and a black oak standing together : and stones about
the Root: Thence West Eighteen Rods: to a yeallow oak tree markt: with
stones about the Root, Thence West nine Degrees south to a tree markt: and
stones about the Root: Then West fifteen Degrees south Eleven Rods: to a
AValnutt tree with stones about the Root: Then West thirty three Degrees
South, Twenty five Rods to a Walnut tree markt Thence south Thirty
Degrees west: Nineteen Rods to a Walnut tree markt: Then south, four
Degrees West about Twenty Rods: to a walnut tree markt: — Then south
thirty six Degrees West, Twenty nine Rods: to a Walnut tree markt, and
stones about the Root: — Then West, Eight Degrees south. Twenty Two Rods
to a heap of stones: by a wet miry place: Thence West Twenty-Two Degrees,
North Nineteen Rods to a Stadle markt: with stones about the Root: — Thence
West ten Degrees North Twenty seven Rods to a Stake and stones neer Stratons
house: Thence West sixteen Degrees North Twenty seven Rods to a yeallow
oak tree markt with the Letter H thus: Thence West forty four North Twelve
Rods : to a stadle markt and stones about the Root : Thence West thirty four
Degrees North: Ninety one Rods: to a large white oak tree markt: standing
on the West side of hill caled stony hill: — Thence West ten Degrees North:
Thirty six Rods to a large white oak tree standing on the West side of a small
run of water: said tree being markt and stones about the Root: — Thence West
one Degree North: thirty six Rods to a pine tree markt: and stones att the
Root: — Thence West six Degrees south: one hundred and thirty one Rods:
to a pine stadle: markt: — Then west fifty one Degrees south: fifteen Rods to
the Edge of a mirey marsh : Thence west Twenty Two Rods to a stalcc:
Thence North forty Eight Degrees West one hundred and ten Rods:* to a
white oak tree markt : and stones about the Root: said tree standing neer the
path as it now goes att the North East End of said Manuatuck: and on the
East side thereof.
Joseph Winchel, William King.
Tlie above Described highway allowed and approved of by the Town at a
Legal Town meeting held by adjournment on tlie first Day of December, 1736.
*The N. H. II. 11 have closed this section, and opened a m'W road, south
of it, to obviate two railroad crossings at grade.
266 TOWN ACTS
A HIGHWAY FROM MATTHEW COPLEYS DOWN TO WINDSOR
BOUNDS AT WILL HAMLINS.
Then, we the Subscribers Laid out a Highway from the Northwest corner*
of the Twenty acres of Land formerly Laid out to William Pearce, Now
in possession of Samuel Hathaway: against which Corner we Laid said way
Eight Rods in breadth westward of said corner- at the southeast corner
of Matthew Copleys home Lot we Laid said way eight Rods and Eight
feet in breath eastward of said corner = against the north corner of Samuel
Smiths house We Laid said way Eight Rods and half in breadth: against the
west corne'' of said Smiths house We Laid said way seven Rods and ten feet
in breadth against the North corner of the Lot that was Nathaniel Cheneys we
Laid said way Eight Rods and Two feet in breadth: against the North west
corner of Samuel Copleys Lot we Laid way Eight Rods in breadth: and against
the south west corner of said Lot we Laid said way Eight Rods and six feet in
breadth: against the house of Ichabod Smith Jun"' We Laid said way Eight
Rods and six feet in breadth: against the south east corner of Nathaniel
pumrys home Lot : We Laid said way ten Rods in breadth : against Fosters
Fillers Lot: We Laid way Eight Rods in breadth: against the south corner
of fosters Devotion Lot : we Laid said way Eight Rods in breadth. Att
the turn of the common Road in the Swampie or wet ground next the little
plain We laid said way Eight Rods in breadth : Against the South east corner of
peter Roes Land: We Laid said way nine Rod in breadth att the east end of
William Hamblins Lot by the south bounds of Suffield Township Next to Wind-
sor: We Laid said way Nine Rods in breath: said way being bounded with
stones: att sundrey places above mentioned: and also between place and place
above Described: setting forth the breadth of said way: there is also to be a
conformable and proportionable breadth: agreeable to the several breadths
above mentioned.
Joseph Winchel, William King, Sam" Kent. Selectmen.
In Town meeting Dec 1^', 1736, the above Described highway alow.d and
approved of by a Clear Vote.
March the 14"' 173f . At an Annaversary meeting of the Freeholders and
other Inhabitants of the Town of Suffield quallitied to vote in Town affairs, to
make choice of Necessary Town officers for the year Ensuing and other con-
cerns of a Publick nature.— Samuel Kent y*^ 3'^ was chosen Moderator to manage
said meeting.
Select il/e?i— Deacon Jo's Remington, Lie'. Jonathan Shelden, Jacob Ilathe-
way, Dudley Kent, Samuel Kent y>^ 3"*.
Assessors— Lewi. Jo's King, Ensign Sam" Kent, Noah Smith 1^'.
2\)wn Clerk — John Austin.
Constables— Ehenezev Smith, Jonath" Remington.
TytUng Men — Ebenezer King, Ens" Josiah King, Joseph Harmon, Daniel
Adams, Daniel Spencer, Ebenezer Southwell.
Fence F«Vwer.«— Ens" Joshua Kendal, W'» Mather, Sam" Hatheway, Jonathan
Rising, Nathan'-' Harmon. 1^'., Noah Smith y« 2'*.
Sarvei/ors of Highways— 8am^^ Orangery 2"'^, Thomas Shelden, Sam" Smith
*Now owned by Geo.W. Cline. I find no other record of bounds of the old
Windsor Road, formerly Christian Street, now called South Street.
OP SUFFIELD, 267
y" 2'', Sam". Harmon, John Norton, William Halladay. Jun'', William King,
and David Smith.
Land Measurer — Cap' Joseph Wincliel.
Town Treasurer — L*' Jos: King.
Sealer of Weights and Measures. — Josiah King.
Sealer of Leather — Noah Pumry.
Surveyor of Flax and Hemp — Ens" Sam'' Kent.
Voted, that William King be Impowered to Search for further evidence, and
prosecute the matter in the Law^ to find out a Master for Ishmael Negro.
Voted, that Jared Huxley Sen"' take care of Ishmael Negro untill the trial
be made by the Town to find out a Master for s'' Negro, and all at the cost of
the Town.
Voted, that there be paid out of the Town Treasury to Jared Huxley Sen"',
five pounds in Town pay for the support of Ishmael Negro for the future.
Voted, that the Committees Time be further lengthened, Relating to the
High way from High Street to Feather Street iu the middle of the Town»
and to bring in their Report at the next Town Meetin.
Whereas: Noah Smith y 1" served as Constable, the year past alone, —
Therefore: Voted, that the Sallery which hath been given to two Constables,
that is to say: forty shillings for his service the year past, to be paid to the said
Smith out of the Town Treasury.
Voted, That there be a Contribution for Matthew Towsley as soon as may
be, and that the Select men Do see what said Towsley and his families circum-
stances are, and take care of him and his family, and what may be given, and
also his estate in the most prudent way they can, both for s'' Towsle}^ and the
Town.
June y« 20'^ 1737. Att a Legal Town Meeting of the Inhabitants of Suf-
field— Dea Joseph Rimington was chosen Moderator for said meeting.
2'^. Voted, also that Joseph Winchel should be Town Clerk* for the
remaining part of the year.
S'y. Voted, That swine should go at Large being well Ringed and yoaked
as the Law Directs.
4'>'. Voted, That Samuel Smith y 2'"' should agree with Workmen to Do
the Carpenter work of the County bridge over Stoncy brook.
Also Voted, that the High way from Deep l)rook to Springfield Road Do
Remain under its present circumstances untill further order.
Also by a clear vote the following petition of the several petitioners thereto
subscribing, With Respect to Erecting a Ware: as in said petition is set forth
was fully granted to the said petitioners.
We the subscribers being united into a Society for fishery: — Commit our
petition to the Town of Suftield: assembled together to Consider tlie matter:
for Liberty to Erect a small Dam of about Two feet high and Three or four
Rods out into the River: above all the Common and Standing fisiiiug jilaces
on the Upper Fals in said Suffleld — June y 9'^. 1737, Subscribed to by
*John Austin son of Anthony 1st, was the second Town Clerk —served 22
years, and died May 18, 17:57, in the 65th year of his age.
2(i8 TOWN ACTS
Dudley Kent. Joshua Kindol. John Halladay. Benajah Austin. Joseph Win-
chel. Benjamin Kent. Samuel Copley. John Roe. John Pengilly. John
Buibank. John Towsley. William Mather. Robert Granger. Ebenezer King:
William Halladay.
Att a Lawful Town Meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield on The Seven-
teenth Day of October 1737: and continued by adjournment unlill the third
Tuesday of November Next following: att which meeting The following
Votes were past.
P'. Joseph Winchel was chosen Moderator for Said Meeting.
2''. Also Voted to give Thirteen Shillings in Town pay per hundred for
good Two inch plank to such persons as should provide the same: so far as
shall be needed this present year to Repair the Town bridges.
3''. Granted to Ensign Samuel Kent four pound and six shillings in Town
pay for providing a Dinner for the Raisers of the great bridge.
4"'. Granted to John King Twenty four shilling in Town pay for three
gallons of brandy Expended in Raising the great bridge.*
5"*. Granted that Two galons of brandy may be Expended in Raising the
bridge over Mudy brook commonly called Keiloggs bridge.f
6"'. Also granted to the Reverend Mr. Ebenezer Devotion one hundred
pounds in Town pay in consideration of the fall of money.
7"'. Also granted to William King Thirty six shillings in Town pay and
fifteen shillings and Two pence in money for six Days Time and Expense
about Ishmael Negro.
S'*". Granted to Abraham Granger five shillings in Town pay for 5 trees to
mend highways.
9^^. Granted to Matthew- Copley Jun', Plight shillings in Town pay for
Eight trees used about the bridge.
lO"". Granted to John Burbank for five Days and half framing the great
bridge, forty nine shillings and six pence in Town pay.
More granted to John Burbank for Three Days and half spent about Rais-
ing the great bridge, Sixteen shillings in Town pay.
Alao granted to George Norton Sea'' 4 shillings in Town pay for 4 trees.
Also (/ranted to Jared Huxley Sen'' for 2 lode of poles in Town pay 3 shillings.
Also granted to John Hale in Town pay six shillings for Ten trees.
Also granted to Noah Smith the first: in Town pay for 3 lode of wood and 3
lode of stone all six shillings.
Also granted to Jacob Hathaway for 38 sticks of timber: in Town paj' —
Thirty shillings.
Granted to Edward Foster for seven Days work about the great bridge six
shillings per Day — Two pounds and Two shillings.
Granted to Samuel Smith 2'^ for his Trouble as a Serveigli'*'' in building the
great bridge 30 shillings in Town pay.
Also voted to give five shillings per hundred in Town pay for boards; and to
bare the c;liarge of so many as shall be necessarily used this year about finish-
ing the great bridge.
■* See note, p. 159. Also since called Jackson and Sherman Bridge,
f Formerly Winchell's Bridge, see p. 71; latterly Grosvenor's Bridge.
OP SUFFIELD. 269
Oranted to Peter Roe Twelve shillings in Town pay for Eleven trees and a
load of timber used about the great bridge.
Oranted to Samuel Smith 2'\ four shillings in Town pay for four Lode of
timber used about y"* bridge.
Oranted to Leiue' Jonathan Sheldon, sixteen shillings in Town pay for
Twenty Load of wood for Kellogs * Bridge.
Oranted to Samuel Spencer Two shillings in Town pay for Two trees used
about the bridge.
Also granted io Edward Devotion forty ^shillings in Town pay: for house
Room for Goodman Segar and his family for some time past: and untill the
next Annaversary Town meeting in March.
Voted, also that for paying of Town Debts the price of Indian corn: this
year shall be six shillings per bushel and the price of oats three shillings
and six pence per bushel: and the price of Iron three p<i and Ten shillings per
Imndred:
Also Joseph King 2'^ for nine hundred feet of plank for the great bridge: in
Town pay five pounds and seventeen shillings.
Also voted, to Raise seventy pounds in money to pay Town Debts and lo
Defray Necessary charges that may Ensue.
Also rated, to Raise one hundred and ninety pounds in Town pay for the
paying The Towns Debt.
Also voted to give Noah Smith the 1*', — Late Constable, — the one half of
Ebenezer Burlleson's Rates: committed to him to colect: that is to say,
Twelve shillings and six pence in Town pay.
Att an Annaversary Tovs^n Meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffleld in order
to eiiuse Town officers; to order the prudential affairs of said Town and other
things of General concernment: March y" IS"". 173|.
First, Serj Dudley Kent w\as chosen Moderator to manage said meeting.
2''. And then the following choice was made and votes past.
Select Jf^Ti— Joseph Remington, Samuel Kent, 3'', Joseph Winchel, Jonathan
Sheldon, f Samuel Hathaway.
Town Clerk — Joseph Winchel.
Assessors — Joseph King, Samuel Kent 3''. Joseph Winchel.
* Muddy Brook bridge, on the West Suflield road. At this time Martin
Kellogg's house was upon the hill, north side a lillle west from the bridge.
f Sliadrach, Jacob, and Sanuiel Ilatliaway (probably brothers) were the lirst
of the name in Sullield. This surname is "rarely ujet with in the early New
Etigland records, and its genealogy is at the present time ohsciu'e.
Shadrach mar. Deborah, dan. ()f John Kent of Siitlicld Apr. 25, 1717. He
died leaving two sons. Shadrach and Simeon. Jncoh mar. Deborah, the
widow of Shadrach — Feb. 15, 1722. Jacob d. Nov. 14. 1774. The Boston
Neck family are his descendants. Milton Hathaway now in his 81)"' year, is ;i
gr. -grandson. Saiuucl. mar. Sarah the dau. of Peter Howe of Sullii'ld, May
2S, 1719. Seven children are recorded to them. A son, and gr.son, each
named As.aliel. were graduates of Yale College. He was aiiiau of much
enterprise, juid was engaged in establishing " Iron Works" at Sullield in 1721,
at Willimanlic in 172'7'. and at New Milford in 17:52. He d. April 14, 17(!.").
leaving an estate valued at €1772: 0": 8'' His one half of the "Middle Iron
Works" was appraised at €100. (See note, p. 152).
34
270 TOWN ACTS
Tything Men — Nathaniel Harmon 1^', Jonathan Remington, Jun'', William
Mather, Ebenezer Burbank, Jonathan Smith, Ichabod Smith jun'.
Sealer of Leather — Noah Pum^3^
Sizer & Sealer of Weights & Measures — Asaph Leavit.
Surveyors of highways — Samuel Smith 2'*, James Barllow, Jacob Hathaway,
Joseph Harmon, John Burbank, Noah Smith 1'', Samuel Rimington 2'^, Daniel
Adams.
Constables — Thomas Granger, Ebenezer Smith.
Town Treasurer — Joseph King.
Fence Viewers — Joshua Kindol, Benjamin Rimington, Samuel Kent 2'',
Nathaniel Harmon, Benaiah Austin, Thomas Spencer, Nathanel Wooster,
Jonathan Sikes.
Land Measurer — Joseph Winchel.
Hogg reives — Nathanel Smith, John Rising.
Also voted and granted to Samuel Kent 3'', Twenty shillings in Town pay
more than was formerly alowed, for his providing a Dinner for the Raisers of
the great bridge over Stoney River.
Also granted io Samuel Kent 3'': five shillings in Town pay for a Load of
wood : carried to Joseph Segar.
Also granted to John Pengilley, Twelve shillings in Town pay for some
Trouble be was att about Ishmael Negro.
Also granted to Dea Joseph Rimington for three peks of corn to Segar, four
shillings and six pence Town pay.
Also granted io Jacob Adams for setting up a signe post: Eight shillings in
Town pay.
Also granted to Thomas Sheldon for half a bushel of corn to Segar and
some other service for the Town: five shillings and eight pence in Town pay.
Also granted to Moses Kent for the use of his Cart, three shillings in Town
pay.
Also granted to John Old : Eighteen shillings in Town pay for Eighteen Load
of wood: use about the bridge.
Also granted to * Timothy Phelps, two shillings in Town pay.
Also granted to Noah Smith the first: five shillings in town pay; for a Lode
of Wood carried to Segar.
Aho granted to Noah Smith 2': Eight shillings in Town pay: for half a
bushel of corn : and one Lode of wood to Goodman Segar.
Also granted to Leiut Joseph King three pounds in Town pay: for this year:
for his serving the Town as a Treasurer.
Also granted to Dudley Kent: for three peks of corn to Segar: in Town pay
four shillings and six pence.
Also granted to Jared Huxley for his care and Trouble about Ishmeal Negro,
in Town pay forty shillings.
Also groMted to John Warner in Town pay Two pounds Two shillings &
six pence l^own pay.
* Timothy Phelps, son and grand son of the Nathaniels' of Northampton,
and gt. gr. son of William of Windsor, founded a family here in 1726.
His son Aaron was Adjutant, and his son Timothy was Qr. Mastei-, in General
Lyman's Regt., in the last French War. Timothy died in the service in 1758.
unmarried. Aaron was afterward a deacon, and" died June 24lh, 1804. His
sons, Capt. Timothy and C'apt. Seth, were prominent citizens.
OF SUFFIELD. 271
Att a Legal Town meeting of the freeholders of Suffield. May y" S**, 1738.
firnt, Joseph Winchel was chosen Moderator for sd meeting.
Secondly: For as much as Thomas Granger: together with some others pro-
posed in said meeting for a highway on the hill that Lyeth west of the house
of Benjamin Allen 2'': therefore Voted: that Joseph Winchel: and William
King be a committee (att the charge of such as Improve them) to view the
Land where the said way is Desired to be Laid out: and that they consider the
circumstances thereof: and Make Report to the Town at their next meeting.
3'"y. Also voted in s'^ meeting: that Whereas Nathauel Norton and Sundrey
of the Neighborhood att Rattlesnake Plain Did Request that a *highway might
be Laid out att the South end of the Great Marsh: to extend to the Mountain:
Therefore the above Named Joseph Winchel and William King: were also
appointed: att the charge of such as Improve them: to view that place like-
wise and the circumstances thereof: and make report thereof to the Town att
their Next meeting.
4"'. Also voted to make a further Tryal: in order to find out the master of
Ishmeal Negro: on the Towns Charge.
5'''. Also voted that William King; who was Lately chosen to Endavour to
find out the master of Ishmeal Negro: Do make some further tryal in order
thereto.
Att a Legal Town meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield December the first
1738.
1''. By a Clear vote John Pengilley was chosen Moderator for to manage s'*
meeting.
2'"5-. Voted and granted, to Serj William King for Two Days perambulat-
ing with Springfield: and Westfield: seven shillings per Day in Town pay.
3'i'>'. Granted to Joseph Winchel for perambulating with Springfield and
Westfield: Two Days: in Town pay: fourteen shillings.
4"". Granted to Samuel Hathaway for one Day perambulating with Spring-
field and some other service, — In Town pay sixteen shillings.
S'l^'v. Granted to Dudley Rimington in Town pay three shillings: for timber
To menl highways.
e^^'y. Granted to Joseph Harmon Two shillings in Town pay for Timber to
mend highways.
7"''y. Granted to Joseph King Jun-- four shillings in Town pay: for four
sticks of Timber to mend highways.
8''''y. Granted to Jacob Hathaway for plank : in Town pay fourteen shillings.
9t''i.v_ Granted to Ebenezer Smith Constable, seven shilliugs in Town pay
for warning Sundrey persons out of Town.
10"'. Granted to Lieut Joseph King for his Time and Expence: after Phillip
Commins sixteen shillings in money: and sixteen shillings in Town pay.
11"''>-. Granted also to Lieut Joseph King: four shillings in Town pay which
he paid to Josepli Hastins: for work s' Hastins Did about the meeting-house,
provided it do not appear said Hastins iiad Ills money some otiier way.
12"'. Granted to Doc Nathanel Austin Two shillings in Town pay: for lim-
ber to mend the highways.
*Sec Town vote of 1739, ordering it to be laid. It w:is laid out in 1704.
272 TOWN ACTS
IS"". Voted, that the select men may alow Richard Austin What he may
Reasonabl}- Demand in Town pay: for what he hath Don: and is speedyly to
Do about Repairing the Meeting-house and School-house.
14"". Granted, to the Rev. Mr. Ebenezer Devotion one hundred pounds in
Town pay this year over and above his stated salary: in consideration of the
fall of money:* and for his further Incouragement in the work of the ministry.
I5thiy Voted, that the price of Wheat this year for the paying of Town
Debts shall be eleven shillings.
le**". Voted, that the price of Rye this year for the paying of Town Debts:
shiiU be seven shillings and six pence.
IT"". Voted, the price of Indian Corn for the paying of Town Debts This
year shall be five shillings and six pence.
18"". Voted, and granted to William Austin for Two sticks of Timber, Two
shillings in Town pay.
lO**". Lieut Jonathan Sheldon and Noah Smith the first: were chosen to view
the fHighway that Leads to Tainters hill by Ebenezer Smiths, and that they
make Report how they find it: att the Next March meeting.
SO'*". Voted to Raise sixty five pounds in Town pay: to Defray Town
Charges.
2L Also toted to Raise Eighty five pounds in money: for the Defraying
Town Charge.
22. Also voted to abate Samuel Stockwels Rate : to Jonathan Rimington Late
Constable provided said Rimington take the first opportunity he has to colect
the same of said Stockwel: and Do alow the Town the benefitt theref.
23. Also voted, to abate ijiM"^ John Woodbridge the sum assesed on his
pole the Last year, viz. 1737.
II MEETING HOUSE.
24. Voted also, to build a new Meeting-house for the Worship of God,
sixty eight feet in Length: and forty six feet in breadth.
25. Voted also to build a belfree to s** house, and also that the timber of said
house be brought neer to where the Meeting house Now Stands.
26. Also voted, to chuse a Committee of five men to carry on that alfair as
to building a New Meeting-house: and accordingly, Ensign Samuel Kent: Wil-
liam King: Leiut Jonathan Sheldon, Ensigne Asaph Leavit, and John Pengil-
ley, were chosen a Committee to pursue that matter with Respect to building
said Meeting-house.
27. Also voted, to Raise three hundred pounds in Town pay to be Improved
Toward the building a New Meeting-house.
28. Also in said meeting Joseph Winchel and John Pengilley: Were made
choice of To Endevour the obtaining of some evidence of our Westfield Neigh-
bors under oath: as to the South West corner of Springfield Township.
* See foot-note, page 235.
fSee town vote. May 31, 1739.
tHe was the son of Rev. John Woodbridge of West Springfield, was gradu-
ated at Yale in 1733, preached at Poquouoc'in Windsor 1731-36, married Try-
phena, dau. of Rev. Benj. Rugglcs of Suflield, in 1739; and was the settled
mmister at South lladley from 1742 until his death, Sept. 10th, 1783.
II By this vote the majority designed to prevent the division of the town into
two ecclesiastical societies.
OF SUFFIELD. 278
29. Also Voted, to Raise Ten Pounds in Town pay to be Improved toward
the Instructing Children in Reading in the West part of the Town.
30. Also in said meeting Serj William King, and Ensign Samuel Kent
were chosen to view the highway that Runs through Ehenezer Nash ; his
home lot: to the Grismill, and that they make Report: att the next March
meeting.
31. Also Joseph Winchel, and William King were chosen to find out on
what terms Land may be had to accommodate a Highway: from the East side
of the great Marsh to the Mountain: and that they make Report: att the next
March Meeting.
Att a LawfuU Town meeting of the Inhabitants of SufBeld December y« 14"',
1738.
Mrst, William King was chosen moderator for said meeting.
Secondly, It was proposed to the Town whether they would sett off the
West part of the Town into a Seperate and Distinct Society : and the vote
pass'd in the Negative.
Thirdly, it was proposed to the Town whether they would Reconsider all or
any of the Votes; that were passt on the first Day of December Currant, so far
as any of them have a Relation to the building of a New Meeting-house: and
the vote past in the Negative.
Att an Annaversary Town Meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield March y«
12"', 1739. In order to chuse Town Oficers to order the prudential affairs of
the Town as the Law Directs. And also to act what further might be thought
Needfull and Necessary to be Don with Respect to Sundry perticulars of
Public Concernment to the Town, and accordingly choice was made and votes
were past as foUoweth :
Imprimis — John Pengilley was chosen Moderator for s'' meeting.
Select Men — Willisim King, Joseph King, Jonathan Sheldon, Dea. Joseph
Rimington, Samuel Hathaway.
Town Clerk — Joseph Winchel.
Town Treasurer — Joseph King.
Fence viewers — Jonathan Rising, Noah Pumry, Jacob Adams, Posthumas
Sikes, Medad Pumry, John Warner Jun^
Asxesssors — Joseph Winchel, Joseph King, Samuel Kent 3''.
Sizer & Sealer of Weights & Measures — Asaph Leavit.
Surveicjhers of highicays — Samuel Granger 2''. Nathanel Wooster, Benajah
Austin, John Rising, Joseph Fuller, Ebenezer Trumble, Nathanel Harmon 1",
William Ilalladay 2''.
Laud measurer — Joseph Winchel.
Surveighers of Shingles — Joseph King 1".
Constables — John King, Daniel Sjiencer.
Uoggreives — Joseph llastins, Isaac Rimington.
1»'. Also voted, and granted to Edward Devotion tor liouse room for
Goodman Segar and liis family the year past, Two pounds and five shillings in
Town pay.
274 TOWN ACTS
2^. Also granted to Ebenezer Smith Six Sliillings for Warning persons out
of Town.
d''. Also granted to Joseph Winchel five shillings in Town pay for a Lode
of wood to Joseph Segar.
4. Also granted to Joseph Winchel Eighteen shillings & three pence in
money: which he expended in answering a complaint att Boston.
5. Also voted, to Impower the Select men for the Time being yearly before
the Town meeting for passing bills: to reckon with the Town Treasurer that
so the town may be informed: att said meeting as to the state of the Treasury.
6. Also toted, to Impower the Select men for the time being to give out
orders to the Town Treasurer: to dispose of the Towns money in the Treas-
ury for the paying of such Towii Debts: as the Town have past and allowed.
7. Also voted, that there be a *Highway Laid out Two Rods wide from the
east side of the mountain beginning att the foot thereof : thence eastward to
the south end of the great marsh: and so to the highway by f Thomas Feelands:
provided the Land of perticular persons : which it may take can be had for
three pounds and Ten shillings per acre in Town pay, and so proportionably
for more or Less quantity.
8. Also voted, that the price of Indian corn this year, for the paying of
Town Debts shall be six shillings: excepting only the minister: he to have it
att five shillings and six pence per bushel.
9. Voted, that the price of Rye for the paying of Town Debts this year
shall be eight shillings: per bushel.
10. Voted, that the price of Wheat this year: for the pcaying of Town Debts
shall be eleven shillings per bushel.
11. Voted, that the price of oats this year for paying Town Debts shall be
four shillings per bushel.
12. Also voted, to Leave it with the Select Men for the time being: for five
years next coming to allow such persons as keep buls for the Towns use so
much as they shall Judge Reasonable Not exceeding forty shillings per bull a
year. Provided also, that no man be allowed for more than one bull: and
not for any that are work' in the yoak.
13. Further voted, that the Committee chosen to build the meeting house
shall have Liberty To Draw out of the Treasury : what they shall need or have
occasion for: to procure covering for the Meeting-house Lately voted to be
built.
14. Also voted that Leiu' Joseph King be a Colector to Colect the Three
hundred pounds in Town pay Lately voted to be Raised and Improved towards
building a new Meeting House.
Att a Legal meeting of the freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town
of Suftield: Qualified by Law to vote in Town meetings; on the twenty -first
* This road was laid out in 1764. 183 R. long and 2 R. wide The west
portion IS seldom used, and little known. See T. Rec. Book No 2 p 117
t Thomas Feeland, (Phelaud, Phelon,) was the founder of this family in Suf-
field about the year 1733. His dwelling-house, lately occupied by his maiden
descendants, Cynthia and Mary (Polly) Phelon, is yet standing at the upper
end of Ratley street, in West Suflield. He d. Nov. 17, 1769 His origin is
unknown Jo.seph Pheland, his adopted son, and progenitor of all who bear
the name here, was born Dec. 1, 1733.
Oh' SQFFIELD. 275
Day of Mnf 17?>9: and continued by adjournment untill the twentj'-second day
of said month, att which meeting sundrcy Votes were past, Which were as
followeth: (viz. :)
Pimt. Joseph Kiug was chosen Moderator to order s<^ meeting.
Secondly. Voted to give Jared Huxley Ten pounds in Town pay for his
keeping Ishmeal Negro for the Time past: and untill the time of the sitting of
the luferiour Court att Springfield in August Next, provided: said Huxley Do
acquit t the Town from all charge in Time past, or That may arise by means
of keeping said Ishmeal Negro untill said August Court.
Thirdly. Voted to Leave it with the Select men to provide a house for Good-
man Segar and his family to live in.
Fonrthly. Voted thvil* Ruben Harmon be Discharged the Whole of his
Rates: Which he was assessed att the year past: and that the Tow^n Treasurer
Do Discount the same with the Constable who was to Collect the same.
Fifthly. Voted that the Select men Do have a good Drumf to be beat upon
Sabbath Days: att Seasonable houres: for the orderly calling of the Assembly
Together for the Publick Worship: the Remaining part of the year.
Sixthly. Voted: that the % Highway That Leads to Stony Brook by Ebenezer
Smiths house shall be continued Where it was formely Laid out and Recorded
and be Liiproved accordingly : as soon as the present crop That is growing
thereon be taken off.
Test Joseph King Moderator.
Att a Legal Town Meeting of Freeholders and other Inhabitants of Suffield,
Qualified to Vote in Town Meetings: as the Law Directs June y 11"' 173!).
Fivi^t. Lieut Joseph King was chosen jModerator to order said meeting.
Secondly. Joseph King Gent™, was chosen an agent in behalf of the Town
of Suffleld to make answer to a ^Petition Exhibited to the General Court: now
sitting at Boston: by the Inhabitants of the West part of said Town: praying
to be Set off into a Distinct and Seperate Society by themselves: and said
King to shew Reascms || Why: they ought not: to be soe Set off.
Thirdly. Voted that Cap'. Joseph Winchel: Mr William King: and Mr John
Pengilley: be a committee to Draw up such answers to the Petition of the
* Reuben Harmon removed early to Rupert, Vermont, and was a delegate to
the famous Vermont Convention at Dorset in 1776. Hisson, Itcuben Harmon Jr.,
acquired distinction as having the exclusive riglit of making Vermont coiiper
coin, the weight and devices l)eing regulated by the State. The coinage ceased
in 1788. The amount coined and put in circulation is wholly unknown. These
" An ('tori Vennon" pennies were common lift}' years ago, but an; now rare,
and quite valuable to coin collectors.
f A red Hag was ordered in 108r>, and a drum in 1710 for a like purpose. Tlie
first, bell was I'ought in XliW.
X'Vh'w road from tiie Kent Corners toward Tainlor Hill was laid out in 1701,
witli bounds ill defined. John Kent .Ir. lived where Julius Harmon's heirs
now live. See p 140.
^This T'ctition was in -May, ITH!*. 'I'lie Court deferred a decision, and
reconnnciulcd an ariangcmenl by a commillee clio'^cn l)y mutual agreeniiiil of
both parlies. This was done, ami the decision of the committee was ralilieil
by the General Court Jan. 1, 17:|j;.
11 See Appendix B.
276 TOWS ACTS
West part of the Town as they shall Judge proper, to Instruct their agent in
his Negosiating the affair Respecting the said Petition before the General
Assembly.
Also Voted that the said Committee Do procure a plan of the Town for their
agent: to Lay before the General Assembly: to Lead them into a Right under-
standing: of the circumstances of the Town: or to take such other measures:
as they shall think Needfull thereabout.
Joseph King Moderator.
Att a Legal Town meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield November y" S'*"
1739.
First. Mr Samuel Kent S<^ Was chosen Moderator to manage said meeting.
Secondly: It was proposed to the Town whether they would pay what
Reasonable charge the Westward part of the town have been att in petitioning
the General Court att Boston to be set off into a separate Society: in case the
said Westward part Will Joyn with the Rest of the Town in chusing a com-
mittee to Detimine the Controversey: and abide their Detirmination: and the
Vote past in the Negative.
Then said meeting was adjourned to the 12"' Day of said November and
then being met:
First: Voted to Reconsider the above s'^ Vote Relating to the Charge which
the Westward part of the Town have ben att in attempting to be sett of into a
Seperate Society.
2Vext Voted, that the petitioners of the Westward i)art of the Town be paid
out of the Town Treasury: what Reasonable charge they have been att in
petitioning to be set off into a Seperate Society: provided they: Joyn with us
in Chusing a Committee to Detirmine the Controversey and Do peacably Sit
Down by the Committees Detirmination and said Committee to Detirmine
what their Reasonable charge is.
Also Voted, to Joyn with the Petitioners: in chusing a Committee to Detir-
min whether it be meet and convenent under our present circumstances that
the West pait of the Town be set off into a Seperate Society by themselves or
not: and if the Committee Judge it meet to set them off: then also to Detir-
min the bounds.
Also Voted, that James Wadsworth Esq'' of Durham, Eleizer Porter Escf, and
Cap' Nathanel Colman be a * Committee to Detirmine the affore s-^ controversies
Also Voted, thatLeiut. Joseph King: M^ William King: and Ensigne Samuel
Kent be a Committee to Joyne with the petitioners: in Improveing said Com-
mittee: or in Chuseing any other persons for a Committee: in case of the
failler of any one, of the afore said Committee: or any objections against any
of the said Committee by the Petitioners.!
It was also proposed to the Town in said meeting whether they would set off
the Westward part of the Town into a Distinct and Seperate Society: and
the Vote past in the Negative.
* They were not accepted by the Petitioners.
f See Appendix C.
OF SUFFIELD. 277
It was also proposed Whether they would set the New Meeting House.
Which the Town is about to build: about Twenty Rods to the northward*
from the North west corner of Thomas Sheldons home lot where he now
Dwells: and the Vote past in the Negative.
It was voted that Leiu* Jonathan Sheldon: Noah Smith 2°"^, and Samuel
Kent 2*1, should be a committee to Dispose of the Ten pounds in Town pay,
lately granted by the Town for the Instructing children in Reading, in the
westward part of the Town: soe as may best answer the End proposed.
Also voted, and granted to Richard Austin in Town pay for mend-
ing the Meeting :House £00-05-06
Also granted to Jonathan Sheldon for the use of 2 bulls in Town
pay 02-00-00
Also granted to Abraham Burbank for mending the pound in
Town pay 00-06-00
Also granted to William Spencer 2'* for mending the meeting
house in Town pay 00-05-00
Also granted to Victory Sikes in Town pay for Eight Lode of
wood to mend Highwaj's 00-08-00
Also granted to Benjamin Kent in Town pay for entertaining Mr f
Roger Newbury: and such others as assisted him about a plan 02-00-09
Also granted to John Pengilly in Town pay for time spent about
apian 00-06-00
Also granted to Joseph Harmon Jun' in Town pay for 6 Days
Caring the chain after Mr Newbury 01-16-00
Also granted to Joseph Winchel three pounds in bills of Creditt
for that He paid M'^ Newbury. 3 pounds towards a plan. J 03-00-00
Also granted to Joseph Winchel in Town pay for himself and son
for 7 Days each about the plan. 04-04-00
Also granted to Joseph Winchel for Laying out a High Way att
the Great Marsh in Town pay : 05-08-00
Also granted to the Reverend M"- Devotion in Town pay over and
above his stated sallary in consideration of the fale of money and
for his further Incouragement in the work of the Ministrey 130-00-00
Also granted to Joseph Leavit in Town pay for nails 00-01-00
Voted in said meeting that the price of Wlieat this year for
paying Town Debts shall be Eleven shillings per bushel : 00-11-00
Also voted that the price of Rey this year for paying Town Debts
shall be eight shillings per bushel 00-08-00
Also Voted that the price of Indian Corn for this year: for i^aying
Town Debts shall be six shilhngs per bushel : 00-06-00
Also voted that the price of oats this year for paying Town Debts
shall be four shillings per bushel : 00-04-00
* On Old street, now the Hastings Hill road.
file was a Coiuity Surveyor from Windsor, Ct. lie d. in the Culta Expedi-
tion, A. D. 1740. See Stiles' History of Windsor.
X This plan, or map proved an expensive alTair. No trace of it can lie lound.
35
278
TOWN ACTS
Voted, that the price of Iron this year for paying Town Debts
shall three pounds and fifteen shillings per hundred 03-15-00
Also voted that the price of flax this year for paying Town Debts:
shall be eighteen pence per pound. 00-01-06
Also voted to Raise Two hundred and Thirty pounds in Town
pay this year for the paying Town Debts 230-00-00
Also voted to Raise one hundred and Twenty pounds in mony
this year for the paying Town Debts and Defraying the Necessary
Charge that hath or may arise. 120-00-00
Also granted to John Hanchet 2'' for wood to Segar in Town pay — 00-06-00
Granted to Daniel Spencer in Town pay for warning persons out
of Town. 00-06-00
Also granted to Jacob Hathaway after Ihe Rate of Three pounds
and Ten shillings per acre in bills of Credit according to the old
Tenour, for what Land of his the Highway which Leads from the
Great Marsh .to the Mountain Takes, be it more or Less.
Also voted, that Samuel Hathaway and Joseph Harmon should be a com-
mittee to view the Highway that Runs through Ebenezer Smiths Land near his
house: and make their Report to the Town alt their next meeting as to their
opinion thereabout.
Att a Legal meeting of the freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town
of SufBeld : Feabruary y« e"-. 17|f .
1'' First. L' Joseph King was chosen moderator for s'' meeting.
2^ Secondly. Voted that the Committee Lately chosen.to build a new Meeting
House be also a committee to allow such persons as have provided Timber and
other matterials in order to build said house their Reasonable Demands There-
for: and that they bring in to the Town an account thereof att their Next
meeting in March.
3 Thirdly. Granted to John Warner for pork and milk and six lode of wood
to Joseph Segar in Town pay, all forty three shillings & six pence.
4. Granted to Thomas Sheldon in Town pay for ointment for Segar one
shilling.
5. Granted to: Thomas Copley in Town pay for the use of his bull: thirty
shillings: provided he Dischaige particular persons as to their use thereof.
Granted to Noah Smith y" first for plank in Town pay three shillings.
Granted to Daniel Adames for a lode of wood to Segar in Town pay six
shillings.
Granted to Posthumus Sikes in Town pay for a lode of wood to Segar six
shillings.
Granted to L' Joseph King for one lode of wood to Segar in Town pay six
shillings.
Granted to Joseph Winchel in Town pay for wood to Segar one Load six
shillings.
Granted to L' Joseph King fourteen pounds in money: for a like sura paid
by him for the Town to the Referees.
OF SUFFIELD, 279
Granted to Timothy Biu'bank iu Town pay for goeing to Westfield for a
bone setter for Joseph Segar eight shillings.
Granted to Samuel Smith for Two lode of wood to Segar in Town pay
Twelve shillings.
Granted to Timothy Burbanke Twenty three shillings and six pence in money:
for a like sum expended by hfti^ about Goodman Segars Legg.
Granted to L' Joseph King six pounds and eleven shillings for a like sume
paid by him: to Benjamin Keiit for Entertaining the Committee appointed to
Detirmine the Controversy witWlespect to the setting off the West part of the
Town into a seperate Society.
Granted to William King foui^ pounds nineteen .shillings and eight pence
money for a like sum together with expenses paid to Mr Newbury and Cap'
William Pyuchon Jun'' : all of which being with Relation to makeing a plan.
Granted to William King in Town pay four pounds eleven shillings and six
pence : for sundrey Days spent with Relation to making a plan : and waight-
ing on the Committee,* namely: Colonel Stoddard: Cap' William Pynchon
jun^ and Mr Pitkin: and one load of wood to Goodman Segar and his horse one
Day to Springfield : and some other expenses.
Granted to Daniel Hulbard for Two Joyrnies to Plartford in order to obtain
a Committee together with his expenses: Thirteen shillings and nine pence, in
money: and twenty shillings in Town Pay.
Also voted to adjourn said meeting to the Tenth Day of March Next att nine
of the clock in the forenoon: — Att which Time being met said meeting was by
a clear vote adjourned to the Next Freeholders meeting that will be in May
next to chuse a Representative.
Att a Lawful Town meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield May y" 19"'. 1740:
held by adjournment: Lt Joseph King being Moderator of said meeting.
Voted, that the Timber Lately provided in order to build a new Meeting
House shall be fully and wholley to the use and Dispose of the East Precinct in
Suffield, provided they bare the whole charge and cost that hath arisen in pro-
viding the same.
Att an Annaversary Town meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants
of Suffield Qualyfyed to vote in Town Meeting: in order to chuse Town offi-
cers to order to manage the prudential affairs of the Town and matters of
General Concernment as the Law Directs: as also to act and vote what furthe-^
may be thought proper and Necessary: March y" Tenth \l\l. Which choice
and votes are as f olloweth —
Select men — hi. Jonathan Sheldon, Dea. Joseph Riminglun. Ens. Samuel
Kent. Dudley Kent, Joseph Harmon.
Town Clerk — Joseph Winchel.
Toion Treasurer — Ens. Josiah King.
Constable — Benjamin Kent.
Sealer of Leather — Noah Pumroy.
Assessors — Sixmnei Kent 3'', Noali Smilli 1". Duilley Iv'tit
* For the acts of (his ComrMittce, see Appendix D.
280 TOWN ACTS
Tything men — John Hanchet 2'', Jonathan Rimington Jun'', Samuel Harmon,.
John Old, Robert Granger, Thomas Coplej-.
Seizer and Sealer of Weights and measures — Ens. Asaph Leavit.
Land measurer — Joseph Winchel.
Pence Viewers — Ebenezer Noble, Richard Mather, Samuel Kent 2'', Noah
Smith 2"*, Nathanel Warner, John King.
Serveighers of MgTiways — Edward Foster, Joshua Kindol, John Granger,
Jacob Adames, Ebenezer Southwel, Timothy Phelps, George Norton Jun'',
Aaron Rising.
To prosecute such persons as Transgress by killing Deer Contrary to the *
Law — Jacob Hathaway, William King.
Hog-retes — Ebenezer Harmon, Benjamin Allien 2''.
In said meeting also voted and granted to Lt Joseph King for spikes, in Town
pay three shillings.
Also granted to Samuel Kent 3'^ six shillings in Town pay: for a like sum
Which he paid for the Town to Noah Pumroy.
Also granted to Dea Joseph Rimington in town pay for seven pound and
three ounces of pork to Goodman Segar, Eight Shillings and four pence.
Also granted to Ensi Josiah King in Town pay for one Load of wood to
Segar, Six shillings.
Also granted to Joseph Wiuchel Six shillings in Town pay for one Load of
wood to Joseph Segar.
Also granted to Ebenezer Smith Nineteen shillings and Two pence in money
for sundreys to Goodman Segar, viz: half an ounce of blistering salve & half
an ounce of Lickrish, & half an ounce of annice seede: and half an ounce of
genshon: and an ounce of Metradate, and half an ounce of manna: and five
grains of Rubub: and half an ounce of Cinemon: and an ounce of Metradate:
and an ounce of Dias Cordum: and a Gallapot.
Also granted to Cap' Josiah Sheldon for Two ounces and six peny worth of
Salamonick to Goodman Segar: Twelve shillings and six pence.
Also granted to Benjamin Kent for a pint of Rum: a gallon of brandy: and
a lode of wood to Goodman Segar: seventeen shillings and eight pence.
Att a Legal Town meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield March y« 31^': 1740.
1^'. L' Joseph King was chosen Moderator to manage said meeting.
2'">'. L' Jonathan Sheldon, Joseph King and Joseph Winchel: were chosen
a Committee to Lease out the School Lot: on such tirms: and on such con-
ditions as thej' shall think best: and most for the Towns Interest for the use
of the school: provided they Do not Exceed the tirm of five years.
3''. Also voted that Ens Samuel Kent Do upon the Towns Charge procure a
grave cloth for the Towns use upon funeral occasions.
4'y. Also Voted that the Town Treasurer Do Discount the full and the whole
of John Tousleys Rates Committed to Thomas Granger Late Constable to
Colect.
*The Province Law of 17f-J made the penalty for killing deer between the
lOtli day of December and the 1st day of August, ten pounds, or imprisonment
thirty (lays.
OF SUFFIELD. 281
5"''y. Also Voted tliatt that vote of the Town Lately past: which Did
appropriate The Town Bank Interest money to building a New Meeting
House: be uttei-ly Void and of none Effect.
6'y. Also Abraham Burbank and Samuel Rimington were chosen to prose-
cute such person: and persons: as shall presume to Kill Deer Contrary to the
Law of this Province.
7'y. Also Dea. Joseph Rimington, Jonathan Sheldon, Samuel Kent 3'', were
chosen to Reckon with the old Treasurer.
Att a legal Town-meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield May the 19"'. 1740:
1*'. Dea. Joseph Rimington was chosen Moderator to manage s'' meeting.
2'y. Voted to pay to the West Society out of the Town Treasury: so much
money as the Reffarees Did order when they were att Suflaeld: about setting
off Said Society.*
3'y. Voted to move the school into the West Society such a proportion of
time This year Insueing: as may correspond with what they pay to the School
Rate.
4'y. Also Voted that Joseph Winchel, Noah Smith 2*', and Joseph Fuller:
be a Committee To view such highways as Run through mens Lands and that
they Estemate The Damage: and that they make Report thereof to the Town
att their Next meeting.
5'>'. Also Voted and granted to such persons as shall Errect a f Cart bridge
over Stony Brook: Neer the Land of Dea. Joseph Rimington Where he now
Dwells: Three pounds in Town pay: to Encourage such as shall undertake it
to be speedy therein.
6'y. Also granted to Lt. Joseph King Eighteen pounds Ten shillings and Two
pence in money to Defray the Charge and Expence he was att by means of his
agency att Boston in the Towns behalf.
7'y. Also granted to Lt Joseph King Forty shillings in money: for a like
sum paid by him in the Towns behalf to Mr Cattling.
y'y. Also granted to Lt Joseph King Seven shillings per Day in Town pay
for nineteen Days spent in the Towns service when sent as an agent to Boston.
9'>'. Also granted to Aaron Hitchcock:}: Seventeen shillings and six pence in
Town pay for sundreys — Viz: his bottoming a chair for the school liouse and
making a coffin for Goodman Segar: and mending the School house.
lO'y. Also granted to Ebenezer Smith Twenty shillings and Ten pence in
money for Druggs to Goodman Segar in his Sickness.
*See Appendix D.
f There was a ford on the old Norlhumplon Path, before the town wassettk'il,
at the place, known since 1740, as the Remington Street Bridge.
tCapt. Aaron JlitchcfU'k of Springlield, and Exjjerience Kent of Sullield.
dau. of John Ketit, wore married Sept. IH, 17;5y. lie was ;i cariientcr, and
settled here about tliat time. For iialf a century he was a leading man in the
town. He was the town clerk tiiirtceii years, and town treasurer twenty live
years. He commanded a comi)aiiy in Gcn'l fjjinan's regiment in the French
War. in tlie years IToO, '57, and 1 7(i(). He ki-pl a tavern lor a loin;' period, on
the Kuggles'AliMi.sler Lot, lligii street. (See p. 100.) He died Sept. 2."). 1«08,
aged Do years.
282 TOWN ACTS
ll'y. Also granted to Benjamin Kent for sundreys to Goodman Segar in
his sickness Tliirtj' tliree sliillings and six pence money. £01-13-6.
Also granted to Natlianel Warner in Town pay for Two lode of wood to
Joseph Segar Twelve shillings. 00-12-00.
12'>. Also granted to Dudley Kent Six shillings in Town pay for one Load
of wood to Goodman Segar. 00-16-00.
13. Also Ensigne Samuel Kent was chosen to go to Hartford Court or
Assembly to make Inquirey to find out if their be any probability or Likely-
hood that the Dividing line between the Governments of Massachusets and
Connectticut according as thej' have Lately settled the same : Will ever be soe
altred if means be used : as to bring SufBeld under subjection and obedience
to Connectticut: Enjoy the privilidges of that Government: & pay our
Countrev Taxes there.
Att a Legal Town Meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield November the 25"'.
1740.
1. Jirst. Ensign Samuel Kent was chosen Moderator for said meeting.
2. Also Voted and granted to William Allien in Town pay: Twelve Shillings
per week for keeping and hording * Thomas Taylor Twenty one weeks Last
past.
Also voted and granted to the several persons hereafter Named : the several
sums atBxt to their Names: for like sums paid by them to William Allien in
the Towns behalf: for his keeping and supporting Thomas Taylor Viz:
3. To Dea. Joseph Rimington in Town pay Two shillings and eleven pence.
4. To Ensign Samuel Kent in Town pay three shillings and six pence.
5. To Benjamin Kent in Town pay five shillings.
6. To David Smith in Town pay Twenty six shillings and six pence.
7. To John Adames 1*' In town pay Thirty shillings.
8. To Joseph Winchel in Town pay forty shillings.
9. 7h Jonathan Rimington jun'' in Town pay Thirty five shillings.
10. To Joshua Kendol in Town pay four shillings.
11. To the Town Treasurer Thirty shillings in Town paj^ for a like sum
paid by him to William Allien by Vertue of or pursuant to an order of the
Select men.
12. Also granted to Ensign Samuel Kent in Town pay for a blankitt
Eighteen shillings.
13. Also granted to Ensign Samuel Kent in Town pay five shillings per
Day for six Days he spent Relating to the Setting off the West part of the
Town into a Seperate Society.
14. Also granted to Joseph King in town pay five shillings per Day for six
Days he spent in that affair Relating to Setting of the West Society &c.
15. Also granted to Doc: John Leanord Forty four shillings in Town pay
for what he did for Goodman Segar in his Last Sickness.
*Tho. Taylor d. Jan>' 6, 1741. He was the last but one of the original
Proprietors. Wm. Allen 2'' married his daughter Kesiah.
OK SUFFIELD. 283
16. Alio granted to Joseph King Jun' in Town pay for Castor & Tobbacco
for Segar Two sliillings & six pence.
17. Also Voted that the Constable this year may take the Countrey Rate in
flax and' hemp: flax att six pence per p'', and hemp at four pence per p'^ as
money according to the New Tennour: And the Town to bare the Charge of
Transportation to Boston.
18. Also granted to Lt Joseph King Three pounds in Town pay for serving
the Town as Treasurer Last year.
19. Also Voted to Raise Eighty p'' this year in Town pay to Defray Town
Charges.
20. Also Voted to Raise Eighty pounds in money tliis year to Defray Town
Charges.
21. Also Voted that the price of Wheat tliis year for paying Town Debts
shall be 'Twelve shillings per bushel,
22. Also Voted that the price of Rye this year for paying Town Debts shall
be Eight shillings per bushel.
23. Also Voted that the price of Indian Corn this year for paying Town
Debts shall be six shillings per bushel.
24. Also Voted that the price of oats this year for paying Town Debts shall
be four shillings per bushel.
25. Also voted that the price of Iron this year for paying Town Debts shall
be Four pounds per Hundred.
26. Also granted to John Granger in Town pay for Two hundred and forty-
six feet of plank to mend highways Twelve shillings per hundred.
Att the Annaversary Town meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield Quallifyed
for voting in order to chuse oflicers to order the prudential affairs of said Town
and matters of General Concernment as the Law Directs. And accordingly
choice was made as followeth — viz : — March 1741.
Select Men— Lt. Jonathan Sheldon, Ens. Samuel Kent, Dea Joseph Riniiug-
ton, Dudley Kent, Medad Pumry.
Ihwn Clerk — Joseph Winchel.
Land Measurer — Joseph Winchel.
7hwn Treasurer — Ensign Josiah King.
Constables— Ehenczcr Southwel, & Jacob Hathaway.
Assessors— Lt. Joseph King, Ens. Samuel Kent, Noah Smith I'".
Sealler of Leather — Thomas Sheldon.
Sealler of Wattes and Pleasures — Aaron Hitchcoke.
Tything 3/t'ft— Noah Smith 2'\ Aaron Hitchcoke, John Norton. Natlianel
Wooster.
fence viewers — Thomas Roe, Tliomas Norton.
Hoggreems—^ixr\\\Hi\ Hathaway, John Harmon 2', John Adames 2'.
Serveighers of highways — Ebenezer Smith, John Rising, John Burbank,
David Smith, Samuel Rimington, Ruben Harmon, James Rising, Joseph
Kent.
284 TOWN ACTS
To Execute the Laio with Respect to killing Deer — Abraham Burbank, Samuel
Rimington.
It was agreed and Voted in said meeting To Devide tlie Towns Interest
money that is in the hand of Lt. Joseph King— between the East and West
Society in Suffield according to the present List :
Also Voted that forty pounds of the Intrest Money shall be Improved
towards supporting the school.
Also Voted that the present Assessors shall be and are the persons appointed
and Directed to Devide said Intrest Money according as agreed upon in the
preceeding Vote.
Att a Legal Town meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield May y 18"i. 1741:
first. My John Pengilly was chosen Moderator for said meeting.
2'y. Voted to chuse a man to prosecute such person and persons as Incroach
upon the Town highways: provided always such person take his Direction
from the Select men for the Time being.
3'"y. Samuel Hathaway was chosen to prosecute such persons as incroach on
the Town highways: provided also he take his Direction from the select men
agreeable to the preceeding Vote.
4thiy_ Benjamin Kent was chosen Constable for the present year.
5thiy Voted to abate John Spelmans Rates Committed to Edward Foster a
former Constable to colect: provided said Foster att his first opportunity Do
colect the same of said Spelman and convert it to the Towns use.
Att a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield December y<= 15"'. 1741.
first. Dea. Joseph Rimington was chosen moderator to manage said meeting.
Secondly. Lt Joseph King was chosen and appointed to borrow money for
tlie Town in order to satisfy the Execution sent out by the Province Treasurer
against Joseph Winchel and Joseph King:
3'"y. Also voted to Raise ninety pounds in bills of creditt to Defray Town
Charge.
4thiy_ Also Voted to Raise forty five pounds in Town pay for paying Town
Debts.
5"''y. Also Voted that the price of Iron this year for paying Town Debts
shall be four pounds five shillings per hundred.
6"^. Also Voted that the price of flax this year in Town pay for paying
Town Debts shall be Two shillings per pound.
11^^. Also voted to build a bridge over stony brook neer John Clements Land
by way of highway work: provided such persons as part with their Land to
accomodate the same Do take a like quantity of Land out of the highway as a
full satisfaction.
8'y. Also granted to Lt Joseph King Two pounds and Eleven shillings one
half of which money: the other half Town pay for his takeing the Countrey
List or Valluation.
OF SUFPIELD, 285
9"'. Also granted to Noah Smith the first, Two pounds and Eleven shillings,
one half to be in money for his takeing the Countrey List.
10'>'. Also granted to Jacob Hathaway Seventeen Shillings in Town pay for
plank.
ll'y. Also granted to Benjamin Kent Twelve shillings in Town pay for
earring Joanna Allien out of Town.*
12'y. Also granted to Timothy Phelps One pound eighteen shillings, one half
money for work he did about the School house.
IS'y. Also Voted that the Select men may pass and alow of Cap' Sheldons
bill put into Lt Kings hand and Do what they think Just and right about it.
14'y. Also granted to Jonathan Rimington Jun'' Twelve shillings in Town
pay for service formerly done for the Town.
15'y. Also granted to Richard Austin Two shillings and six pence in Town
pay for service Done for the Town.
16'>'. Granted to Dudley Kent Two shillings in Town pay for Timbet
Improved in the Towns service.
17'y. Also granted to Samuel Granger y" 2'* Fourteen shillings in Town pay.
18. Also granted to Aaron Hitchcoke Twelve shillings in Town pay for
making Two Coffins for Nathanel Dubbledays children.
19'y. Also Voted to bare the Charge of Entering as the Law Directs all such
persons as from time to Time shall by order of the Select men be warned out
of Town.
Att the Annaversary Town meeting of the Inhal)itants of Suffield in order
to chuse Town officers for the Ensueiug year March y" 8'''. 1742.
First : Mr John Pengilly was chosen Moderator for said Meeting.
Secondly —
Select Men — Dea Joseph Rimington, Lt. Jonathan Sheldon, Ens" Samuel
Kent, Medad Pumroy and Lt Joseph King.
Assesssors — Lt. Joseph King, Ens" Samuel Kent, and Noah Smith 1".
Also Joseph Winchel was chosen Toton Clerk.
Also Ensign Josiah King was chosen Town Treasurer.
Also John Norton, John Ilale, Joseph Austin, William Ilalladay Jun^
Samuel Granger 2'', David Smith, John Harmon 2'', and Timothy Burbank
were chosen Serveighers of highways.
Also Dudly Kent and Moses Kent were cliosen Tything Men.
Also Joseph Brunson and Samuel Rimington were chosen fence Viewers.
Also John King was chosen Constable for the West pari of the Town.
Constables— io\m Adams 1". And Joseph Rimington Jun^
Also William King and Tiiomas Spencer were cho.sen to prosecute such
persons as shall presume to kill Deer contrary to the Imw of this Province.
♦Persons dwelling in a town for three months and not warned otit, were to
be reputed iiiiialiilMiits, and tlie town became lial)le to their support. Persons
warned out and not (leparling, were to bi- conveyed by Ihe conblalilc to Ihc
lowu wlierc lliey belonged, or to llirir lust resilience.
36
286 TOWN ACTS
Thomas Eoe, Samuel Roe and John Adams 2'' were chosen Hogg -.reeves.
Also Thomas Sheldon was chosen Scalier of Leather.
Also Joseph Winchel was chosen Town Serveyer.
Also granted to Ebenezer Nash, six shillin.2;s in Town pay.
Also granted to John Hale three shillings in Town pay.
Also granted to William Spencer 2'': nine shillings and three pence Town
pay.
Also granted to Ens". Samuel Kent fifty and one shillings: one half of which
to be in money for taking the Countrey List or Valluation.
Also granted to John King Late Constable the full and the whole of the
sums whereatt James Davice: and James Austin Avere Assessed in the Rates
committed to him to Collect: Provided said King take the first oppertunity to
Recover the money of the s<^ persons and let the Town have the benefit thereof.
Also granted to Noah Smith 1^« Three shillings in Town pay foi- plank.
Also granted to Ensign Samuel Kent Ten shillings in money and Twenty
shillings Town pay.
Att a Legal meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of Suffield May
IS"". 1743:
First Lt Joseph King w^as chosen Moderator to order said meeting.
2'y. Joseph King: William King and John Burbank were chosen a Com-
mittee to Reckon with the Towns Trustees: of said Town of Sufflelds
proportion of the Sixty Thousand Pounds Loan: with Interest thereon: and
also what said Committee shall find Due both of principal and Interest upon
their adjusting of accompts with said Trustees: they are hereby authorized to
Recover the same for the Towns use :
3'y. Granted to Lt Joseph King Twenty Shillings for his time and Trouble
about borrowing money: to satisfie The Province Treasure''^ Execution:
against the Towns Assessors for a part of the Sixty Thousand Pounds Loan.
4'y. Granted to Lt Joseph King in bills of the old Tenou"': the sum of
Sixty Pounds Seven shillings and Two pence, with the Lawful Interest thereof:
from the time said King paid the same: untill it shall be paid to him again: for
the like sum .said King paid the Sheriff: to satisfy the Treasurers Execution
against the Towns Assessors: for their Neglect in not Assessing the Inhabitants
for the Remaining part of said Loan Due to said Treasurer.
5'y. Cap' Joseph Winchel: Samuel Hathaway and John Burbank were
appointed a Committee upon Daniel Adams Charge to make Report to the
Town what they shall think proper: for the Town to Do: Respecting the
highway Runing through Daniel Adams Land att the Deep Brook.
Att a Legal Town meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of
Suffield June y'' 1^'. 1742.
First. Lt Joseph King was chosen Moderator to manage said meeting.
Secondly. Voted to be att the charge of Petitioning the General Assembly
for a ReEstablishment of the Line between Springfield and Suffield according
to the ancient bounds.*
* See Appendix F.
OP SUFFIELD. 287
Thirdly. Voted to Raise forty pounds bills of Credit: of the old Tenour:
and so much of it to be used as there may be occasion for to Defray the
Charge in Prosecuteing said Petition.
FourtJdy. Colonel Timothy Dwight of Northampton by a Clear vote was
chosen an agent: in the Towns behalf: to prosecute said Petition: att the
General Assembly by himself or if he Judge meet and convenient, to Improve
some other Attorney to aid and assist him therein:
Fifthly. Mr. Abraham Burbank was chosen to prepare what should be
thought needful for said agent in manageing the said affair:
Att a Legal Town meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield November 23'' 1743.
First. Lt Joseph King was chosen moderator for said meeting:
Secondly Granted to Ensigne Samuel Kent Eight shillings in Town pay
according to money of the Old Tenor: for one Day perambulating The Line
with Springfield men.
Also Granted to Abraham Burbank Eight shillings Town pay for one Day
perambulating the line between Springfield and Suftield.
Also Grunted to Joseph Winchel Eight shillings in ToAvn pay for one Day
renewing the Dividing line betwixt Springfield and Suffield.
Also Granted to Abraham Burbank for time and Expence in going to North-
ampton in the Towns service Twenty shillings in Town pay: and Ten shillings
in money according to the Old Tenor.
Also Granted to John Hale Twelve shillings in Town pay for one hundred
feet of plank.
Also Granted to Jonathan Parsons for one Days work att *Taiiiters Bridge
in Town pay according to the old Tenor Ten shillings.
Al'<o Voted to Leave it with the Select Men to alow such person as should find
plank for the Towns use and have not as yet brought in their bill what they
think Reasonable.
Also Granted to Joshua Austin Twenty Two shillings in Town pay for
eleven trees to mend highways.
Also Granted to John Norton Ten shillings in Town pay.
Also Granted to John Roe fourteen shillings in Town i)ay for seven trees.
Also Granted to Samuel Hathaway for plank Ten shillings in Town pay.
Also Granted to Thomas Sheldon three shillings and six pence in Town pay
for plank.
Also Granted to Noah Smith 1"^ Two shillings in Town pay for plank to
mend bridges.
Also Grantedto Samuel Smith Thirty shillings: in Town pay for five hundred
l)rick if he be not already paid.
Al.io Granted to Cap' Keillogg for Eight sticks of Timber live shillings in
Town i)ay.
Also Granted to Tiniolliy IJnrhank Tavo shillings in Town pay for plank to
mend a bridge.
* Taint(!r Hill was named for Michael Tainter of Windsor. See p. 233.
288 TOWN ACTS
Also Granted to Noah Smith 1" Eight shillings in Town pay for Timber.
Also Oranted to Samuel Smith nine shillings in Town pay for Carting Clay.
Also Granted to Lt Joseph King Twenty three pounds in money according
to the old Tenor: Together with Ten per cent Intrest for the same: to begin
the Eighth Day of this Instant and thence forward untill said money be paid :
it being for a like sum paid by said King for the Town :
AlsoVoted, to Raise Forty pounds in money according to bills of the old
Tenor for the use of the School.
AlsoVoted, to Raise One Hundred and Ten Pounds in money according to
bills of the old Tenou'' for the Defraying Town Debts.
AlsoVoted, to Raise forty five pounds in Town pay for the Defraying Town
Charge.
Also Voted, that the price of wheat this year for the pa3-ing Town Debts shall
be sixteen shillings per bushel according to bills of the old Tenor.
Also Voted, that the price of Rye for the paying Town Debts this year shall
be Twelve shillings per bushel according to the old Tenor.
AlsoVoted, that the price of Indian corn this year for paying Town Debts
shall be Eight shillings per bushel according to old Tenor.
AlsoVoted, that the price of oats for paying Town Debts this yeax shall be
Five shillings per bushel according to old Tenor.
AlsoVoted, that the price of flax: this j^ear for paying Town Debts shall be
Two shillings per pound according to old Tenor.
Also Voted, that the price of Iron this year for paying Town Debts shall be
Four pounds and five shillings per hundred as Town pay.
Also Granted, to Edward Foster the whole of one j'ears Rates of John
Spelmans.
Also Alowed, to Benjamin Kent the whole of Samuel Stedmans Rates
Except Twenty Eight shillings.
Also Alowed, to Benjamin Kent the whole of David Dewys Rates provided
that if said Kent have an oppertunity to Recover said Dewys Rates he take the
oppertunity : and pay in the same to the Town Treasurer for the use of the
Town.
AUo Granted, to Benjamin Kent the whole of Jonathan Olds Rates: and also
the whole of one years Rates of Seraiah Strattons.*
Att a Legal Town meeting of the Inhabitants of Suflield February y 21 :
174f.
First. Dea Joseph Rimington was chosen Moderator to manage said meeting.
Secondly. Medad Pumroy was chosen Assessor tOvSupply the place of Noah
Smith y" 1*' Late Deceased.
TMrdly. — Mr Abraham Burbank: Joseph Winchel and Joseph King were
chosen and appointed to be a Committee to send for the Committee appointed
by the General Court to Consider and Do what they think proper: with Respect
to the Dividing Line betwixt Springfield and Suffield — and also said Com-
*The records in the handwriting of Joseph Wiuchel end here. He died of
apoplexy March 11, 174|.
OK SUFFIELD. 289
mittee Do Improue Colonel Timothy D wight in the affair: if he can be
obtained: but if not: then such other person as they may think fit.
Fourth. Voted to Raise Twenty pounds in money according to the old
Tenor in order to Defray the Charge that may arise by means of the Difference
between Springfield and Suflield about the Dividing Line between said Towns.
Fifthly. Granted to the Widow Mary Smith Relict of Noah Smith l*'": Ten
shillings in Town pay according to the old Tenor: for Timber.
— . Att an Annavarsary Town Meeting of the Inhabitants of Sufiield in order
To choose Town officers for the year Ensueing, March 14"', 174|.
First. Joseph King was chosen Moderator: to order s'' Meeting.
Select men — Dea Jos Remington, Joseph King, Joseph Harmon, Will"' King,
Nath" Harmon 2'"'.
Assessors — Joseph King, Nath" Harmon 2'"', Sam" Kent Jun^
Land measurer — Jon" Kellogg.
Constables — Posthumus Sikes, Thomas Norton, Silas Kent.
Fence Viewers — John Hanchet 2'"', Jon'' Remington Jun', Jn" Hanchet 3'',
Joseph Austin, Tho' Spencer, Jn" Hale, Will'" Haliday Jun', .Joseph Brunson.
Surveyors ^-Sam}^ Remington Jun'', Uriah Austin, Geo: Norton, Jn" Clem-
mons, Tim" Phelps, W'" King, Jon" Sikes, Ezekiel Bissell, Nath" Smith, Eben-
ezer Trumble.
Tything men — Joseph Leavitt, Dudley Kent, Noah Smith, Nath' Harmon, 3d,
James Smith, Ed'wd Foster.
Eofjreeves — Dan" Kent, & Jn" Spencer.
Sealer of Leather — Tho^ Sheldon.
Sealer of WV^^^ & meas'rs — Aaron Hitchcock.
Also Abraham Burbank and Thomas Spencer were chosen to prosecute such
persons as shall presume to Kill Deer contrary to the Law of this Province.
It being propos<i, to exchange part of the Highway near the head of the mid-
dle Iron works pond with John Roe and Tho% Roe for part of their Land near
that place for ihe more convenient passing there: Therefore voted to Leave it
with the Select Men to view the place and consider the circumstances and to
make Report to the Town in one of their meetings what they shall think proper
for the Town to act thereon.*
May 16."' 1743. Att a Legal meeting of the Freeholders and other Inliabitants
of Sufiield Quallified to vote in Town Meetings as tiie Law Directs.
1'' Joseph King was chosen Moderator to order said meeting.
2'"'ly. By a clear vote John Adams was chosen to sarve as Constable instead
of Posthumus Sikes who was chosen to said ofiice in March Last, and s'' Sikes
accquitted from sarving in s'' ofiice for y space of seven years Next coming, and
s'' Adams is to Receive tlie Constables Sallery from the Town.
3'*'>'. Voted to allow to Joseph King Twenty one pounds Fourteen siiillings
and Eight pence old Tenor witli Interest Tlierefor from y" 15"' of April Last
imtill s'' King sliall Receive .said sum. wliidi sum lie p'' to Coll" Tiii\" Dwight in
full Discharge of what s'' Dwight had done for the Town in tlie c«oe Between
Springfield and Sutfield Respecting the Dividend Line between s'' Towns. f
*See Highway MarcU 3<' 174J. p. 393. fSee Appendi.v F.
290 TOWN ACTS
Also allowed to Joseph King as followeth viz: Four pounds Four shillings
and One peney Old Tenor for himself & horse 5 Days to wait upon the Gen"
Courts Committee and mone}' Expended and Provision. Also Eight shillings
old Tenor for a Day to view the Line between Springfield and SutBeld. Also
Twelve Shillings Old Tenor in Town pay for a day to confer with Springfield
Committee. Also One pound Twelve shillings and One peney Old Tenor, for
Expense Laid out upon James Lawrence Obe and his wife when sick. Allow*
to Sam" Hathey* 5/3 old Tenor for money expended upon y« Committee.
Voted to allow Mr. Abraham Burbank for his Committeeship Respecting the
Line between Springfield an Suffield Nine pounds Two shillings and Four
pence Old Tenor for so much Remaining Due to him over and above what
he has Received for time and money he has Expended in that affair. Also
Allow' to s'' Burbank 8/ Old Tenor for a day spent on y line, and Twelve
shillings Town pay for himself and Expence a day to confer with Springfield
Committee.
Voted, to allow Benj" Kent three pounds five shillings and four pence old
Tenor for Entertaining y" Gen" Courts Committee &c, and 19V11'' old Tenor
for Rhum & Sugar, and a Snakes Gall to James Lawrance.
Voted, to allow to Lt Adams 10/ old Tenor for so much Remaining Due to
him for going to Hatfield for Major Will'"% one of y« Gen" Courts Committee.
Voted, to allow Will'" King 8/ old Tenor for a Day spent upon Springfield
Line — and Eleven shillings for a day to Springfield for a Schoolmaster.
Voted, to allow to W"" Spencer 2"'' 17/7'' old Tenor for sundrys to James
Obe. Also allow' to Ebenoz'' Allin 20/ old Tenor for his wives nursing a
fortnight with James Obe & wife besides what s"* Obe has paid her.
Voted, to allow David Smith 8/ old Tenor for going to Doctor Leonard and
other service for James Obe.
Voted to allow John Pengilly 8/ old Tenor for going to Westfield for
Evidence Respecting the Line, and 6/ old Tenor for w' he Did for James Obe.
Voted, to Leave it with the Selectmen to agree with John Roe and Thomas
Roe for so much of their Land on y"^ west side of Stony Brook as they shall
Judg needfull, to accommodate the Highway between Deacon Remingtons and
John Clemonses and to make s'' Roes Compensation with a part of s'' High-
way (Viz) upon or out of the south side thereof next adjoyning to s"! Roes
Land, and what the Selectmen shall Do therein shall be good and Valid to all
Intents and purposes. i
Also Voted, that L' Jon" Sheldon, Sam" Kent, and Jon'' Parsons Be a Com-
mittee upon their own cost to view and consider and make Report to the Town
what they shall think proper to act Respecting a Highwayf Between Syms-
bury and Suflneld Near the Round Hill.
Att a Legal Town meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield the 22'"' Day of
November 1743.
-[^t jyjj. William King was Chosen Moderator To order said Meeting.
2"'"y. Voted, that the Selectmen Do Repair the School House so that it
* Hatheway. f This was laid out in May 1745. See p. 245.
OF SUFFIELD. 291
may be comfortable to keep School in it this winter, and also Do pass the Bills
of charge therefor :
3'"y. Voted, that the Great Bridge over Stony Brook by Sam", Copleys
mill* be Repaired, and that the Town be at the Charge of Plank and other
materials necessary therefor.
4thi.v_ Voted, that the copy of the f Report of the General Courts commit-
tee and the sanction of the Court thereon Respecting the Late Establishment
of the Dividend Line between Springfield and Suffield be Recorded at length
in the Towns Book of Records to perpetuate the memory thereof; and that all
the evidences and copys and X papers Relating to that affair be kept upon file
in the Town Clerks office until there shall happen to be occasion to use them
in some future Controversie Respecting said Line.§
5tiiiy_ Voted, that the Town Clerk (for the time being) for the future Do
Record all perambulations that hereafter shall be made Between this and any
of the Neighboring Towns.
gtbiy Granted to the several persons hereafter named in Town Pay at Old
Tenor price the sum affixed to each ones name. Viz: To William Austin (for
plank) 34 feet Last year 4^/2'^. To L' Josiah King One pound Ten shillings
per year for his service in the Town Treasur" Office. — To Abraham Granger
for Timber for Bushes Bridge 12/. To Joseph Fuller for Timber Bushes
Bridge 4/. To Thomas Norton Constalile for warning Sundrey persons out of
Town 55/. To Mr. Abraham Burbank for Nailes and work Done to Repair
the School House 26/3''. To Sam' Sikes for 120 foot of plank for Bushes
Bridge 13/. To Mr. Sam" Kent 2""' Four pound for service he has Done
for the Town in the Gen" Court &c in the Controversie between Springfield &
Suffield Respecting the Dividing line. Also to Mr. Sam" Kent 2"*' 10/ for
Timber for the Highways. To Jared Huxley for Timber for Highways 2/.
To Sam" and Benjamin Remington for Timber for Highways 10/. To John
Granger for Timber for Highways 4/.
7"''y. Oranted to Mr Sam" Kent 2'"' 40/ money old Tenor over and above
what he hath already Rcc' of Joseph King which was Three pounds (^Id
Tenor for money he has Expended at y" Gen" Court for Copys &c in the Ccm-
troversie between Springfield and Suffield.
8"''>'. Voted, that the Assessors Do Assess the Town in the sum of Forty
Pounds in Town pay at Old Tenor price to Defray the Town Charg.
9"''>. Voted, that the assessors Do assess the Inhabitants of the Town In
the sum of One Hundred Pounds in Bills of Credit to Defray the Necessary
Charges arising and happening within the same.
10"''>. Voted, That the several Species hereafter mentioned shall be ac-
counted for and Received in the Town Treasury as Town pay to Discharge
the 'i'owns Debts at the several prices affixed to each particular in the old
Tenor. Viz: good Bar Iron at Four pounds Five shillings jier hundred
Wheat at 10/ Rye at 12/ Indian Corn at 8/ Barley at 12/ and oats
at 5/ p"^ bushel And flax at 2/ p' pound.
♦This was prolKibly a fulling mill. The l)ed timbers of liie dam are to be
seen nortli from (he liriili,'e at Soulh St. !{. K Station
fSec Appendix G. Also Hook No. 2. Town Acts, p. l'.)8.
j See AiiiKiidix F. Sonic of tiicM- pai)ers are preserved.
i^It remains the 'I'owii and Stale Line to this day. See Town Lines, p. 12.
292 TOWN ACTS
Ijihiv -Qy ^ fyjj jjjj(j clear vote Mr. WiUiam King Was Chosen to De-
mand, Sue for, Recover and Receive (for tlie use of the Town of Suffield) of
the Trustees of s'' Towns proportion of the Sixtj- Thousand Pounds Publicli
Revenue so much money as is yet Remaining in the hands of s'^ Trustees both
of the Principal and Interest thereof which they should have paid into the
Province Treasury and have Neglected so to Do. And also the s^ Towns
proportion of the Interest of said Sixty Thousand Pounds which they have
Neglected to pay into the Town Treasury.
12"''>'. Voted, to Reduce the Highway on the West side of Clay Brook so
far as it Runs through Thomas Grangers Land which he Bought of Mr. John
Eliot, to Four Rods in Breadth.
IS""'?. Li Asaph Leavit and Ens" William King were chosen a Committee
to make a compensation to Thomas Granger for the Highway Runing
through his Laud he bought of Mr. John Eliot west of Clay Brook by seting
out to s'* Granger so much of the south side of s'^ way adjoynmg to s'* Grangers
Land as they shall Judge to be a Reasonable Satisfaction; if they shall think
it best so to do, and the s'' Granger will accept thereof.
13thiy — Voted, to Exchange with Joseph Pumroy the Highway East of
Muddy Brook Falls so far back Eastward from s'* Brook as s'' Pumroys Land
adjoyns to s'^ way, said Pumroy Leaving out for a Highway so much Land
about Eight or Ten Rods Northward of the present Highway.
13. Voted that Joseph King Dudley Kent and Mr Abraham Burbank be a
Committee to Lay out highways as followeth viz: the Highway from the
South side of John Adams Home Lot up to Springfleld bounds taking in all
the Land that is free between the West End of the Lots on the East side and
the East End of the Lots on the West side of said way. And also a * High-
way from Deep Brook to Springfield Road. And also the Highway from the
uper End of High Street Northward untill it meets with the Highway that
Leads from Crooked Lane towards Bushes Bridge.
14. Voted, that the Selectmen or the major part of them be fully Im-
powered and authorized in the Towns behalf To Exchange with Benjamin
Kent by wa}" of Leas or Deed of Conveance; the North half of the Minstry Lot
of Highstreat Lying between the Lots that were originally Sam'' Glovers and
Joseph Segars; for the North part or side of the s*" Lot that was originall said
Glovers taking acre for acre and such Deed Lease or Conveyance which they
shall take of s** Kent to convey s"* Land or the Improvement thereof to the
Towns use for the support of the Ministry and for no other use whatsoever
according to the Grant thereof made by the Committee that were appointed for
the setling of Sufiield.
I5thi.v Voted, To allow to Jon" Sheldon Jun"' after the Rate of Ten pounds
money of the old Tenor p"' acre for so much Land as he shall conve}^ to the
Town for a highway of four Rods wide at the North East corner of Symsbury
Township, viz: from the West end of the highway that Leads from Wool f pit
Plain, to the Round Hill, thence up Northward untill it shall meet with SufEeld
Township where the highway formerlj'^ used to be and now is open.
16"''y. Voted, that the Select Men Do agree with John Roe for a small
*Laid out March 2, 1744. See p. 293.
OP SUFFIELD. 293
Quantity of Land and west sidd of the Middle Irou Works* P()nd near Deacoa
lleiningtons for the Town use for a Highway over Ston}' Brook, to Deacon
Remingtons.
l^thiy Voted, that John Roe have Liberty to erect a fence on the Bank of
the Brook and on the South side thereof against his own Laud that is a Little
Southward of the Middle Iron Works near Deacon Joseph Remingtons accord-
ing to the Direction of the Select men upon such consideration as they shall
think meet.
Igthiy Yoted that the Town Clerk Do procure a Book upon the Towns cost
To Register Marriages, Births, and Deaths in.
HIGHWAY THROUGH JOHN ROE'S LAND.
March y* 3"^ 174f. Pursuant to a vole of the Town Nov 22'"i. 174f. We
the subscribers have agreed witli John Roe for a small Quantity of his Land on
the West Side of the Iron Works pond. Near Deacon Remingtons for the
Towns use for a highway of three Rods wide on y" Eastward part of s'' Roe's
Land in that place, and have Laid out s'' way as followeth (viz) Begining utt
or near the North Easterly course of s'' Roe's Land at Two or three small Walnut
trees standing on the edge of the Bank on the west side of said pond and on
y* south side of the Highway Leading from s'' Remingtons Down to s*^ pond,
Runing West three Rods to stake and stone, thence South through or upon s"'
Roes Land three Degrees West by y* Needle Twenty Rods to a small Walnut
Tree mark', thence East three Degrees South to the Edge of the Bank of said
pond. And as a full compensation to s'' Roe for s'^ way wee have awarded to him
to be paid out of the Town Treasur}' Four pounds in Bills of Credit of the old
Tenor, and also a Liberty to set his fence on y"* Bank of y« Brook on the South-
ward and Eastward side of s'' Brook against his own Land, excepting about
Twelve Rods south westward from John Clemonses South vve^stward corner
of his house Lot where he is to Leave a convenient watering place. Entered
March 12"' 174|.
Select Men — Joseph Remington, Joseph King, Will'" King.
HIGHWAY FROM DEEP BROOK TO SPRIJ^GFIELD ROAD.
Pursuant to a vote of the Town at their meeting Novem'' 22'"', 174}. Wee the
sul)scribers have Laid out a Highway of three Rods wide Between Deej) Brook
and Springfield Road in manner foliowin (viz) Begining at a white oak Staddie
with stones about it standing upon the top of the Hill or Rising ground a lillle
Northward from said Brook, and near the North side of Daniel Adams his
Home Lot and on the Westward side of a Highway formerly Laid out there,
thence we markt out the Southward side of s'' way Runing from s' Staddie
West thirty Eight Degrees North b}' y- needle forty four Hods to stake and
stone, whicli is the North East corner boundary of thirteen acresof Great Com-
mon Laid out to Dan" Adams oo y Right of Symon Gowen, and from s'' slake
* Now Luce's Grist-mill, and Saw-mill Pond. Sullicld had three "Iron
AVorks" at tiiis dale, all located on Stony MnioU. The Wr.st Iron Works were
near Simsbury Line. The lower Iron Works were near the site of the present
Boston-Neck School House. (See note, p. 152.)
294 TOWN ACTS
Runing west about Twenty four Degrees NortU about sixty Rods to stake »fe
stone standing on y" easterly side of a Little Swamp which is the North west-
erly corner boundary of s'^ Adamses thirteen acres, and is also the Northeast
corner boundary of second Division Land formerly Laid out to John Scott,
which Highway is to take its Breadth, North Eastwardly f rom said Boundarys.
And from thence we mark' out y" North Eastwardly side of s'^ way, Begining
three Rods North Easterly from s'' Adamses and Scots Boundary, thence Run-
ing North Twent}^ six Degrees West forty Rod to Stake and stone, being y®
south west corner of Two acres and half of second Division Land in the Great
Common Laid out to Abraham Burbank on Thomas Grangers Right: thence
North Twenty five Degrees West Twenty Rod to stake & stone being a west-
erly corner Boundary of s'* Burbanks Two acres and half: Thence North
thirty seven Degrees west southward from Ebenezer Allins house to the County
Road Leading from Suftield to Springtield.
March y" 2"'\ 174|. Enterd March y<= 12"' 174|.
Comiaittee — Joseph King, Dudley Kent, Abra: Burbank.
Att an Annaversary Town meeting of the freeholders and other Inhabitants
of Suffield to chuse Town officers and other matters of Gen" Concernment
March y« 5"". 174| — first Dudley Kent w^as chosen Moderator to ord"" s'^ meeting.
Select men — Cap' Jonathan Sheldon, Dudley Kent, Sam" Kent second,
Jacob Hatheway, Medad Pumroy.
Asaessors — Sam" Kent 2'"', Dudley Kent, Medad Pumroy.
Fence mewers — Aaron Rising, Ebenez' Trumble, Daniel Spencer, Uriah Aus-
tin, Will'" Halladay Jun', Joseph Brunson.
Town Clerk — *Benj'' Kent.
Town Treasurer — Sam" Kent 2nd.
Surveyors of Highways — Joseph Remington, David Smith, Josiah Kent, Rob'
Granger, Nath" Harmon, Tho" Spencer, Phillip Nelson.
Constables — John Granger, Sam'' Harmon, Sam" Granger 2'"^.
Tything men — John Hanchet Jun'', Dan'- Kent, Nath" Harmon 2'', Sam"
Kent, Ebenez'" Noble, Nath" Woster.
Sealer of Leather — Noah Pumro3^
Sealer of Weights and Measvres — Aaron Hitchcock.
Hog Reaves — Jon'' Remington, Dan" Hubbard.
Dear Reaves — Sam" Remington Jun'' & Dudley Kent.
Voted to allow several persons hereafter Named in Town pay old Tenor
price the sum ane.xed to each ones Name (Viz).
To John Huxley Eleven shillings and three pence for the use of his house
for the School :
To Ruben Harmon four shillings for Timber he had of Nath" Smith for
Highways:
To Joseph King, John Burbank and William King four shillings each for
endeavouring to Reckon with the Trustees:
To Thomas Norton Twenty shillings for warning persons out of Town and
warning a Town meeting:
* Benjamin Kent was a son of Samuel Kent Jun'', and was town cleik
eighteen years. His orthogr.iphy is a terror to the transcriber and the printer.
OF SUFFIELD. 295
To constable John Adams for warning persons out of Town and makeing
Return to y" Court & payinsr y' clerk for entry fifteen shillings.
To Jon" Dewey for procuring a copy of the Trustees Receipt to y" Province
Treas% of y" ,£60,000 Grant &c.
To William King forty shillings in Bills of y« old Tenor for money paid to
the Province Treasurer for a copy of the Trustees Receipt.
To allow the Constables Viz: John Adams, Joseph Remington Jun', Thomas
Norton, and Silas Kent, Twenty shillings each p"" year in Town pay old Tenor
for their constables Sallery, accounting Jn" Adams to have sarved Two years.
Voted, to authoriz Mr William King to substitute an Attourney as agent in
the Towns behalf to sue for and Recover of the Towns Trustees of the Sixty
Thousand pounds Grant or Publick Revenue so much as is yet Remaining in
their hand of Sixty Thousand pounds with Interest thereof for the Towns use.
Voted, that the Town Treasurer Do pay to Mr William King Ten pounds in
Bills of the old Tenor to enable him to comence and carry on an action
against the Towns Trustees of the Sixty Thousand pounds Grant, in order to
Recover for y** Towns use so much of s'^ Grant with Interest thereof as is Due
to 8'^ Town.
Voted, that Dea: Joseph Remington, John Burbank, and Jacob Hatheway,
be a Committee To Lay oute and State the Highway Between Clay Brook and
Jeremiah Grangers, and also to consider what will be a meet compensation to
Thomas Granger for s'* Highways Runing through his Land, and make Report
to y* Town of what they shall think propper for the Town to Do thereon.
Also Voted, the s'^ Committee Do View the Highway Runing through Joseph
Hastings his Land East of Muddy Brook Falls and consider what will be meet
compensation to s'' Hastings therefor, and make Report of what they Judge
propper for the Town to act thereon.
Granted to Samuel Remington Jun-^ and Stephen Remington Twenty five
pounds in Bills of the Old Tenor for compensation in full for a highway Run-
ing through Land that was formerly their fathers (Viz:) John Remingtons
Between Fylars Brook and the Hill formerly called Kents Hill West from s''
Brook.
Att a Legal Town meeting of the Inhabitants of Suflield May 21", 1744;
1 Sam' Kent Esqr was chosen Moderator to order said Meeting.
2. Voted that there be a Highway Laid out from the Nortli end of Round
Hill in the most convenant Place, to * Wind.sor Bounds Three Rods wide Pro-
vided: Windsor open a way from thence to the Roade Down by Isaac Gillits
and Isaac Owens, and Simsbery Town open a Road from the Round Hill to
the upper End of Turke Hills Strete.
Sanr Kent Jun" Moderator.
Att a Legal Town meeting of the Inhabitants of Sudield Octo*" the 5'\ 1744.
First, Sam' Kent Esqr was chosen Moderator to order s' meeting.
* The mj'sterious bound stone, east of the highway near the dwelling house
of Hannibal llanchett, indicates oidy Ibis liigliway Icrminal, at tiu- old I'rov-
iuce and Windsor line. (See p. 300, and Appendi.x 11.)
296 TOWN ACTS
Voted, to allow several persons hereafter Named in Town pay Old Tenor
price, the som anexed to each ones Xame (Viz). To Jacob Hathaway for fore
pounds of pork for Bushes wife. Eight Shilings. To John Toudy for lielping
in s** wooraan, Eight shilings.
To Benj" Kent for sundreys for s'^ woman, Three pounds Twelve shillings and
six pence.
To Sam' Kent Jun"^ to sundrej's to s'' woman, Eight shilings.
To Doc Nath" Austin for sundry servises Don s^ woman in all one Pound
Two Shilings and Six Pence.
To Cap' Jon' Sheldon for sundrys for s'^ woman, one Pound.
To y Widow Mary Smitli for a Bed for s'' woman, liftene shiling.
To Sam' Kent for 3 y^ and \ of Plaine Clouth for s'' woman. One Pound fif-
tene shilings.
To Joseph Hale for Bringein s*" woman, Three shilings.
To Sam' Kent for keeping Bushes child fourtene weks att Ten Shilings p'
Week, Seven Pounds.
To Richard Austin for s'' womans Cotin fiftene shilings.
To John Huxly for Diging of the Grave Ten Shilings.
To Cap' Jon' Sheldon for going to Hattield Twelve shilings.
To Sam' Kent for Tow Pounds of Shuger for the child five shilings.
To Eb" Burlisonswife for Nursing the woman One Pound Twelve shilings.
To Joseph King for Runing the Line one Day Eight shilings.
To Three Days of W'" King Dito One Pound four Shilings.
To Tow Days of Dudley Kent Dito Sixteene Shilings.
To Sam", Kent Jun" Sixteene Shilings.
Voted, to alow for Bulls as in years Past forty Shilings a yeare for the Beste
Bulls, and so Less for the Rest as the Select men shall Judge they are Worth.
To Abr"' Burbank for 3 Days preambulating, £1—4-0.
To Cap' Joseph King for one Day Laying out a highway n^ by Depe Brook
Eight shilings.
To Dudley Kent for Deto Eight shilings.
To Abr'm Burbank for Deto Eight shilings.
Voted to Raise One Hundred Pounds money and also One Hundred Pounds
Town Pay to Defray Town Depts. To Nath" Warner for sundreys for Bushes
wife One Pound Seventene Shilings and Six pence. Deto for keeping of
Bushes wife Ten weeks and a halfe one half of the 'Time 20/ the other halfe
25/ pr weke.
Voted to chuse a comitee to go on the Highway Down by the Old Iron works
to say where it shall be Provid thay go on the mens cost that imp roue them,
Ensine Kindwell, W" Mather and John Burbank was chosen for that Purpos.
To John Hanchitt for the ware of his Sheats Twelve shillings.
Sam' Kent jun' Moderat'.
Att a Legal Town meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield held Jenewary:
22'': 1744. V> Medad Pumr}' was chosen Moderater to order said meeting.
2'>' Voted to alow the Persons hereafter Named the soms set against their
Names in Town paj'^ old Tenor price :
to John Hale for Plank eight shiling ..... 0-8-0
to Caleb Austin for Timbr Ten shiling ..... 0-10-0
OF SUPFIELD. 297
to John King for sundrys to John Bushes .... 3-11-0
to Medad Pumry to sundrys for Bushes ..... 1-15-0
to Joseph Pumry for one Bushel | Rie ..... 0-18-0
to Thomas Sheldon ....... 0-09-0
to Cap' Jon* Sheldon for keepin Bushes child Named 18 weks att
6/p'-weke. ........ 5-08-0
3'y. Voted the price of grain for this yeare in old Tenor to Pay Town Debts
shall be wheat 16/ p'" Bushell, Rie 12/ shiling, Indian Corn 8/ shilings —
Oats five shilings p'' Bushel and Flax Two and six pence p"' pound: Iron
£4-10s.-0 p' hundred
4'J'. Voted to Exchange the highway with Sam" Smith that goes over to Jona-
than Risings and Take it where it Now is.
5ihiy_ Yofed to Be att considirable cost to gitt into Coneticut.
6'y Voted that Mr Sam" Kent and Aseph Levitt and Ezekiel Bisil shall have
Liberty to Cetch fish and make a Wair for that Purpos for the yeare insuing —
on * Mad-Tom Bare.
Att the Annaversary Town meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield Quallifyed
for voting in order to chuse officers to order the Prudential affairs of said
Town and matters of General concernment as the Law Directs March 4"'.
174|. and accordingly chois was made as followeth (viz) — Sam" Kent was
chosen Modr^\
Selectmen — Cap' Jonathan Sheldon, Sam" Kent Esq', Dudley Kent, Jacob
Hathaway. Sam" Harmon.
Town Clerk — Benj" Kent.
Toion Treas' — Sam' Kent Esq'.
Conntables — John Old, Freegrace Norton, John Granger.
Ansessors — Sam' Kent Esq', Dudley Kent, Medad Pumry.
Fence Vieioers — Nath" Woster, Jonathan Sikes, Daniel Gillit, Amas Kent.
Tythingmcn — Nath" Harmon, John Burbank, Jon'*' Remington Jun', Thomas
Norton.
Serveig' of Highwayst — John Granger, Timothy Phelps, John Rising, Nath"
Harmon, Jarut Huxley Jun', Sam" Remington Jun', Posthumas Siks, Wm
Haloday Jun', Uriah Austin.
Sealer of Leather — Noali Pumroy.
Sealer of waits and meas" — Aaron Hitchcock,
Jloffg Reavex — John Smith, Nath" Hale Jun'.
f To tak care that No Body take inony that in forbid and Prosicute any that shall
Do the same — Daniel Kent &, Benj" Granger.
Medad Pumry and John Adams Jun' was cliosen to E.xecutc y" Law with
Respect to Killing Deere.
I'y. Voted that for Ten yeare Next comeing thare Be alowcd and Paj'de out
of the Town Treas'>', five Pounds old Teno' to Be Paid in Town pay to each
Person that shall keep a Good Bull and so Proportionable for other Bulls
* " Mad Tom Bar" is a ledge of rock in the bed of the Connecticut River a
short distance above Enfield Bridge.
f See note p. 301.
298 TOWN ACTS
acording to thare Goodness att the Judgment of the select men they to alow
the same j'earely: and to Determine how many to Be alowed for.
2'y. Also Voted to Sam' Kent Escf in mony old Ten-- four Pounds for a
Grave Ciouth he Bout some time Past.
S'y. Voted to Sam' Kent Jun' for Being Treas^ Last yeare in Town Pay att
old Ten"" price forty shiling.
4"''y. Voted to Sam" Kent for Keeping Bushes child Twenty one weks Ten
Pounds Ten shilings, halfe mony and halfe in Town Pay acording to the Bill
of old Ten^
5'^'. Voted to John King for a years salary Being constable £1-0-0.
6'y. Voted to the Heiars of Doctor John Lenard Late Decs'* for sundry
servises Don Jams Larabys wife and Bushes wife in Town Pay acording to
Bills of the Last emis" one Pound five shilings.
Att a Legal Town Meeting May IS"" — 1745.
1^'. Sam' Kent Jun' was chosen Moder* to order s<* meeting.
2'y. Voted that if Simbery Peaple will Purchis of Cap* Jonathan Sheldin a
Road Three Rod wide from the upper end of Turke hill over to the high way
by the Round hill and Purchis the Land of Joseph Forword at the Reare of
his Lot for a highway then the Town of Suffleld will open a Roade from the
Round hill Down to Windsor Bounds & Suffield will make and maintaine the
highway in thair Bounds provided Simsbery will in thare Bounds: if the
owners of s* Land will Take six Pounds p"" acre old Teno^
S'y. Cap^ Jonathan Sheldin Jonathan Parsons and Sam' Harmon are chosen
a Commitee for to se into the Bisness.
4'-^'. Benj Kent should take care to Git the money of Cap' Joseph King
which is the Town Dew for a Barrell of Powder he sold of the Towns.
Att a Legal Town meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield Novem'"' 18*'', 1745:
1*' Captin Joseph King was chosen Moder'% to order s"* meeting.
2'y Voted to alow in Town Pay att old Teno"" Price the severall Sums
anexed to each mans Name (viz).
To John Granger 20/ for his Constable saliry,
To Sam" Harmon 20/ for Deto Don
To Cap' Jo": Kellogg for four Lod of Timber
To Jonathan & Post"- Siks for 250 fete of Plank 30/
To Tho™ Spencer for 2 sticks of Tim''^ 4/
To Daniel Spencer for 15 stick of tim'"' 1/ 6 pr stick
To John Hail for Plank 16/
To Sam" Siks for Plank 16/
To Nathanel Worner for carting Brick 20/
To Joseph Harmon Jun 8/
To Tho Norton 3/
To George Norton for 3 Load of stone for y« Scoll house *
* The School House was probably enlarged at this time.
£1-
- 0-
0
1-
- 0-
0
0-
■12-
0
1-
-10-
0
0-
- 4-
0
1-
- 2-
6
0-
■16-
0
0-13- 0
1-
0-
0
0-
8- 0
0-
3-
0
1-
0-
0
OF SUFFIELD. 299
To Uriah Austin for 2 stick of Timi"" 0- 8- 0
To Sam" Remington for one stick of Tim*"- 0- 2- 0
To Richard Austin for 2 Days work about the Scoll House 20/. 1- 0- 0
To Aseph Levitt for work Don att y" s"^ house 2-0-0
To Captin Jos: King for atending on y odc^ 0- 8- 0
To Jams Laroby live pounds 5- 0- 0
To Cap^ Jonathan Sheldon for keeping of one of Bushes children
17/ pr weke eaver sence Last March meeting £12-19 12-19 -0
Also voted to Sam" Kent 9/-6 pr weke for keeping Bushes younges
child from March 4"" Day untill this time: 40 shilings in money and
the Rest in Town Pay the whole is £17-12- 6
To Sam" Kent Jun-^ in Town Pay for carting of Clay and making
a Bed 20/: for Joseph Trumbel carting Brick one Day 20/: to
John Roe one Day an | 30/: for Giting a sill for y^ Scool hous and
making the mantle Tree 8/: a stick for a sleper for Coply Bridge 20/:
the whole is £4-18- 0
To Cap' Joseph King for Returning of six worents 0-06- 0
3'y. Also voted in money as old Ten'' the severall sums anexed to
each mans Name (viz): To Sam" Kent Jun-- for 4500 of Brick £9 00 9-00- 0
To s^ Kent for Isaac Remington Bilding y« chimney 4-18- 0
To s-J Kent for 100^ of Bords 12/ 0-12- 0
To John Granger for 209 feet of Plank 33/ 6 1-13- 6
To William King £3-00 for what he Expended in suing the
Trustees of Suffield, and he is to be a Constable to the Town for the
same 3-00- 0
To Lent Aseph Levitt for Bords and Nails for the school house
£5-9-11 5- 9-11
To Cap' Joseph King for Gitting the *Town Gun mended 0- 9- 6
To s'i King for Cash Paid the Clerk for entring worent, 0- 9- 0
To Captin Sheldin and Jonathan Smith that Paid Eb'z Southwel
what his Demand was more than six Pounds p"^ acre 3-10-0 3-10- 0
4iy. ]'o(ed to Rais seventy five pound old Ten'' to Gitt a Town stock of
Powder and Led and Flints.
5'y. Voted that the prise of Grain be as foloeth (vis) Wheat 16/ Rie 12/
Barly 12/ Indian Corn 8/ ots 5/ flax 2/ Q'^.
61y. Voted to Except of the Reporle of the Cf)mmite Respecting that iiigh-
way by Jonathan Parson Down to Winser Line whare tliny have goii acoid-
ing to y vote Respecting that mater in a Town meeting held May 13."' 1745.
7'y. The Return of 8<* Commitee is as foloeth. (Vis.)
*See foot note p. 203.
300 TOWN ACTS
HIGHWAY FROM JONATHAN PARSONS DOWN TO WINDSOR
LINE. *
Suffield May 17"^. 1745.
Wee the subscribers Pursuant to y" Trust Reposed in us as a Commitee
appointed by the Town of said Suffield To consult with the inhabitants of the
Town of Simsbury as we are adjoyniug Neighbours and in Regard thare Inter-
est and the Interests of our Towns Inhabitants are considerably Related in
Respect of ways to com to gather for conversh we have Diligently consulted
with y« Commitee appointed by the Town of said Simsbery and in order to
comode s^ Towns or Inhabetauts for conveniente highway &c: thay have com-
plj^ed to Reasionable mesurs as maj" att Large" be Discovered to the Town att a
convenant opertunity. or in shorte thay have Laid out a Road of three Rods
wide from the North and South Roads that Run by Danell Sheldings by Jere-
miah Levitt or that Runs toward Rattle Siiak Plain: from said Road all along
Westward in the Township of Suffield whare it was most convenant all on y"
cost of the Town of s'' Simsbery; and Likwis thay have bin att the cost of
Directing a Road of Thiee Rods wide in Simsbery Bound through Joseph
Forwards Land about fifty Rods wide s<* Forwards Lot is and Likwise the
s** Simsbery Committee have Laid out a Road North and South between said
Simsbery and Suffield from Dan" Shelding Down to the West Iron Works in s*"
Suffield IS'' Road all taken out of S'' Simsbery Laud and Runs all along in
Simsbery Bound Down to S'* Iron Works.
And we have Laid out agreeable to what was Presuposed by our Town of
Suffield att tliare Town meeting &c: — a highway from the Road of Wind*"""
Bounds Nesesary for our S*" Inbal;itants and began att S^' Road in S'' Windser
Bounds (vis): the Road that is Laid out in S'' Windser Bounds from Mr Isaac
Owens Through Mr John Thralls Land &c : and wliare S'* Road ended we began
as afore s'' & for the first Last Bounds of s'' highway in the Province Line att
the corner of Caleb Winchels Lot wc sat stake and stone: & mesured Three
Rods West and thare for the West Bound wee sat stake and stone: thence
Northward to the end of S"* Caleb Winchels Land and thare for the East
Bounds sat stake and stone and mesured Three Rods westward and thare
for the west Bounds sat up stake and stone: thence Norward on the west
side of said highway to a white ocke tree that for the west Bounds
of S'^ highway and from s<^ tree we mesured Three Rods East and for the
Bounds .sat up stak and Stone: Thence we Run Northward on the west
side s'' Road to y« North east corner of Land belonging to the Heirs of Elijah
Owen Desesed, and thare we sat up a stak and stone for the west Bounds of s'*
way & so mesured three Rods east and thair sat up a stak and stone for the
east Bounds of s*" way: thence we Ran Northwardly w'ithin the Bounds of the
heirs of Mr Joshuah Levitt Lund — Late Decees'', untill we come within fiftcntr
Rods of Mr Jonathan Parsons Little Orchard and turning standing Easterly
into Mr Isaac Owens Land & so when it coms to y" end of s* Levitt Deces'^,
Land it ends evin all s'' highway in s'^ Owens Land and thence for east and
west Bounds three Rods wide stake and stone: Thence wee com Northerly
from s^" Owin or s<' bounds we Run along in John Lewis Land Lying along by
s"^ orchard untill we com to a Black ock tree which was the Bounds betwene
*This highway was relaid (with chain and compass) in 1765. See Towu
Acts, Vol. 2, p. 119, and Appendix H.
OF SUFPIELD. 301
s"^ Lewis Land and s*" Parsons Land or orclierd wliich Bound was alowed for
the west bounds of s'' way: and so we from s'' Black ock tree we mesured
three Rods eastwerdly and to another Black ock tree and that we made for the
East Bounds of s'' way: thence we Tiun Northerly through a strip of Mr Jona-
than Parsons Land about twelve Rods in width, also through John Lewis
Land to Stonibrook Falls thare for the east bound stake and stone and we
mesured on s'' brook west three Rods within about ten feete of a grate chesnut
tree bound with stake and stone: — thence we Run over s"^ brook and three Rods
North of 8"^ brook and for ye North east corner of s"" highway we Pitched on
a grate Rock by a small wornat Tree with a hep of stones by it for y" Bounds:
and then terned to y" westward along three Rods in width througli Mr Jona-
than Parsons Land to y^ Northerly sid of Land belonging to John Stoughton
and John Lewis in said Land adjoyning to Mr Jonathan Parsons Land Runing
Westwerdly untill it corns to y" way Layd out by Simsbery Commitee.
Committee, Jonathan Sheldon, Jonathan Parsons, Sam' Harmon.
Att the Annaversary Town meeting of the Inhabitants of SufBeld in order
to chuse Town officers for the ensuing year March 10"' 174|. And accord-
ingly chois was made as followeth.
Sam" Kent, Esqr was chosen Moderater to order said meeting.
Select mm — Cap' Jon"> Sheldon, Sam" Kent Esqr, Cap' Phineas Lyman,
Dudley Kent, Sam" Harmon.
Constables — John Harmon, Jeams Smith, Joseph Brunson.
Toion Clerk — Benj" Kent.
Town Treasur — Sam" Kent.
Assessors — ^am^^ Kent Esqr, Dudley Kent, Sam" Harmon.
TiitMngmen — 3os' Remington 2'"^, Nath" "Woster, Robert Granger, Aaron
Rising.
Fence vieicers — 'E\)m(iz' Noble, Aaron Austin, Joseph Austin, Aaron Rising.
Sealler of Leather — Noah Pumroy.
Sealler of Waights and Measures — Richard Austin.
Hogrj Reaves — Jeams Rising, W'" Austin.
*To tuck care that no body tack many forbid by Z«?o — John Marshcll, Tho'"
King.
Survayr of Jlif/hways — Sam^^ Hathaway, Joscjih Kent, George Norton, Eben-
ez-- Southwell, Nath" Norton, Tho"' Palmer, Joseph Leavitt, Jacob Adams 2"'*,
Stephen Remington.
Sam" Kent Esq' Mode'.
* Massachusetts prohibited the circulation of the paper money of the adjacent
Colonies, and substituted a specie currency in place of its old, middle, and
new tenor, paper currency, which had sudly depreciated. For its redemption
and extinction, Parliami^iit reimbursed the Province (in specie) for its expenses
in the contpicst of Cape Breton. The amount redeemed was t;i,7!l'2,2:?t>: 5': !•',
at the rate of about one of specie for ten of |)aper, and in 17") I the Province
bore the name of the "Hard Money Colony." (See fool note p. •2V,->, and
Fell's "Mass. Currency.")
38
302 TOWN ACTS
Att a Legal Town Meeting of the lulialiitants of Suffield May 16."' 1746.
I'y Cap' Phiuehas Lyman was chosen IMode''.
2'y Voted to allow to Decon Joseph Remington for one j-ear Next comming
(he finding Bars for tems and gats for horses) the Libirty of fencing up the
Highway along by his hous to his sun Isaac.
3'y Voted to sell abought halfe a acre of Land out of y« highway to Jona-
than Sikes for a Bulding place.
4'y Voted that Cap' Joseph King and David Smith Go and measure the
Laud and mack Reporte att y^ next Town meeting.
5'y Voted to chus a Commitee to see how thay can Lease the Schoul Land
for Longer or shorter time and macke Report att the Next Town meeting.
6'y Voted the Commitee Be Escf Sam" Kent, Cap' Lyman & W'"-King.
Vy Voted that the Skowl shall Be Keep one Quarter of the time this year
in the West Society that it is Keepe.
8'y Voted to hire Edward Burlison to tech children in the Remote Parts of.
the Town whare the Sellect men think Best or most fitt.
9'y Voted to Hire a Nother to tech children in the Remote Parts of the
Town and whare the Select men say and such a one as the Sellect men think
fitt.
Cap' Phineas Lyman, Modes.
Att a Legal Town meeting of the Inhabitants of Suffield Novem'"' 21^' 1746.
I'y Cap' Phinehas Lyman was chosen Mod'^
2'y Voted to alow in Town Pay (old Ten'' prise) the severall soms aficted to
each mans Name.
To Timathy Phelps one pound three shilings £1- 3-0
To John Granger for his salery and warning out Thare and his
wife, Grigs and his wife, att 2- 9-0
To Daniel Austin for mending the Pounds 1- 5-0
To John Old for his saliry one Pound 1- Q-O
To Freegrac Norton for Deto 1_ O-O
To David Winchell for Timber fifteen shillings 0-15-0
To Sam" Kent for Keeping of Bushes childe one j^eare att six
shilings p'' weeke 15-12-0
To Phmihas Sheldin for Timber Three Pounds 3- 0-0
To Captin Jonathan Sheldin (he taeking Bushes Childe untill
its eighteen yeares old) and the Keeping of the Childe the
Last yeare at fifte'ene Pounds 15_ O-O
3'>- Voted to Raise this yeare to Defray Town Depts Three hundred and fifty
Pounds in town Paj^ and One hundred and fifty Pounds mony.
4'y Voted that the Prise of Graine this yeare for Wheat 17/. Rie 18/,
Indian Corn 10/ Barly 10/ Ots 5/6: flax 2/8.
Phinehas Lyman.
Att a Leagal Town meeting March 20."' 1747.
!'>■ Cap' Jos King was chosen Moderater.
OF SUFFIELD. 303
2'y Vofed to appint Cap' Phinehas Lymaa an agent for tins town and in our
Name to joyn with the Town Committee or agents appinted or to Be appinted
by the Towns of Woodstock, Soraers & Enfield to maek application to y^
Great and General Court of the Province of y Massichusetts Bay, and Gen-
eral Assembly of Conecticut or to eather of them as the Commitee or the INIajor
Parte of them shall by good advise think best, to obtain our Right in being
Relesed f'm y 8*^ Province & sett of & allowed to Belong to y" s** Colony of
Conecticut as by Law and justice we think we ought to Be: and our s*" Com'""
are to taek y" best advice thay can obtain in the s'' affair in order to obtain the
s" end and to be att a Preportionable Parte of y" Cost that shall be expended
in s** affair with the'S'* towns acording to our List.*
3'y Cap* Lj'man as a agent Not to tack out of the Treasury above Twenty
Pounds old Ten''.
4'y Whereas the Com"^" for the first setling of y^ town of Suffield they
Gave the Streems of Stony Brook and Mudy Brook to Collonal Pynchon for y«
use of Gristmill and Sawmill, and he s*^ Pynchon Procedid to build and
maintain them for the use of the town untill he Lost Two Gristmill and one
Sawmill on which he Grue almost Discouraged and talked of Giving of s"^
stream to the town, the Profitt being so small and the Loses so Great. On
which the town came together and voted all y" Right thay hade to the Streams
to any man that would appear and maintain a Gristmill and Sawmill for y
use of the Town ; Giving Prefirence in s'^ volef unto s'' Pynchon, and he
Seing the Town so minded he Took corrage and Bulte againe and so contiiuied
to Do by himselfe and Desendants through the umanity of the town to this
time. But now the town hath grown Large som have manifested that thay
want more mills: Yet all tho y^ town in y" capacity of a town have Never
Requested nor Demanded any more mills: and Now I the subscriber holding
three quarters of s'^ stream by Piirchis under s'' Collanall Pynchon, Propose to
to the town in manner following (viz.)
First. To see whether the town will vote I should set up a mill in sum
convenant Place in the West Presink.
2'y If they Dont chuse that, to se whether thay will to have me build
another mill adjoyning to this I have allredy, to Griude Indian grain with
As witness my hand this 26 Day of March 1747.
Natli" Austin.
5'y. Voted that Do' Natha" Austin shall (when he has clered his title to
y« stream) Build a mill in the West Parte of the town.
Att the Annaversary Town j\Ieeting of the Inhabitants of Sufflcld Quaiitied
to vote in order to chuis Town otlicers March y" 9"' 174?.
I'y. Cap' Phinehas Lymaa was chosen Moderater,
* The long smothered revolt of these towns under the lead of Ca])!. Piiinchas
Lyman (afterwards Maior-(Tencral Lyman) was crowned wilii lasting success,
in 1749. See i)p. 11, 2(j(i. 808. AlsoVol. H, Hartford Co. Mist., p. ;J»7. For
some account of Gen. Lvman's life and liislory, refcriiu-e is had to lloadly's Col.
Records; Truinljull's a'lnl llnllislir's Histories of Conn.; Dwighl's Triivds,
Vols. I and III; Bliss's Address to tlie Hampshire Co. Bar in 1820; Fowler's
Hist, of Durham, Ct. ; Holland's Western Mass., Vol. L
f See pp. 14, C2.
304 TOWN ACTS
Select men — C'ap' Phinehas L}'mau, Medad Pumry, John Old, John Granger,
Jolin King'.
Axsessers — -Cap* Phinehas Lyman, Medad Puiuroy, Joshua King.
Town Clerk — Benj" Kent.
ConKtables — Joseph King Jun% Phinehas Sheldon, W" Haloday Jun^
Toicn 2Ve«— Cap' Lj'man.
Hogg Reaves — Joseph Austin, Sam" Gillit.
TytJten men — John Leavitt, Nath" Norton, Amas Kent, Jona' Remington,
Uriah Austin, Eb^ King.
Fence viewers — Philip Nellson, Aaron Rising, Nath'^ Woster, John Roe,
Joseph Smith, Isaac Haloday.
Servayrs of Highways — John Granger, Aaron Austin, Jona' Sheldon Jn"",
Sam" Remington 2'', Joshua Kindoll Jn'', Aaron Rising, Joseph Kent, Mosses
Rising. Daniel Spencer.
Deare Reaves — W'" King, Abr"' Burbank.
Gager of Drink — John King.
Sealer of Lether — Isaac Mixer.
Seler of waights and measures — Aaron Plitchcock.
Allso Voted to the severall Persons after Named in old Ten'' the sums aficted
to each mans Name.
To Sam" Kent Jn'' for his being Town Tres"' forty shiling p'' yeare Wliair he
hant had it of y^ Town.
To Aaron Hitchcock Nine shilings. £0-09-0
To John Leavitt Twelve shilings. 0-12-0
To Freegrace Norton Jn'" seventeen shilings. 0-17-0
To Richard Austin Three shilings . 0-06-0
To Thomas Granger for Land for a hig■hwa3^ 7-10-0
Voted to Keepe three Scholls in the Remote parts of the Town whair the
Selectmen thing Best.
Voted Liberty to Cap' Sam" Kent, Cap' Phinehas Lyman and Sam" Smith
and thair Heirs to Keep a Corne mill whair thair mill Nowe stand thay
Damnitiiug Nobody by floing thare Land.
Jacob Hathaway and John Burbank euterd thair Decent against the vote
Respecting the mill.
y above are True Entries.
Phin" Lyman Moder'^
Att a Legal Town meeting of the freeholders and other inhabitant of Suf-
field May 8."' 1747.
I'y Cap' Phin^ Lyman was chosen moderater.
2'y Voted to allow Deacon Remington to eontino his fence acros^ the Highway
that Runs by his house for one yeare as it Now stands he keeping handy and
convenaut Bars for traviling and allosying a free passage through his Land by
Jiis house Down to y Iron works.
Phin" Lyman Moder"".
OF SUFFIELD. 305
We Jonatlian Worthint^ton & Sam" Mirik Both of Springfield in the County
of Hampsliire Being appointed by tlie Select men of said Springfield and we
Dudley Kent, Meddad Pumry, John Granger and Abraham Burbank: Being
appointed by the Selectmen of said Suffield to preambelate and to Renew the
Bounds betwix' said Springfield and Suffield — and we began att y« Great River
at y North side of a Hollow Place or a Guter that Runs into y" Greate River a
Little Below three mild Brook att a Heape of stones By a yaler ock tree marked
S upon y" North side and S upon the South side: then Running a Lettle West-
ward to a Large swamp white ock tree alik marked : then to a small black ock
tree a Little Norwestward of Sikes saw mill so mark: then a Little west to a
Pine tree alicke markt: then att a Stak standing att the stump of an originall
Bound tree falin Down on the South side of Talers field: then to a white ock
tree alicke markt as afour^'^ on the south side of Talers field: then to a white
ock alike markt: then to a white ock tree a Little westerly of Taylers field
alike markt: then to a white ock tree alicke markt Standing upon Pine hill:
then to a yalow ock tree alike markt standing a Little y« west side of Jonathan
Remingtons field a Little west of a small Brook: then to a white oak tree alicke
markt Standing Northeast of W"" Kings field : then to a Pipredg tree alike
markt Standing Norward of S'* Kings field : then to a white oak tree Standing
Noreast Side of Filers Brook which tree is alicke markt : then to a Chesnut tree
at y" five corner meadow: then to a Large Pine tree alicke markt Standing a
Little west of the Path that goes to Westfield: then to a Large Pine tree stand-
ing on the East Side of IMuddy Brook: then to a Pine alicke markt Standing y"
west side of a cove y* Runs into Thomas Kings meadow: then to a Larg Pine
tree alicke markt Standing Southerd of Burlisons Brook: then to a yalow oak
tree alicke markt Standing eastward of Burlisons Brook att y" turn of it— then
over the Brook to a tree alicke markt: then to a white oak tree alicke markt:
then to a heap of Stons with a Blak oak staddle Standing by it alicke markt:
then to y^ wooden Bridge tree Standing upon ye mountaing Neare ye wooden
bridg: which several tree as before said we have markt as afour s'' with S
on y" North side and S "pon Y" South side : As witness our hands this Eleven
Day of May Anno Domini 1747.*
Jonathan Worthington, Sam" Mirik.
Dudley Kent. Meddad Pumroy.
John Granger. Abr'" Burbank.
December 23.'' 1747. Att a Legal Town Meeting on said Day above s''.
1»' Capt' Phinihas Lyman was chosen Moder"" to order s' meeting.
2'y Voted in old Ten-- as folo"': (Vis.)
To John Granger for plank and Runlng the Line with Springfield - 2- 0-0
To Meddad Pumry for Runing the Line with Spriugtieid - - 0-10-0
To Leu' Hitchcock 8-8 -0-8-8
To Dudley Kent for Runing y Line 10/ - - - - 0-10-0
To Abr'" Burbank Deto 10/ 0-10-0
*See A|)pendi.\ F and G for a history of SufTiuld's north boundary from
the Connecticut l{iver to the old Wesllield line at Kising'.s Notch. The line
was again perambulated w 17G0. It was made the Slate Line iu 18U;3 and so
remains. (See Private Laws of Conn., Vol. H, p. 1540.)
306 TOWN ACTS
To John Burhank for Timber 12 0-12-0
To Do' Nath" Austin for Planli 56/ ----- 2-16-0
To Abr-" Burbank for Timber 10/ - - - - - 0-10-0
To John Norton for Deto 14/ - 0-14-0
To Jacob Hatliaway Deto 3/ - - - - - -0-3-0
To John Rising for Deto 8/ - - - - - - 0- 8-0
To Sam" Kent Escf Deto 2/ - - - - - -0-2-0
To Sara" Hathaway for 122 feete of Plank all 20/ p-- hundred.
To Dudley Kent for his feching up y Powder and Paying the
fraight34/ - - - 1-14-0
To Cap' King for Runing the Line with Westf" - - - 0-12-0
To W°' King for Deto 12/ 0-12-0
To Abi™ Burbank for Deto ------ 0-12-0
To James Smith for Salery and Warning out Persons out of y«
Town all 40/ 2- 0-0
To Sam" Harmon for Salery 20/ - - . - - 1- 0-0
To Joseph Brunson for Deto 20/ - - - - - 1- 0-0
To Henry Blogget for Keeping the wench 25/ - - - 1-05-0
To Dan" Kent for Plank 63 ft 20 p-^ hundred.
B'y Voted to Chus Cap' Lj-man and Sam" Kent as a Commitee to Lock into
y« mater about y« Devition of y*' *Ministry Land and mak Reporte att y" Next
Town Meeting.
4'y Voted to alow unto Jolin Granger Jon* Foxes Rales.
5'y Voted to give Sam" Kent 15 pounds for y« Keeping Bushes child Last
year provided he will tack s'' child untill it is Eighteen yeare old.
6'y Voted that Joseph King and John Pengely be a Committe (on Dan"
Adams cost) to Loek into y^ mater about a Bilding Place in y highway and
maek Report att y' Next meeting.
7'y Voted that y Selectmen Loek into y' Tres>- and order how much mony
shall be Rased this yeare, and allso alow for Mr Ab^ Burbank Bords, and
allso to alow for Bulls.
Att the Annaversary Town meeting of the Inhabitants of Suff'' Quallifyed
to vote in Town meetings March 14.^^ 174|.
Medad Pumry was chosen Moderater to order said meeting.
Selectmen — CaY)^ P. Lyman, Sam" Harmon, John Old, John King, Medad
Pumry.
loicn Clerk — Benj* Kent.
Town Trem^ — Cap' P Lyman.
J.«se«s(3/-.'« — Cap' P Lyman, Sam" Harmon, John King.
CowsteWes — Ebez' Smith 2<i, Joseph Kent, Joseph King.
Fence Viewers — ^"^ King Jun% Moses Rising, Eb^ King, Robert Granger,
Jarat Huxley Jun% Sam" Norton.
Tything men — Nath" Harmon 3'^, John Hanchit 2', Josep Brunson, David
Granger, John Roe.
Sarvayers of Highways — Zebelon Adams, W"" Austin. Jeremiah Granger,
*For some account of Ministr}^ Land see pp. 18, 55, 76.
OP SUFFIELD. 307
Tho Spencer, Tho Norlon, Ruben Harmon, John Hancbit 2'^ John Harmon
2", Zack Hanchit.
Sealer of Leather — Caleb Austin.
Sealer of Wait and Measurs — Aaron Hitchcock.
Hog Beaves — N a,th'^ Woster, Nath'^ Hall.
Dear Heaves — John Adams, Abr™ Burbank.
We whos Names are under writen Do Protest against chusing of Sellectmen
without writen voats.
Sam" Harmon, Aaron Rising,
Sam" Roe, Joseph Austin,
Jerat Huxly, Nath" Norton,
W'" Straton, Joseph Hale.
Voted unto Cap* P Lyman for Being Tres'' Last Yeare in old Ten'' fortj^ shil-
ings, - - - - 2-0-0
To Joseph King for warning out Persons this year Past, Twenty
Eight shiling old Ten"- 1-8-0
To Timothy Phelps for mending of the Coute house, - - 0-12-0
Medad Pumry Moder'^
Att a Legal Town meeting of the inhabitants of Suffield May 16. 1748.
!'>■. Cap' P Lyman was chosen Moderater.
2'y. Voted that thair shall Be a Schowl Cep in the West Parish.
3'y. Voted that thair shall be one moving schowl iny« Easte part whair the
Sellect Men think most Proper.
4'y, Voted To persue the mater of Giting of into Connecticut.
5'y. Voted that Lew' Aseph Leavitt Be Joyned as an agent with Cap' Lyman
to Prosecute the affair of Geeting of to Connecticut ; who are joynliy &
severly Impowered to make application to y* General Court at Connecticut to
Receive us under their Jurisdiction and Protect us, and to mack application to
y Great and General Court of this Provinc to Be Relesed from thair Juris-
diction, and with j" agents of Woodstock, Somers, & Enfield, to Do any thing
Necessary to Prepair the Case for a tryall att y" Court att Greate Brittain, if
we cant obtain our Right without, and to be at our Preportionable parte of y«
Cost with s** Towns acording to the Respective List of each Town, allowing
the major Parte of the agents upon good advice shall govern the affair.
December y 12."' 1748. Att a Legal Town meeting on s' Day
1" Cap' Phinehas Lyman was chosen Mode^
2'y. Voted to Leve it witb y Sellect Men to se who was Paid of them orders
tiiat John Adams had to pay, and order out tJiem thay found was not Paid.
2'>'. Voted to alow to y" men lierafter Named the soms to each mans Nam
in old Ten".
To John Granger for Plank and Timber 57/ - - - - 2-17-0
To Sam" Granger 2' for Timber 24/ - - - - 1- 4-0
To W" King for Plank 22/ - - - - - 1- 2-0
To Jacob Adams fur limber 10/ . . . . . U-10-0
308 TOWN ACTS
To Postliumas Siks for timber 5/ - - - - - 0-5-0
To Tho™ Granger for timber 24/ - - - - - 1 -4-0
To Zackeas and Ezra Haiicbit for timber 45/ - - - - 2- 5-0
To To™ Norton for timber 7/ - - - - - - 0-07-0
To Daniel Smith for timber 4/ - - - - - - 0-04-0
ToEns: Joshua Kindal for timber 8/ - . . . . 0-08-0
To Joseph King Ju'' for a Sallery one year 20/ - - - 1-00-0
To W" Haloday Deto 20/ 1-00-0
To Phinehas Shelden Deto 20/ - - ... - 1-00-0
4'y. Voted to Raise for this year to Defray the Charges Necessary in y«
town, four hundred pounds .... - 400-00-0
5'-^ Voted that the Sellect Men in the Spring by a good cow and Let Jeam
Leraby have, to helpe him mainetaine his child; and att y« fall of yyear if y«
child Lives the Sellect men with Jeams swop the cow, or Do that thay shall
think Best in order that s"* Aby shall have the cow or some other for meate.
Allso the meane while s^ Leraby to have 5-0-0.
6'y. Voted to Leave it with the Sellect Men to alow Meadad Pumry and
Aaron Austin for som Plank.
*Att a General Town Meeting of y" inhabitants of SufBeld (held March 13.
1748-9.) in order to chuse Town Officers for y« year iusuing is as foUoweth
(viz) I'y. Major P. Lyman was chosen Moderater to order s<' meeting.
Select Men — Major Lyman, Cap* Sam" Kent, Medad Pumroy, Sam" Har-
mon, John King.
Toion Clerk — Benj" Kent.
Town TresT — Major P Lyman.
Constables — Caleb Austin, John Leavitt, Nath" Smith.
Assessors — Major P Lyman, Cap' Sam" Kent, Sam" Harmon.
Fence Viewers — Jonathan Eemington, Jonathan Dewey, Dec" John Harmon.
Joseph Hale.
Tything Men — Rubin Harmon, Th" Norton, Posthumas Sikes.
Sealer of Leather — Noah Pumroy.
Sealer of Waights and Measures — Lew' Aaron Hitchcock.
Serveyers of Highways — John Norton, Jeams Smith, .Jonathan Sikes, Noah
Pumroy, Elijah Kent, Phinihas Sheldon, Th" Granger, Ebez"- Smith, Eb^ Noble,
Benj'' Granger.
Hogg Reaves — Timothy Hale, Timothy Mather.
Dear Reaves — Daniel Adams, W'" King Jun^
Gager of Cashes — John King.
To take care that No Body take Rod Island mony that is forbid by Law\ — John
Marshal.
2'>'. Voted to sell the Skool Land and to Leave it with y*^ Commitee (thay
taking Land security for y« mony) and the Commity are Major Lyman, Cap*
Sam" Kent, Ens° W'" King, Ins" Abr"' Burbank, and John Old.
3'y. Voted that thair be Layd out a Highway under the Mounting from the
* The last town meeting under Massachusetts government,
f See note p. 301.
OP SUFFIELD. 309
Highway that goes out by Noah Pumroys to Springfield Line by woodin bridge
of three or foiir Rods wide. The Com*. Jos' King, W'» King.
4iy. Voted to Dec° Remington Liberty to fence up the Highway Whare it
Goes threw his Land for one year, he Keeping a Hors Gate and bars for a terme.
5'y. Voted to W'" Halody Jun"" John Stockwell Rates, and Benj Gridges;
Giving Security that if he can git s"* Gridges he will Pay it to the Town.
6'y. Voted to John Hale for one hundred and halfe of Plank - 3-0-0
To Sam" Hathaway for Deto Three Pounds 3-0-0
To Major Lyman for his Salery as Tres'' 2-0-0
To Major Lyman for his being an Atorny for the town - - - 3-8-0
*Att a General Towne Meeting by authority from Coneticut in order to abuse
Town Officers for the yere insuing December 4"» Day 1749
Select Men — Major Lyman, Capt Sam" Kent, Leu* Aseph Leavitt, Medad
Pumroy, Sam" Harmon.
Toicn Ti'es'' — Major Lyman.
Town Clerk — Benj" Kent.
Constablen — Caleb Austin Grand Constable, the others are John Leavitt and
Nath" Smith.
Listers — W" King, Dudley Kent, Silas Kent.
Fence Vewers — Joseph Brunson, W" Haloday Jun'', Aaron Rising, Jonathan
Sheldon 2'^.
Branders — Medad Pumroy, Zefeniah Taler.
Grand. Jurys — John Old, Jonathan Remington %^.
Servayers of Highways — Timothy Phelps, Jarat Huxley Jun'', Tho^ Granger,
John Norton, Siman Kindal, William King Jun% Nath" Woster, Phinehas
Sheldon, Matthew Cople}^ Jun'', Dan" Smith.
Colectors — Caleb Austin, Nath" Smith, John Leavitt.
Seler of Leather — Caleb Austin.
Seler of Waits and Mesures — Aaron Hitchcock.
Tything Men — Jo= King, Elijah Sheldon.
I'y. Voted to alow Jeams Smith, Sam" Elsworth Rates.
2'y. Voted to Daniel Remington the money that he was over Rated in that
Rate when William Haloday and Phineas Sheldon was Constables, and likewise
the Coste of being Strained and Interest.
3'y. Voted to Caleb Austin forty Shiling for Caring a man to Infield by a
Worent from Capt Kellogg.
4iy. Voted to Capt Kellogg for y Worent — 20/.
5'y. Voted to Esq"^ Bisall for Comming up — 40/.
* This was the first Town Meeting under the Connecticut government.
Es(i' Daniel Bissell was a Justice of tiio Peace from Windsor. His errand
was probably to administer oaths to the Town Olficers, in Connecticut form.
End of Peuiod III.
39
APPENDIX
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
SUFFIELD.
APPENDIX.
To supply a more complete description of the town's early books of
record than is contained in the Preface, the following is added.
The first Suffield Town Book of Records is a folio volume of 267 pages. It
contained the "Acts of the Committee" for settling the town from 1671 to
1682, all in the handwriting of Major John Pynchon, and a record of lands
granted and distributed to proprietors and settlers before 1716. It also con-
tained all the records of town meetings, called "Town Acts," from 1682 to
1724. What remains of the book is priceless, for it contains the original
record of the history of Suffield's town government in its first half century.
The penman.ship of Major John Pynchon, and Anthony Austin, the first town
clerk, is admirable.
In 1739, Joseph AVinchell, the third town clerk, compiled an index to this
volume, which is preserved. Its completion was celebrated in verse by the
compiler, as follows:
"This Alphabet was made: with such intent,
Mispence of time: and money to prevent,
Which double end: I hope it will obtain,
So that no loss: but all maj' turn to gain:
For thus twill be: when any come in haste.
To search the records: who hav'nt time to waste,
They'l quickly find: the thing which they do need —
Then bid farewell: and haste away with "speed.
Which practice, I do hope that none will blame.
Til Joseph Winchel change his mind and name,
Which wont be quick: the reason is because —
His name and mind, are like the Persian laws."
In 1771 the town ordered a transcription of that part of the original book
relating to the "Tenure of Lands," which included the "Acts of the Com-
mittee." The work was completed in 1774, before the " Old Book" was seri-
ously mutilated. It is a folio of 425 written pages. The transcribed matter
occupies 296 pages; the remainder of the volume contains records of bonds,
leases, boundary lines, fence divisions, and highwaj's, commingled, bearing
date from 1775 to 1883.
The Transcription Committee, at the close of their labors, left on record a
memorial with their autographal signatures, and commemorated the event in
verse.
Suffield March : 26"'', 1774.
We the subscribers, pursuant to a vote of the Inhabitants of Sufl5eld made
and past in a lawfull Town Meeting, held at Suffield Dec^ 1771, authoi izing
and appointing us a Comm'"" to Transcribe the first Book of Records of this
Town, in order to transmit to Posterity those Transactions entire: to wit:
those that related, or do relate to the Tenure of Lands, (the first Book now
APPENDIX. 313
through Time going to Decay,) have with great care aad pains now Completed
the same, for the Benefit of the Rising generations; that is to say; all that
Touches the Title of Land. All which is contained in the foregoing Sheets,
in Which it will appear by a variety of notes that We have made, that we
have purposely passed over the Choice of Town Officers, such as Select Men,
Constables, &c; Where Laud was not concerned; the end & Design as above
mention'' regarding nothing but Land. All which is faithfully Transcribed,
and now by us Reposited, and laid up for the Benefit and Advantage of Ages
not now born; and as a Testimonial to the Truth of this Transcription, We
hereto set our Hands, the day and year abovesaid.
AARON HITCHCOCK, \
JOHN LEAVITT, [ Comm'««.
GIDEON GRANGER, )
"The Volume now Compleat, the Labor done,
Each Consecrated line tis hop'' will run,
Constant attendant, down with Sliding years.
In whose first Sheets Conspicuous appears,
How to the north, by Springfield we are Join"* ;
How at the East our Borders are Confin''
On fam'' Connecticut: How Windsor Plain
Stops short our Southern Extent; how again
Simsb'ry. and Southwick with unequall Force,
Measure to us Our Narrow^ Western Course.
Next to these utmost limits here succeeds
Our Great Committees Wisdom, Care and Deeds,
Fir'i with pious views, and pious Cares
And fixt Intent, their Children should be Heirs
To an estate more lasting far, than life.
Which must survive the Worlds Convulsive Strife.
On a Tall Summit, pointing to the skies.
See God's Own House, and Holy Temple rise,
Warm'' with Devotion, here they Humbly Seek
Blessings Divine, on Each Revolving Week,
By faith Imploring, at the Fathers Throne,
The Pardon purchased by Christ the Son."
PROPRIETORS' BOOKS.
Two other volumes contain the Acts of the Proprietors and the record of
the division of all the common lands that remained undivided in 1716.
The first volume is chiefly devoted to the "Equalizing Grant "made in
1720 to those who had not received their just share in former divisions, etc.,
the division of the mountains in 1743, and preliminary measures for a division
of the common lands west of the mountain in 175G. Joseph Winchell was
proprietors' clerk from 1716 until his death by apoplexy in 1743. This volume
is also graced with his verse.
"Memorandum,
"by joseph winciikll.
"Great Debts rcquicr the greater Care to pay.
AV'ise Men provide against the Accounting day.
Go, Run. Hide, Swiin, use every Ilonnist Way,
Rather than Poverties Commands Obey.
"Tnitlis always Truth, in Age and Youth —
Tis neither Old nor Young —
This is as true, now said of Truth,
As ever was spoke l)y Tongue.
314 APPENDIX.
"This I have Writ, as I thought fit —
A Line or two in Haste —
Well knowing it, that Tis not fit,
I precious time should Waste."
The Index to this volume, made by Joseph Winchell, is dedicated as follows:
" He thats inclined, to look and find, —
What he does want and need; —
This Alphabet, I think most fit;
To help in Haste, and speed."
The second Proprietors' Book contains acts relating to the division of the
"Great Common " east of the Mountain in 1725, estimated to number about 2,100
acres. After this division was allotted, there was found remaining about 625
acres, which was divided in 1742, and is recorded as the * second division of
the Great Common. The latter part of the book contains the record of lands
west of the mountain, divided in 1759, as ordered in 1756. This was the last
distribution of the common lands in SuflSeld. The laying out of lands on
former divisions ended in 1784. An effete organization was maintained for
half a century later, to look after any possible remaining proprietary rights.
In 1821, it was voted to deposit the "Proprietors' Books of Records" with
the town clerk.
The last proprietors' meeting was held at Richard Clark's inn, at West
Suifield, June 5, 1826. After choosing officers (whose successors have never
been appointed), the meeting was dissolved, upon the passage of the following:
" Voted : we would take something to drink. Meeting Dissolved."
The town books for recording marriages, births, and deaths are the next in
point of age and interest. The first is a small folio bearing a date of 1702.
Its entries indicate that it was in use from the time of the town's organization
in 1682 to 1740. It also contains records of intentions of marriage, estrays,
and ear-marks for cattle, sheep, etc. It is sadlj^ shattered by the wear of two
centuries, and more than thirty pages are lost. Yet it is one of the most
valued and interesting relics in the town's archives.
A second book, containing similar records from 1740 to 1762, is not found.
A third book of births, marriages, and deaths, from 1762 to 1799, is in good
condition.
In December, 1799, the town ordered the town clerk (Alexander King) to
"collect and transcribe all the records of marriages, births, and deaths into
one Book." He had completed the transcription, with an index, in an admi-
rable manner before his death, which occurred October 12, 1702. This book
is now styled, " SulEeld Records, Births, Marriages, and Deaths, Vol. 1."
"A."
FORMATION OF THE SECOND ECCLESIASTICAL SOCIETY.
The inhabitants of the west part of the town of Suffield petitioned the Mas-
sachusetts General Court in May, 1739, to be "set off" a distinct society.
The majority in town meeting opposed the project, and appointed an agent
* There were two Second Divisions of lands,— the first in 1688, under the
Town Government, the last under the Proprietary Government. The latter
(625 acres) should be added to the 14,000 acres stated in note, p. 194.
APPENDIX. 315
to make answer at the General Court, why they should not be "set off."
(Appendix B.)
The General Court " recommended an accommodation of the matter." Each
party accordingly appointed a committee, who referred the whole "coutro-
versie" to another committee, mutually agreed upon. (Appendix C.)
Dec. 14, 1789, the referees reported favorably for the petitioners, and fixed
the boundary lines between the societies. (Appendix D.)
The General Court ratified the report of the referees, and the westerly part
of the town of Suflaeld was "set off a separate and distinct precinct," Jan.
1, 1740. (Appendix E.)
"B."
A summary, or brief in the hand-writing of Joseph King, Gent", giving
reasons why the town should not be divided into Ecc' societies, has been pre-
served, and is as follows :
"Memorandum. The Township (is) too scant for 2 Precincks, the im-
provable part not being y" Contents of 5 mile square, and the land being
broken, or a mixture of plowing, pastureing & mowing together, that to
separate each part by itself requires so much fence that y' product will scarce
pay for y*' labour. The low circumstances of j" Inhabitants Render us incapa-
ble to subsist 3 Ministers, and to build 3 houses, for although we are a consid-
erable number of Inhabitants, yet the consumption of provisions must be in
proportion to our numbers, and the produce of our Lands has never yet been
sufficient for our subsistence since y" Town has stood, saving about 2 years past
in an extraordinary time of plenty. For we being so many have but every one
a little, and of a little can spare but a little. For although we have y^ number
of almost 300 families, yet there are of house-holders about 30 y' their List
dont exceed 5£ ; 10 between 5£ & 10£ ; and 20 between 10 & 15£ ; and 19
between 15 & 20£ ; So that there are about 70 y' are not voters in Town
affairs.
"There are 23 between 20 & 25£ ; & 18 between 25 & 30£. As to the Peti-
tioners being let off under a notion of their increasing in numbers is a mis-
apprehension, for their is but a Little more Land there Improveable, besides
what belongs to L' (Jonathan) Sheldon * and to partikular men in the Town,
and especially if Springfield get their demand upon, which it is to be feared
they will, the jurisdiction at least, which will Reduce the Town-ship on y«
West part to but about 3 mile & i at tlie most between Simsbury Corner and
Springfield Line, and a Considerable Land y' is under improvement belongs to
y« East part which they improve for Winter Corn. The West part being set
off, will lay y" other Extreara parts of y Town who were the first Planters,
under a great difficulty by advancing their charges, who have always under-
gone greater difficulty in geting to Meeting than they ; by reason of the bad-
ness of the way. The great inconvenience of Breaking Towns into small Pre-
cincts makes parties in Towns, and being unable to give y' honorable support
* Capt. Jonathan Sheldon wa.s the founder of the Sheldon Street clan, and
built the Sheldon House there in 1723-4. (Sec Memorial History of Hartford
County.) lie was a large iandlioldor tlicrc. and settled live sons upon farms
around him. His daughter Silciute, married Rev. Jon" Judd, and was the
great grandmother of .Judd the Historian of Hadley. His daughter Mary, mar-
ried tiie Rev. John Graham, the first minister at West Sutfield.
316 APPENDIX.
to Ministers which is meet, has a tendency to breed discord between Minister
& People, and proves a wound to Religion : and no man of learning and parts
will be willing to settle in such places : and so they must take up with weak
means, which opens a door for seducers to infuse Corrupt principles, and
bring a scandal upon Religion.
" The extream charges of y^ Province & war approaching to be considered."
"C."
Whereas wee the Subscribers, Joseph King & Sam" Kent, Gent™ and
William King, yeoman, all of Sufficld in the County of Hampshire, A Com-
mittee apointed by the s*" Town of Suffield to Represent them against those In-
habitants of the Western part of said Town, that are endeavouring to be setoff
a distinct Society on y* one part, and Jona Sheldon, Gent", Sam" Kent the
Second, Noah Smith y-^ Second, and Ebenez"" Southwell, yeoman, all of Suffield
a Committee appointed by the Inhabitants that are desirous to be a distinct
Society in y" Westerly part of s'' Town, on the other part, haveing met this
16"" day of November Anno Dom° 1739, to see if wee Could Come to any
agreement Respecting said Controversie, have now mutualy agreed to Refer
the said Controversie to y" Consideration and determination of y" Hono^''' John
Stoddard of Northampton in s'' County Esq'', the Hono''''' Roger Woollcot of
Windsor in the County of Hartford, Esq'', and William Pitkin of Hartford in
s'' County, Esq'', they or any Two of them agreeing and giving up their deter-
mination in writing to Each party, under their hands respecting the following
partickulars in a Convenient time, it is to be a final determination of s"* Con-
troversie the partickulars to be determin'' as follows. (Viz) I'**, Whether y«
Westerly part of Suffield afores'' shall be set off a distinct Society or precinct
by themselves. 2'"*ly, How far said precinct shall extend, if they determine
there shall be one. 3<'ly : What part, or whether all y« Cost, y« People of y«
s** Westerly part of the Town have already been at, is Reasonable Cost that
so y" Town may know what sum y" Town must pay y*^ s'' people of y^ west-
erly part of s"! Town agreeable to a vote that they would pay them what rea-
sonable Cost they have already been at in case they would agree with them in
the choice of a committee &c.
In witness of all which wee the said parties have hereto set our hands &
Seals the day and year above s*^.
Joseph King & seal, Sam" Kent S"" & seal, W'" King & seal, Jonthan Shel-
don & seal, Sam" Kent 2""^ & seal, Ebenez"' Southwell & seal, Noah Smith 2°^
& seal.
Wee the subscribers committee as within mentioned, having met Together
and report the failure of Roger Woollcot Es"' Coming. Wee have made
Choice of W"' Pynchon Jun'' Esq'', to supplj^ his place, to make final Determi-
nation as is within mentioned, as witness our hands this ll"" day of Decem-
ber, 1739.
Joseph King, Samuel Kent 3"*, W'" King, Jon" Sheldon, Sam" Kent 2"^,
Ebenez'' Southwell, Noah Smith 2""^.
A True Copy of the Original which was Deliv^ to Jonathan Sheldon &
Comp" by consent of Joseph 'King &c.
John Stoddard.
Exam-' P' W" Pitkin.
W'" Pynchon Jun^
APPENDIX. 317
"D."
Whereas we the Subscribers, John Stoddard, W'" Pitkin, and W" Pyn-
chon Jun"" 'Esq'% having been appointed by Joseph King and Sam" Kent 3'',
Gentl'"", & W"' King, Yeoman, all of Suffield in the County of Hampsh', a Com-
mittee appoint'' by the said Town of Suffield to Represent them against those
Inhabitants of the Western part of the said Town that were endeavouring to
be set off a Distinct Society on the one part, and Jonathan Sheldin, Gent'",
Sam' Kent the 2'', Noah Smith 2'', and Ebenezer Southwell Yeomen, all of
s'' Suffield, a committee appoint'' by those Inhabitants that are Desirous to be
a Distinct Society in the Westerly Part of said Town, on the other Part,
Referrees to Hear & Determine the Controversie of the s'' Paities, upon tlie
following Particulars, Viz:
1. Whether the Westerly Part of said Suffield shall be set off a Distinct
Society or Precinct by themselves.
2. Hew far the said Precinct shall extend, if Determined by us there shall
be one.
3. What Part, or whether all the Cost the People of the s'' Westerly Part
of the Town have been at, is Reasonable Cost, that so the Town may- know
what sum tliey must pay the s'' People of the Westerly Part of s' Town, agree-
able to a Vote of the s'* Town &c.
Accordingly we met at Suffield aforesaid on the 11"' day of December Anno
Dom', 1739. Having viewed the several Parts of the s*' Town, the situation of
the several Inhabitants thereof, Heard the Parties afores'', and Maturely Con-
sidered the matters Referr'', do adjudge and Determine that the Westerly Part
of the said Town of Suffield, be set off a separate and Distinct Precinct, by
the Bounds and Limits Hereafter Described, that is to say, beginning at the
South Westerly corner of Thomas Sheldins Homelot, about three quarters of
a mile Westerly of the Meeting-House, and from the s'' corner of the s*' Home-
lot, the line to run Southerly a Strait Course to the Westerly side of the now
Dwelling House of Thomas Spencer, standing near the Highway leading from
the Town to Tainters Hill, So Called, and from the said Westerly side of
said Spencers House, the same Course to the Collony Line. And from the s^
corner of the said Sheldins lot to Run sometimes Northerly & sometimes
Westerly in the Highway Leading from thence as the Highway Runs to James
Barlows, Joseph Kents, Noah Kents, and Joseph Hastings & so on in the s''
Highway until it meets the Highway leading from Joseph Pumro^^s to the
Northerly end of the Town, and from the meeting of the said Highways
North, a Line Run by the needle of the Instrument to Springfield bounds,
&all the lands from the said bounds or Lines, from Easterly to Westerly &
from Northerly to Southerly, belonging to the s'' Town, be the extent of said
Precinct. Saving that all the Persons Hereafter named. Together with their
Lands and Estate, Lying and being within the bounds aforementioned be and
Remain to the other Part of said Town, and not to be subjected to any Taxes
within the said Precinct, Namely :
Jose|)Ii Remington, Bcnajah Austin, W'" llainl)lin, Joim Hale, Dan' Spencer,
Thomas Spencer, John Old, John Granger, James Barlow, Joseph Kent,
Thomas King, Noah Kent, Joseph Hastings, Dudly Remington, Benjamin
Allin 2'', Sam' Spencer, as also Uriah Austin, Caleb Austin & Joshua Austin,
their Right & Interest in the Homestead, Lately Anthony Austins Dec', and no
more.
40
318 APPENDIX.
And so to remain until tliey and any of them Respectively shall Desire to be
admitted by the s'^ Westerly Precinct, and shall so be admitted by said Pre-
cinct and no longer. And also that the sum, Forty Nine Pounds five Shillings
and Six Pence, Part of the Cost Expended by the s'^ Westerly Part in Petition-
ing the General Court to be set off, is Reasonable charge.
Given under our Hands at Suffield DecemV 14"', 1739.
One of the Like Tenor with this ) John Stoddard,
we Have Deliv^ to Jonathan Sheldin, [- W" Pitkin,
& others of the Westerly part. ) W"" Pynchon, Jun^
"E."
WEST SOCIETY INCORPORATED.
To His Excellence Jonathan Belcher Esquire, Captain General and Comander-
in Chefe of His Majest* Province of the Massachusets Bay in New England;
the Honorable His Majesties Counceil and House of Representatives in Gen-
erall Court assembled at Boston, December 5, 1739 :
The'petition of us the Subscribers appointed a Commite for the Inhabitants
of the West part of the Town of Suffield in the County of Hampshire Humbly
Sheweth.
That the Inhabitants of the West part of the Town of Suffield in May Last,
Presented a petition praying that the said West part of the town of Suffield
might be set off a distinct Society, and the Cort was pleased then to order that
the further Consideration of the petition should Be Refered to the Then Next
Sitting of the Cort, and that no tax should Be Laid on the petitioners towards
the Building a Meating House in the meantime, and Recommended to the par-
ties an accommodation of the matter, since which the said East and West part of
said Town Have Refered the Consideration of the Cause to a Committee mutu-
ally chosen, who Having Been on the spot & mutually Heard and Considered
the Cause on the 14"' of this Instant December, and during this session of the
Cort determined we should be set off a distinct Society.
Wherefore your petitioners most Humbly move the said West part of Suf-
field maj^ now beset off a distinct Society according to the Determination of the
said Committee Herewith presented, and whereas there was a tax of Three
Hundred Pounds in town pay Raised by a voate of s'^ town to be Improved
towards the Building a New Meating House in the East part of s'' town which
is Now Shortly To Be Collected, and whereas there was allso when the town
set forward toward the Building a New Meating House a Considerable sum of
money In the town Treasury kept and Reserved for that use. Your petition-
ers most Humbly move that if the Cort are pleased to set us off a precinct we
may Have our propotion of s'^ sums according to what we must pay to y"^ s"*
tax to Be Collected, and allso that we may Have from time to time our propo-
tion of the tax to Be Raised for the maintenance of the School, appropriated to
the maintenance of a School among ourselves. We Having for a long time paid
Rates to the School without ever Receiving anj^ Benefit thereby except ten
pounds all which is most Humbly Submitted By those who as in Duty Bound
shall ever pray &c.
Jonathan Sheldin.
Samuel Kent.
Ebe'- Southwell.
Noah Smith.
APPENDIX. 319
In the House of Representatives January 1, 1789-(40) Read and ordered that
the prayer of the petition Be so far granted as that the Westerly part of s'^ town
of Suffield be and hereby is set off a Separate and distinct precinct, By the
Bounds and Limits Hereafter described. Viz. Beginning at the Southwesterly
Corner of Thomas Sheldens House Lot about three quarters of a mile West-
erly of the Meating House, and from the s'' Corner of the s'' Homelot the line
to Run Southwardly By Strait Course to the Westerly Side of the now Dwelling
House of Thos Spencer, Standing Near the Highway Leading from the Town
to Tainters Hill, so called, and from the s'' Westerly Side of s'' Spencers House,
the same Course to y« Colony Line. And from the s'' Corner of the s-^ Sheldens
Lot to Run Sometimes Northwardly and Sometimes Westerdly in the Highway
leading from thence as the Highway Runs to James Barlows, Joseph Kent,
Noah Kent, Joseph Hastings and So on in the s'^ Highway untill it meat the
Highway leading from Jo.seph Pomery To the Northerdly end of the Town,
and from the meating of the s-^ Highway North a line Run by the needle of
y Instrument to Springfield Bounds, and all the Land from the s"^ Bounds or
Line from Easterdly to Westerdly, and from Northerdly to Southwardly
Belonging to s'' town Be the Extent of s'' precinct. Saving: that all the persons
Hereafter Named together with all their Lands & Estates Lying and Beaing
with the Bounds aforementioned Be and Remain to the other part of the s'^'
Town, and Not to Be Subjected to any taxes within the s'' Precinct.
Namely: Joseph Remington, Benjah Austin, William Hamlin, John Hale,
Dan" Spencer, Thos: Spencer, John Old, John Grainger, James Barlow,
Joseph Kent, Thos: King, Noah Kent, Joseph Hastings, Dudley Remington,
Benjamin Allen 2', Sam" Spencer as allso Uriah Austin, Caleb Austin, Joshua
Austin their Right and Interest in the Homestead lately Anthony Austin De-
ceased, and no more, and so to remain until they, or any of them shall Desire
to be admitted by y" s'^ Westerdly part and shall be so admitted to s'' Precinct,
and no longer unless this Court shall otherwise order, and allso that Forty Nine
Pounds, five shillings and six pence, part of the cost expended by the s"* West-
erdly part in petitioning to this Cort, be paid by the &^ Town of Sulheld agrea-
ble to their Vote of the first of Nov'"' last.
Sent y for Concurance.
Ebe' Pomery Speak"^ Protempore.
In Council January 1, 1739-(40) Read and concurcd.
J. Willard Sec'ry,
Q. J. Belcher.
In answer to that part of the Petition Relating to the Remitance of the tax
for Meeting House and School &c, Voted, that the Petitioners serve the Town
of Sullicld with a Coppey of the Petition that they shew cause (if any they
have) on the first Thursday of the next May Session, why the prayer thereof
should not be granted, and that pixrt of the Petition is Rcfered in the mean
time for Consideration. Accordingly sent up for Concurrence.
Eb"^ Pomory Speak'' Protempore.
In Councel January 1, 1739-(40) Read and Concured.
J. Willard, Sec'ry.
consented to J. Belcher.
A true Coppey examined p'
Simon Frost Dep'> Sec'>'.
320 APPENDIX.
" F."
SPRINGFIELD & SUFFIELD BOUNDARIES.
To His ExelPv William Shirly Esq-- Cap* Gen" and Com'"- in Cbefe of His Maj-
esties Province of the Massachusetts Bay: The Hon'''« His Majesties Council
and House of Representatives In Gn" Court Assembled at Boston May SG"*
1742:
The Petition of the Town of Suffield in the County of Hampshire, Humbly
sheweth: That the South Bounds of the Town of Springfield (Viz) on the
West side of the Connecticut River, is the North Bounds of the Town of Suf-
field aforesaid : and that about seventy years since, the Line between y" said
Towns was by a Committee of y« Gen" Court joyued with a Committee of the
Town of Springfield run and marked, and y*" s"* Line has been owned and ac-
knowledged by the Inhabitants of both y" s"* Towns for sixty years past to be
the established boundary between the s'' Towns, and has been in a frequent
manner Perambulated according to Law by Committees by the s'' Towns
respectively appointed, and these perambulations reduced to writing and con-
sented to by both parties and recorded, all without the least hesitation from the
time the Law of the Province provided for the perambulating y* Lines be-
tween Townships to the year 1735 when Springfield Committee made sum
objections to that ancient boundary which their fathers had set, and in the year
1739 the Representative for the Town of Springfield moved to the Gen" Court
for a new Establishment greatly hurtfull to the Town of Suffield, and wee
having that year no Representative in Court, and being under other disadvan-
tages about our Cause, The Town of Springfield obtained the order of Court
for a new Establishment according to their Petition, which Order is greatly to
our damage, and as wee Humbly apprehend not according to the Gen" Courts
practice in causes in the like nature: from whence wee are verrily persuaded
y' our Cause was never sufficiently laid open to the Committee appointed by
the Gen" Court to hear it, wherefore wee most Humbly move with great sub-
mission to your Excl'>' and Hon"^^ j^' you would now grant us another opportu-
nity to lay our cause before you for your wise Determination, or grant us such
other relief as in your great wisdom you shall think fit, and your Petitioners as
in duty bound shall ever pray &c
Timothy Dwight Agent,
for the Town of Suffield.
In the House of Representatives June 15, 1742.
Read and ordered that the Pef serve the Town of Springfield with a Copy
of this Pet", that they shew cause (if any they have) on the first Friday of the
next full Session why the prayer thereof should not be granted.
Sent up for Concurance.
T. Gushing Spk'.
In Council June 15"' 1742 Read and Concured.
J. Willard secretary.
Consented to:
W. Shirley.
In Council Dec'' S,"- 1742.
Read again with the answer of the Town of Springfield and the other papers
in the Case &c Ordered: tiiat there be a public hearing and before the Court
APPENDIX.
321
on this Petition to-morrow at ten o'clock in tlie forenoon, and tliat the Parties
be notified to attend accordingly.
Sent down for Concurance.
J. Willard Secretary.
In the House of Rep""« Dec 9'^ 1742,
Read and Concurred.
T. Gushing Spk^
Consented.
W. Shirley.
In the House of Representatives Dec 16, 1742 on a motion made and sec-
onded by the Agents of Springfield and Sufiield that instead of a Public hear-
ing as ordered yesterday, sutable persons might be appointed to view the Lines
between the said Towns, and report thereon »&c.
Voted: That Joseph Dwight, Eleazer Porter, Israel Williams Esq", Mr
Samuel Childs of Deerfield and Mr Eben-- Witt of Brookfield be a Com"'' to
repair to the lines in controversy, hear the parties thereon, and report what
they judge proper for the Court to do thereon, att the next May Sessions, the
charge to be Equaly borne by the said Towns.
Sent up for Concurance.
T. Cushing Spk^
In Court Dec 16"> 1742. Read and Concured.
J Willard Secy.
Consented to W. Shirley.
Copy Examined pr J. Willard SecJ'.
"G."
" Whereas the Great and General Court or Assembly of the Province of the
Massachusetts Bay on December the 10"> 1742, on a motion made by the agents
of the Towns of Springfield and Suffield, in the County of Hampshire respect-
ing the Controversie about the Dividing Line between the said Towns. Voted
and ordered that wee the subscribers, together with Israel Williams Esqr,
should be a Committee to repair to the line in controversie, hear the parties
thereon, and report what wee think proper for the General Court to do thereon
at their Sessions to be held in May Anno Dom 17413. And having on the IS""
and 14"' days of April current, repaired to the spot, and fully heard all the
proofs and allegations of both the parties, and examined both the Lines with
the marks and l)Oundaries therein; wee find that in the year 1G70 the General
Court granted a Tract of Land of the contents of Six Miles square between
Springfield and Windsor for a Township since called Sufiield, and appointed
a Committee to order the Prudentialls of said Town; who in Jan^ 1674 Run
and Marked the Line between Springfield and Suffield from Connecticut River
to Westfield Bounds, and that the said Line has been notoriously known not
only by the Inhal)ilants of Springfield and Suffield, but also by those of West-
field, their Neighbours for neer sixty years past; and that there (have) been
ancient Improvements limited and Bounded by s'' Line; and that the s'' Line
is run upon, ornigii a Rigiit Angle or e.xacl square with the General Course of
Conneclieul River against Sufiield, and by the Record the afores'' Committee
made of tliosc running and niarking tlic Line in .Ian> 1674. Wee lind that many
322 APPENDIX.
trees were marked by the s^ Committee with the letter S. P. for Springfield
on the North side and S. for SufBeld on the South side and by cutting into s'*
Trees near six inches deep Wee uncovered these letters in their full and per
feet shape, and that the number of the Graines or years growth in one of said
Trees (which was the only sound one wee met with) was Sixty Eight years
exactly, agreeing with the number of years since the Committee run and
marked the Line. The other Trees altho the said letters plainly appeared yet
being defective, the grains or years growths could not be exactlj^ numbered.
But in the Line that Springfield would have the dividing Line, wee did not
find any appearance of antiquity, none of the letters aforesaid, nor any signs
of marking, but on the bark of the trees that seem to be of but few years
standing. Wee also find that the Bounds of the Town of Suffield are more
ancient than Springfield, and that whether SufSeld can challinge so far North
as the af ores'' Ancient Line or not : yet Springfield can challenge no further
south; And the said Ancient Line wee find to be as nigh due West as can
ordinarily be supposed to be run with out Compass, which was the common
practice at that day.
*Upon the whole, the Committee are of the opinion, that the aforesaid
Ancient Line, Run and Marked by the Committee in 1674, be, and be estab-
lished as the Dividing Line between the Town of Springfield and Suflield afores'i.
All which is Humbl}' submitted.
Springfield April 16'\ 1743. Joseph Dwight.
Elea^ Porter.
Samuel Childs.
Ebene' Witt.
In Council June 2'' 1743.
Read and Ordered that the Report be accepted, and that the Boundary Line
between the Towns of Springfield and Sufiield be established accordingly.
Sent down for Concurrance.
J. Willard Sec^.
In the House of Representatives June 3', 1743 Read and Concurred.
T. Gushing Spek'.
Consented to
W. Shirley.
Copy exam'' P'^
J. Willard Sec^".
A true copy examined by me
Joseph King. Town Clerk.
(Town Acts. Book N" 3, p. 498.)
* As elsewhere stated, this has remained the north boundary line of Suffield,
from the Connecticut River, to the North Bound Stone at Rising's Notch,
from that time to the present. When the State Line was established in 1803,
this ancient town line was made the inter-State boundary, although it was not
on the true Colonial charter Line, being four rods too far north at the Notch,
and ninety rods too far south at the river.
APPENDIX. 323
"H."
SIMSBURY BOUNDARY WAR.
Simsbury (Massacoe Plantation in 1668), received its grant and name from
the Connecticut General Court, May 12, 1670. It extended north from Furm-
ington ten miles, with its north boundary line undefined.
Westlield's grant from Massachusetts in 1669, extended south from North-
ampton nine miles, its east boundary being the top of the mountain that
borders the Connecticut valley. Its south boundary line was unsettled.
Suffield's (Southfield's) grant from the Massachusetts General Court in 1670,
was '• to the Contente of Six Miles Square," bounded east on the Connecticut
River, extending south six miles from the Springtield line to the supposed
Colony line.
It was found in 1671, that Suffield's north line at Springfield's southwest
corner bound, four and a half miles from the river, intersected the Westfield
line, and if continued would overlap the southeast part of that grant, about
one and a half miles in width and two miles in length.
To supply this deficiency of land to Suffield, the Massachusetts Court, in
1674, ordered the south line to be extended west seven and a half miles. It was
found later that this extension would overlap the northeast part of the Sims-
bury grant at five miles from the Connecticut River, about one and a half
miles in width, involving the title to about 3,000 acres. Both towns stubbornly
asserted their jurisdiction, by proclamation and by force,* until the colonial
governments fixed the boundaries in 1713. Simsbury held the disputed tract
with its supposed valuable copper mines, where now are the ruins of Newgate
prison.
Suffield had allotted to its settlers many acres of these lands now in East
Granby. They were surrendered, and equivalent lands given to the disap-
pointed grantees.
Massachu.setts gave Suffield Proprietors a township in the western wilder-
ness, called Bedford, now Blaudford, as an equivalent for their loss.
It must be remembered that this territory was then a dense wilderness, on
the outer border of civilization. It is not strange that boundary troubles arose
between these towns, during the forty years the Colony line remained unsettled.
I am indebted to Dr. Lucius I. Barber for a copy from the Simsbury records,
of the following letters of Anthony Austin, the Suffield town clerk, and
schoolmaster; to .Jno Slater Sen., the town clerk, and schoolmaster of Sims-
bury. Though nearly two hundred years old, they have not lost their flavor.
"From Suffield: — These, for the Selectmen of Simsbury. —
"Gentle'" and Friends. — We Received a few Syners under the hand of one
Jno. Slater Sen', but wether he wrote as Select men, Town Clark, or by order
of the Select men, we cannot understand by his writing, there being nothing
signified of that nature, therein: but supposing it to be some oversight, we
sliall therefore apply ourselves to you as select men, and return an answer to
*In November, 1705, Joseph Slieldon and Jonathan Remington were al-
lowed nineteen pounds by the Massachusetts (Jeneral Court for their impris-
onment at Hartford, for asserting the riglit of this government to Sullluld
Township.— Ma.ss. Court Rec, Vol. 8, p. 171. Conn. Col. Rec, Vol. iv, pp.
443, Ui. Suffield Doct. Hist., pp. 107, 39, 44, 51.
324 APPENDIX.
your desires, as followeth. We suppose that when you wrote to us, you did
it rather for customs sack, or by way of compliment, than any reall expecta-
tion you had off our complying, or joyning with you in any such motion.
Friends, we must tell you that your claims seems to us so unlikely, and also so
unreasonable, that we shall be so far from sending men to joyn with yours in
running such a lyn; as that on the contrary, if we send any at all, it will be to
withstand and oppose you; — at least to manifest our dislike of any such
motion. And we would farther, that you should understand that it is our
resolve (untill it doth evidently appcare to us that your right is better than
ours), to concerve and maintain our towne bounds to the utmost extent of
what our honnoured General Court granted us: and we have purchased and
payd for. Tlierefore, Friends, pray please to desist from your present motion.
For if your foundation you build on be not surer layd than we imagine it is,
your labour and travel will certainly in the end prove unsuccessful! and
fruitlesse.
Your Well-wishing friend,
"Anthony Austin, Town Clerk."
" in the name and by the order of the Selectmen.
"Dated in Suffield the S'^ 169?."
" The above s'' script entered here March 12"', 169^. Verbatim per me, being
exactly transcribed from y^ original! writ."' " John Slater, Register."
At the time appointed, for the Simsbury perambulators to enter upon their
duties, the Selectmen of Suffield sent two men, to be present at the perambu-
lation, bearing the following letter from the Town Clerk:
"These for our Loving friends and Neighbours off Simsbury Towne —
"Loving friends and Neighbours, According to your desires, we have sent
two of our neighbours, Serj. Joseph Harmon and Serj. David Winchell to met
with j'^our men at the place appoynted, but not to joyn Issue with you in
running any such lyne, but on the contrary, to protest against it, — it being so
unlikelj', and also so unreasonable that your bounds should come within a
mile and halfe or two miles at farthest, of the center of our Towne: and be-
sides, friends, we think that we have the Wethergag of you, or the best end
of the Staffe in our hands. For as much as we challenge nothing but what
lyes within our province lyne; — Your demannd is whollily out of yours. But
yet, notwithstanding, pray let not us contend, or give one an other hard words,
but treat one another Lovingly, like Christians, and Let our Authority on both
sides Issue the matter: — and if it appear to be your right, we shall not desire
one foot or inch of it: if not, we desire y' [we] may enjoy our own peaceably.
" Pr me, Anthony Austin, Town Cleark."
"Dated in Suffield. Feb. 15"', 169f."
"The aboves'' is extracted from y originall and is here recorded verbatim,
exactly according to originall writ, March 12, 169f.
pr John Slater. Register."
The commissioners appointed by the Massachusetts and Connecticut Colo-
nies to settle the colonial boundary line in 1713, gave the disputed territory
to Simsbury. (See note, p. 151.)
raOPRIETOES^ ROADS m SUFFIELD.
HIGHWAY AT TAINTER S HILL.
Marcli y" 33'' 172;]. Then laid out by John Burl)auk and Joseph Winchel
(being a Committee apoiuted for that purpose) a Highway or passage att the
liill Called Tainters hill for the benefit of the proprietors of the great Common:
Said way begins att the Northward Corner of Samuel Spencers five acres that
Lieth Eastward of Said hill: from Said Corner it bares Southwestwardly
about Six or Eight perch: then it turns: running more westerly to the top of
Said hill to the Town Highway: the breadth of Said passage or way is three
perch: bounded on the north Side by Sundery trees mark on three Sides
facing towards Said Way. (Prop. Book, Vol. II, p. 61.)
HIGHWAYS AT GLOVERS* HILL.
1725. Whereas we the Subscribers, together with John Burbank were
Chosen: and appointed to Lay out Highways: before the division of the
great Common for the Conveniency of the proprietors: have in pursuance of
that Trust: laid out highways, as hereafter described.
We laid out a Highway on the Eastward part of Glovers Ilill. It begins att
the North end of the Town Highway and is there ten rods in breadth, thence
running towards the North East Corner or End of Said hill : and so forward
to the north Corner of the Land in the broad Swamp that was formerly Laid
out to Thomas Smith (but now in possession of Abraham Adams) att
whic'h Corner said way turns Eastward running somewhat crooked to gain
the best ground for said way, until it Come to the hill called Stephenson's
hill: and there it meets with the Town Highwayf formerly Laid out as may
be seen in the Town Book. The bredth of Said way is four perch through-
out E.xcepting only where we began: where it is ten and tapours to four
Hods in the space of Thirty: The bounders of Said way are trees markt on
three sides and standing on the Westward and northward side of said Way.
We like wise laid out a highway X of three Rods wide from the north end of
Glovers Hill running Westerly tho' sometimes crooking to gain the highest
ground until it Come within about Thirty or Forty Rods of the hill which
some Call Kings Ilill. Sundry trees being spotted with three spots, all stand-
ing on the north side of Said Highway. We began Said way att the foot of
Glovers hill: joyuing it to the highway we fir^t laid out. (Prop. Book, Vol. II,
p. Gl.)
* Tills Ilill was named for the Rev. Peletiah Glover. It was also called
"Buck Hill" before 170:3. and still bears that name.
f See "Highway from Springlield Road," p. 219.
fUnlike otlier Proprietor's Roads, this has not been worked, or needed foi
a town highway.
41 ^
326 APPENDIX.
*HIGHWAY FROM YE NORTH END OF RATTLESNAKE PLAIN,
TO SPRINGFIELD BOUNDS.
We also laid out a Highway of three Rods wide begiuing att the gravilley
hill att the North End of Rattlesnake plain and thence running towards and
until we Came to Springfield Township or South line. We laid Said way on
the East Side of the great marsh, some Rods distant from it and on the high-
est and best ground for the most part. Att the North End of the most
norward branch of Rattlesnake Swamp, Said Way turns onto the hill that
Lyeth near John Pengillys meadow, on the East Side thereof, and so continues
to the uttmost Extent. The bounders are trees markt, all standing on the
East side of said way. (Prop. Book, Vol. II, p. 6L)
t HIGHWAY FROM TAINTORS HILL TO WINDSOR BOUNDS.
Also, we laid out a highway South westward from Tainters Hill three Rods
wide: it begins neer Samuel Smiths house, thence running towards the School
meadow, untill neer it and so along by that and the ministry meadow on the
highest and best ground, untill it Come to the Toungue of upland that bares
in length to the East on which we laid out said way thirty or forty Rods,
then it turns South running to Windsor bounds on the East side of the
Swamp commonly Called Dismal. Several trees markt for bounders all
Standing on the East side of the Said way. (Prop. Book, A''ol. II, p. Gl.)
Joseph Winchel,
T , r> -11 Committee.
John Pengilly,
HIGHWAYS BEYOND THE MOUNTAIN.
April y O"" 1739: We the Subscriber's pursueant to a vote of the proprietors
of the Common and undivided Land in Suffield : have laid out sundrey high-
ways westward of the mountain for the benefit of the said proprietor's: J One
of which we laid out on the hill Eastward of the | Green pond: beginning at a
large white oak tree: that stands in the "y Town's Highw\ay with stones about it:
markt H : 1 W : IK: thus: which highway is three Rods in breadth and to
ly on the west side of said tree and the other boundery hereafter mentioned:
from which tree said highway runs South fourteen degrees west: fifty nine
Rods: to a large Chestnut tree markt: thence the same point Twenty four
Rods, to a white oak tree markt: Thence it runs South: nineteen degrees west
forty Rods: to a white birch: that stands down the hill on the west
side of a little swamp: and is markt: having stones att the root: Thence it
runs South five degrees west forty eight Rods: to a Chestnut tree standing a
little Southward from a small run of water: Said tree being markt: Thence it
runs South seventeen degrees AYest, seven Rods to a white oak tree, markt :
*The south part of this way was relaid by the town in 1764. (T. Rec,
Vol. II.)
fThis was relaid by the town in 1768 with metes and bounds. (T. Rec,
Vol. II, p. 224.)
:j:This higlaway runs south from the dwelling house of the late ApoUos
Phelps.
§ The "Green Pond" was drained by the excavations for the Canal Rail
Road, which was permanently enjoined in 1856.
^ For this Town Highway see p. 264.
APPENDIX. 327
thence said way runs South Twenty six degrees, west: Thirty seven Rods: to
a Chestnut tree markt: Thence South, Twenty five degrees, West, sixty Rods
to a white oali tree marlit: Thence it runs South thirty two degrees West,
forty two Rods: to a small white oak tree markt: standing on falling ground to
the Southward: thence said way runs South thirty degrees to the west forty
Rods: to a Red oak tree standing a little Northward of the province line:
Thence it runs South, thirty degrees to the ^V^est to Symsbury North line of
their Township. (Prop. Book, Vol. I, p. 32.)
* HIGHWAY BEYOND THE GREEN POND.
Also we laid out a Highway Westward of the mountain: on the Second hill
AVest of the Green pond: beginning by the towns highway: att a heap of
Stones, standing on the South side thereof: We laid said way three Rods wide
and is to take its breadth Eastwardly of the boundaris hereafter mentioned :
from said heap of stones, Said highway runs South 16 degrees West: by the
needle of the Compass; forty Rod: to a pine tree markt: thence the same
Course sixty Rods: to a Walnut tree markt: Standing on the Eastwardly side
of a little Swamp or pond: Thence it runs South Thirty four degrees West:
twenty four Rod: to a black oak staddle markt: thence it runs South twenty
one degrees West Twenty four Rod: to a pine tree standing on a hill and
markt : Thence it runs South Twenty seven degrees West : Twenty four Rod :
to a pine tree standing on Said hill: Said tree being markt: from which pine
tree said way runs South Twenty five degrees West: forty eight Rod: to a
White oak; standang a little Westward of a little brook; and being likewise
markt: Thence it runs South sixteen degrees to tlie East five Rod: to a large
Red Oak tree: standing close by and on the West side of Said brook: From
thence Said way runs South fifteen degrees West, Seventy four Rods to Two
pine trees standing neer together and markt: tlie East most of the Two:
Thence South five degrees East: forty four Rod: to a small walnut Staddle:
and contiueuc that course untill it meet with Symsbury line. (Prop. Book,
Vol. I, p. 32.)
Joseph Winchel.
Joseph King.
t HIGHWAY FROM BUSHES BRIDGE TO SPRINGFIELD BOUNDS.
We the Subscribers being Directed by tlie proprietors of that Land in
Sufflcld Commonly Called the great Common to lay out highways in Said
Conuuon for the benefit of the proprietors: And understanding that between
Bushes bridge and Springfield bounds there is as yet no highway recorded as
we can find: Have therefore this eighteenth day of June 1742: Laid out a
highway from Springfield bounds down to Said bridge: five Rods in breadth:
Said way is So laid for the most part as to take in some of the occupied i)ath:
that leads from Said bridge towards Westfield: it begins att the North Corner
of Land formerly laid out for Ebenezer Burbank: which Corner is stake and
*This highway runs south from near the dwelling-bouse of the late Edwin
P. Stevens.
fTliis highway remains the same today. In 1687 the town voted to lay
out a highway here, but fifty years later there was only a path. This wa's
then, as now, the most direct route from High Street to Westfield.
328 APPENDIX.
Stone, standing in the South line of Springlield Township: about Three Rods
Distant from the said path: and on the East side thereof: from which stake it
runs Southwardly eighteen Eods and half to the Westward Corner of Said
Land : Thence it runs by Land Laid out to John Burbank forty four Rods to
his West Corner: Which stands five or six Rods west of Thomas Kings
house : thence it runs on the North side of the path to a White oak bush
markt : thence forward to a White Oak Tree markt, standing on the top of
the hill on the North side of the path : being a little distant from a run of
water : thence it runs down the hill or falling ground to an ash tree markt
standing neer said water: Thence forward a few Rods to a pine tree markt:
on three sides: thence it runs a straight Line to the North Corner of Hanchets
Land: Thence said way runs Southwardly by said Hanchets Land to the West
Corner thereof: Thence Said way runs southwardly to a great pine tree markt
standing on the East side of the said path: Thence it runs forward to a small
pine tree markt standing bj^a parting of paths: Thence it runs southwardly to
a pine tree markt standing on the East side of said path: Thence it runs a
straight line to a boundary standing five Rods Eastward from the East Corner
of the Land Where Benjamin Granger now dwells: Thence from said
Grangers Corner: Thence Southwardly: Said highway bounds on Said
Grangers Laud and his fathers Land: rounding untill it Come to a White oak
tree neer Said Bushes bridge markt and standing on the South side of Said
way. (Prop. Book, Vol. II, p. 58.)
Joseph Winchel.
John Pengilly.
* HIGHWAYS UPON THE MOUNTAIN.
We the Subscribers: being chosen and appointed to lay out highways on
the Mountain as we might think proper and Needfull: have accordingly in the
pursueance of that trust reposed in us: have this seventh day of January
174j Laid out Two highways on the mountain: according as hereafter
described. One of which begins att the South East Corner of Westfleld
Township. Thence it runs Southwardly untill it meet with the Town high
(way) att the elbo thereof where it turns Westward att the North East Corner
of Lt. Kings Land: and where the path Called Hamton old Road goes: Said
highway is in the General a prett}" straight Course j^et hath some small turn-
ings to gain the best ground and shun some Rocks: We laid said way
Two Rods in breadth: taking its breadth Westward from the trees which we
markt to bound the East side of said wa}^: Which trees are mannj' all markt
with an ax on three sides viz: North, South: and West: The other highway
wc laid out on the West side of the Short mountain, it begins att a great heap
of stones: which devids between Westfleld and Suffield Townships and thence
runs South about eleven degrees West untill it meet with the Town higliway
that leads Cross the mountain: We Laid Said Way Likewise Two Rods wide:
tiuM-c manny trees markt for the bounds of Said way all standing on the East
side thereof. (E^rop. Book, Vol. J, p. 40.)
)■ Committee.
*The present highway around Cold Spring (Short) Mountain laid in 1822,
caused these to be closed, also tlje one over the mountain (see p. 2G4), westward
from the present house of Lyman Griffin.
CONCLUSION.
In 1876, the writer began the transcription and the study of the town's
earliest records and history, with the thought perhaps of collating its most
important events in the form of annals. It was to him an unknown field,
whose exploration from that time to the present, has given unalloyed pleasure,
and often afforded a relief from the common cares and anxieties of life.
When the manuscript containing what is found in Period I, was placed in
the printer's hands, the writer deemed his work at an end. But the same
fascinating desire to study the acts of the new-born town, and pre.serve them
from a possible oblivion, led to the pul)lication of Periods II and III, with
a "Title and Introductory," prefixed to Period I. This must account for the
desultory arrangement of the work. A single merit is claimed for it, as
being a correct and literal transcript of the text, with only needful punctua-
tion marks added. When the old records shall have become illegible, or
crumbled to dust, these pages may tell the future historian or annalist for
Suffield, the story of its planting and growth, while under Massachusetts
Government for three-quarters of a century. My pleasant self imposed task is
finished.
SUFFIEI-D. Juno, 1888. IT. S. S.
GEE^ERAL IJN^DEX.
Assessments and Rates, 54, 102, 107,
113, 115, 119, 124. 125, 126, 138, 162,
163, 164, 173, 184.
Beating place, 136.
Burying place reserved, 70, 74; laid
out, leased, fenced, 102, 132, 201,
205, 261.
Burlison's Brook, 31, 167, 168, 188,
230, 244; bridge, 244.
Clav Brook, 292, 295.
Colon J' lines. 10, 11, 12, 47, 91, 92, 93,
94. 95, 96.
Corn mill lot, 20, 57, 71, 72; corn mills,
71, 108, 109, 175, 304; mill stones,
23; tolls. 104, 109, 173.
Court House at Springfield, 209, 307.
Committee compensated in land, 28,
,68, 73, 77.
Commons, 54, 57, 60, 68, 76, 100, 107,
110, 133, 137, 145, 150, 153, 157, 170,
173, 178, 187.
Commons, control of, 192, 194, 195;
second division of, 100, 107, 108, 109,
110, 163, 194, 314.
Connecticut government wanted, 206,
218, 222, 282, 297, 302, 303, 304, 307,
309; dissenters, 218.
Copper mines, 157, 175, 176, 183, 186,
190.
Crooked Lane, 8, 74, 75, 116, 168, 176,
218. 240, 241, 244, 292.
Dams, 21, 22, 62, 89, 106, 152, 165, 208,
223, 236, 262; lisli dams, 245, 267,
297.
Deep Brook, 68, 105, 191. 249, 267,
286, 292, 293, 296.
Dismal Swamp, 188, 326.
Durham, 87.
Endfield (Enfield). 6, 7, 95, 149, 171,
243. 297, 303, 307.
Equivalent lands, 11, 12, 95, 151, 208,
229.
Feather Street. 8, 20, 22, 29. 30. 32, 41,
58, 68, 69, 70, 71, 73, 74, 75; lots, 58,
63, 64. 65, 103, 106; little common.
58. 64, 65, 103. 170. 188.
Ferries, 73, 92, 105, 235.
Flax, 149, 150.
Fulling-mill, 165. 167, 208. 291.
Fvicr's Brook, 135, 173, 178, 187. 230.
"295. 305; Bush bridge, 106, 109. IKi.
164. 187, 190. 215, 291. 292, 295, 327,
328.
Graves, digging of, regulated, 105, 200;
grave cloth, 280, 298.
Great River (Connecticut), 7, 9, 10, 12,
14, 32, 46, 48, 49, 50, 51, 53, 58, 59,
64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 73, 74, 75, 77. 83,
92, 93, 95, 101, 103, 105, 107, 144,
156, 170, 188; Falls, 10, 49, 50, 51,
59, 91, 267: Mad Tom Bar. 279;
Turner's Falls, 38.
Great Island, in the Connecticut River,
10, 49, 50, 59.
Great Swamp or Marsh, 8, 124, 140,
147, 271, 273, 274, 326.
Grist-nulls, 104, 109, 223, 273, 303; tolls,
104, 109, 173, 205.
Guard-seats, 224.
Hampshire County, 6, 14, 24, 29, 51,
131, 174, 209, 222, 227, 305, 316, 317;
court, 7, 16, 17, 52. 72, 84, 106. Ill,
128, 155, 132. 164, 178, 190, 194, 209,
225.
Hiffh Street, 8, 20, 26-29, 32, 35, 44,
58, 60, 69, 70, 71, 72, 74, 75, 82, 102,
182, 242, 246, 247.
Hill, Bush, 135, 174; Buck, 325; Great,
192; Glovers, 187, 325; Hoop, 174;
King's, 325; Kent's, Long, or Zion's,
8, 76, 150, 169. 230, 236, 295; Long
Hill, 77, 105, 150, 153. 174, 175;
Meeting-House Hill, 50, 71, 73, 132,
137: Round Hill, 124. 139, 140, 224,
241, 262. 292, 295. 298: Sandy or
Chestnut lliil, 153, 165; Stevenson's,
187. 220; Taintor Hill, 19, 56, 178,
188, 215, 229. 233. 275, 287, 317, 325,
326; Turkey Hills, 94, 295, 298; Wat-
son's Timber Hill. 164.
Highways, orders relating to, 54; from
Hiiih Street to Feather'strect, 63, 71.
106, 139. 140, 218; to saw-mill. 63.
71; to the old mill. 174; west over
Muddy Brook. 71; to Old Street,
then north, 141, altered, 144; to
Springfield bounds. 103. 168, 227;
from the ui)per end, westward, 76,
135, 229; from the south end to the
country road. 133. 13(i, 167; from
Springfield bounds down by tlu; river
above Feather Strei-t, 101, altered.
238; south side of Stony River, 135,
136; below Stony Brook (Boston
Neck), 170. 174; from Old Street
west, 144, 210, 236; from Old Street
332
GENERAL INDEX.
south to Stony Brook, 207, 215; to
Mr. Kuggles' land, 138, 191 : thrown
up, 230; through Sheldon Street to
and north from Round Hill to Rob-
ert Olds' land, and south to Stony
Brook Falls, and from Rattle-Snake
Brook to the corner, thence south to
Round Hill, 139, 140, 224, 292; from
Kent corner towards Taintor's Hill,
140, 275 ; from Kent corner to Sandy
Hill, 153; over Rattlesnake Plain
thence north, 166, 826; a private way
for Joseph Winchell, 166; from Ire
land Plain north, 167; on and over
the mountain, 145, 165, 328; beyond
the mountains, 326, 327; to and from
Taintor's Hill, 56, 178, 229, 275, 324,
326; to Bush bridge, 77, 190; from
Norton's bridge to Long Hill, 150,
thence north to Springfield bounds,
169; from Kent's Hill west by Mud
dy Brook Falls, 236, 295; beyond
Rattlesnake Swamp, 169, 229; from
Granger's field at Filer's Brook to
Kent's Hill, 229; from Deep Brook
to Springfield Road, 191, 249; from
Soringfield Road west, 219; over
Rawlins' Brook, 225; by Round Hill
(Simsburv) and Stony Brook Falls,
to AVindsor line, 241, 2G2, 290, 292,
295, 298. 299, 300; at Glover's Hill.
324; from a highway (leading to
Bush's bridge north) to Springfield
bounds, 215 ; from Springfield bounds
to Bush's bridge, 109, 327.
Highway districts and Survevor's du-
ties, 100, 133, 236, 237, 238, 240,
242.
Indians, 5, 8, 9, 14, 15, 20, 30, 33, 51.
62, 67, 69, 82, 90.
Iron works (old), 137, 151, 152, 175,
293, 296; middle, 225, 269, 289, 293,
304; west, 262, 263, 300.
Ireland Plain, 165, 166, 167, 188.
King Philip's War, 14, 15, 17, 24, 31,
34, 43, 67, 69.
Kettle (Kittle) Brook, 10, 91, 101.
Lands, must be recorded, 53, 98, 104,
185, 189, 197.
Massachusetts, General Court or
Assembly, 16, 24, 38, 46, 47, 48, 49,
50, o2, 53. 55, 56, 59, 60, 65, 79, 81,
86, 92, 104, 114. 117. 120. 145, 146,
149, 151, 154, 158, 169, 178, 189, 194.
198, 200, 202, 206, 208, 209, 223. 231
235, 244, 275, 286, 287, 288, 290, 291.
303, 307, 314, 315. 318, 320, 321, 322,
323.
Meeting-house, 17, 18, 86, 126. 134,
137, 138. 139, 142, 158, 1.59, 243, 272,
277; pews. 126, 209, 211, 212. 214,
223, 224, 227, 228, 234. 249, 250;
galleries, 126, 169, 212, 227, 228, 255,
257, 258; pulpit, 18, 123, 126, 209,
257; canopy or sounding board, 123;
seatings, 123, 126, 141, 142, 165, 168,
169, 172, 209, 211, 212, 213, 224, 234,
249, 250, 256 ; seating, negroes, 250,
257, 258; site, 50, 57, 58, 60, 71, 73,
132, 137; raised, 137; sold, 139.
Ministers, settlements, 15, 29, 55, 60,
72, 74, 122, 130, 131, 158. 159. 160,
161, 163, 176; salaries, 16, 84, 88,
114, 116. 117, 119, 122, 131, 155, 161,
164, 165, 200, 242, 245, 251, 254. 257.
258, 259, 261; wood, 129, 130, 138,
143, 148, 149, 153, 155, 157, 164;
house. 84, 86, 88. 114, 117, 118, 119,
120, 121, 122, 123. 162, 171: house-
lot, 72, 74, 84, 122, 131, 162; to be
fortified, 146; orchard, 122.
Ministry lands or lots, 18. 19, 20, 28,
55, 56. 60, 75, 70, 127, 157, 160, 163,
187, 191. 296. 306.
Mines, 157, 175, 176, 183. 186.
Mountains, 8, 9, 12, 13, 25, 51, 59, GO,
67, 95, 96. 100, 101, 108, 110, 147,
165, 166, 183; Manatuck or Mont-
gomery, 94, 147, 151, 265; Walnut-
tree 93.
Muddy Brook, 66, 69, 70, 71, 72, 74.
75, 99, 102. 104. 141, 144, 170, 187,
188, 252, 257, 268; Falls, 169, 229,
230. 236. 295; bridges, Winchell's or
Kellogg's, 71, 102, 172, 215, 255, 268,
269, 292; Norton's, 144, 150, 169,
170, 315.
Musketoe Hawk Plain, 196.
Ox carts, 6, 226, 270.
Onion Brook, 135.
Old Street, 141, 144, 145, 210, 211, 215,
277.
Old mill house, 174.
Pickerel Cove, 101.
Pipe-stave Swamp, 51, 73, 77.
Ponds, Malakateece or Cranberry, 151 ;
Southwick or Congamond, 13. 14.
95. 96. 151; Middle Iron Works,
289; Mill, 236; Green pond, 327.
Public house. 34, 37, 72, 108.
Prices of commodities as currency, 100,
119, 137, 204, 213, 223, 225, 232, 242,
251. 254, 259, 264, 269, 272, 274, 277.
278. 283, 284, 288, 291. 297, 299. 303.
Pynchon, John, purchase, sale, and
'deed of Suffield, 20, 31, 51, 52, 62,
68, 105, 106.
Rates or taxes, 115, 119, 120, 138, 149.
173. 223; school, 124, 125, 146, 162,
163, 164; Ministers, 115, 119.
Rawlins' Brook, 33, 68, 101, 217, 225.
226, 244, 245, 256; pond, 236; cart
bridge, 236, 244, 245, 256.
Rattlesnake Brook, 105, 140, 165, 166;
Swamp, 105. 230, 326; Plain, 8,
105, 165, 271, 300, 326.
GENERAL INDEX.
333
Representatives choseu, 117, 146, 151,
220 223
Round Hill, 124. 139, 140, 224, 241.
262, 292, 295. 298.
Road, Hampton or country, 6, 7, 8, 26,
34. 39, 44, 50, 58, 60, 69. 71, 100,
140, 215, 281; Springfield, 60. 73,
75, 101, 102, 191. 219. 225, 293. 294;
Windsor or country, 6, 8, 28, 70,
133, 137, 167. 182.
Sabbath days, signals for assembling,
red tiag. 105, a drum, 164. 275.
Saw-mill lot, 20, 57, 62, 75, 83; brook,
106; pond, 106, 207, 293.
Saw-mills, 21. 22, 24, 29, 42, 57, 60, 62,
63, 64, 75. 104, 108, 120, 174, 175,
207, 229, 236, 252, 293, 303, 305;
prices for lumber, 104.
Salmon Brook, 101, 151.
Saltonstall Brook, 59.
Setting or tuning the Psalm, 18, 108,
213.
Schools located, 142, 176, 177, 178, 305,
249, 273, 302. 304.
School lot, 28. 56. 76, 113, 133, 145, 163,
208, 251, 260, 280, 302. 308.
School house, 57, 86, 142, 143, 147, 253,
254.
Schoolmasters, 29, 78, 85, 99, 118, 124,
125, 137, 143, 146, 149, 150, 162. 163,
183, 185, 189, 220, 228, 231, 232, 240,
242, 243, 250. 251, 252, 258, 261, 373,
303.
School Dames, 247, 348.
Schools, support of, 28, 56, 76, 99, 119.
132, 124, 125, 137, 143, 146, 149, 162.
163, 164, 176, 178, 183, 185, 189. 205,
220, 254, 201. 284. 288. 303, 304, 307.
Sheep, 125, 145, 150, 327, 231, 333, 248.
Sheldon Street, 155.
Springfield line or bounds, 13, 47, 48,
49, 51, 53, 59, 65, 66. 67, 77. 96, 103,
156, 166-9, 372, 286, 287, 288. 289,
290, 291, 305, 320, 321, 322, 327.
Somers, 0, 11.
Springs in highway reserved, 77, 135,
360.
Simsbury (Symsbury, Masacoe), 5, 9,
11, 13, 14, 51, 157, 159, 183, 241, 398,
300, 301.
Simsbury lines or bounds, 13, 94, 96.
101. 139. 144. 146, 151, 155, 156, 157,
390, 323, 324, 327.
Stony Riveror Stony Brook Plantation,
7, 10-30. 46. 47. 48, 50, 53, 57, 58,
59, 60. 61. 63. 64, 65, 66, 68, 73, 147.
Stony River or Stony Brook, 8, 9, 14,
21, 32. 23, 24, 28, 43, 46, 51, 5(i, 67,
69, 70, 74, 75, 84, 91. 101. 103, 104,
106, 110, 116, 134, 136, 132, 133, 135,
136, 137, 139, 152, 159, 164, 165, 167,
170, 173, 174, 175, 178, 182. 183, 188,
191, 209, 215, 231, 229, 233, 248. 367,
370, 275, 290, 291, 303; North branch,
166; Mill River, 136.
Stony Brook Falls, 138, 140, 152, 241,
245, 301.
Stony Brook Bridges, Cart bridge by
Copley's, 159. 173, 183, 190, 221, 232,
245; Country or County, 209; Horse
bridge, 248; Great bridge, 368, 269,
290, 291, 399; Remington Street, 381 ;
Taintor Hill bridge, 333.
Swampfield, 14, 103.
Stone-pit, 70.
Tar, Turpentine, and Resin barrels,
153; Turpentine, 332; Tar-kills, 192.
Three-mile Brook, 49, 65 ; South branch
or Saw-mill Brook, 106.
Town Clerk, duties of, 98, 178. 184.
185, 189; salary of, 184.
Town Drum, 164, 375.
Town Treasurer, salary of, 148, 170,
184, 323, 229.
Town lines, 10-14, 47, 49, 50. 51, 52,
59. 65, 90-96, 100, 101, 107, 145, 151,
156, 182, 198.
Town Mecting.s, attendance regulated,
109, 110, 112. 118, 178, 184, i85, 231.
Town pay, 121, 134. 137, 149, 223, 325;
provision pay, 137, 143, 164, 225;
country pay, 137.
Trades: Tanners, 68, 115, 136; Black-
smith, 81, 128, 132; Carpenter. 83.
Trespasses forbidden, 107, 126, 145,
150, 155, 157, 176.
Town Pound, 150, 105, 171, 189, 199.
204. 249, 256, 257, 258, 264, 269, 277,
303.
Voting by papers (ballots), 98, 173, 184;
by lifting up hands, 146.
Wells, liberty to dig, 105. 123, 240.
Westfield (Waronocoe). 6, 9, 14. 23,
90. 91.
Westfield line, 13, 47, 48, 51, 53. 59.
65.67, 100, 103, 105, 107, 114, 138,
129, 143, 147, 157, 231, 241, 261, 373,
300.
West Precinct or West Society, 19. 56.
88. 130, 262. 272. 273, 275, 276, 279,
281. 282, 284, 302, 314-19.
Windsor line, 100, 101. 107, 126, 144,
146, 155, 156, 157, 326.
Wolf-pit Plain, 155, 162, 392; Brook,
162, 177.
Willimantic dam, iron works, 89,
42
I^DEX
Adams, Abraham, 80, 177, 179, 181, 185,
190, 193, 201, 203, 206, 219, 225, 235;
sergeant, 208; lieutenant, 254, 259, 290:
Ann, 81: — — Daniel, 80, 179,
185, 188, 189, 191, 192, 197, 205, 206,
207, 216, 217, 233, 239, 240, 251, 252,
255, 258, 278, 286, 293, 294, 306, 308:
D(jrothy, 80 : Elizabeth, 81 :
Joanna, 33: Jacob, 80, 110,
111, 113, 115, 116, 120, 121, 124, 126,
129, 180, 132, 135, 144, 148, 153, 163,
169, 175, 186, 187, 188, 191, 204, 208,
210, 231, 233, 258, 261, 264, 270, 280;
1st, 156; 2d, 301; corporal, 127, 244;
sergeant, 141, 142, 146, 150, 152, 154,
158, 162, 168, 170, 171, 181, 184;
senior, 177, 179, 183, 189, 190, 193,
.199, 221, 243, 252; junior, 160, 170,
177, 178, 189, 192, 197, 198:
John, 80, 81, 193, 282, 283, 285, 286,
289, 292, 295; 1st, 255, 257; junior.
297,307: Rebecca. 80 : Rob-
ert, 33, 80: Sarah, 81.
Alden, Howard, 19.
Allen (Allyn, Allien, Allin), Abigail, 38 :
Ann, 80: Mr. Alexander,
150: Benjamin, 135, 138, 139,
179, 223, 271, 280, 317, 319:
Caleb, 29, 179, 185, 193, 207, 216, 221,
244: David, 154, 171, 179, 189,
192: Ebenezer, 290: Ed-
ward, corporal, 18, 116, 121, 123, 125:
Edward, senior, 27, 29, 30, 73, 77,
97, 107,111,121,175: Goodman,
senior. 21, 99, 101; junior, 27, 29,
30, 40, 73, 77, 111, 116: Eliza-
beth, 38: Joanna, 285: John,
27, 29, 30, 50, 73, 86, 108: Jona-
than, corporal, 159: Mary, 29,
175: Richard, 30: Samuel,
156, 163, 172, 179, 184, 185, 188, 197:
Sarah, 40: William, 27, 29,
30, 73, 126, 135, 142, 148, 161, 192,
220, 240, 242 : 2d, 282.
Andrews, Esther, 40.
Angler, Hannah, 90.
Appleton, captain, 33 ; major, 38.
Artsell, John, 21.22. 23.
Ashley, John, 83 : Jonathan, 250.
Austin, Aaron, 301, 308: Anthony,
17, 26, 29, 66, 85, 99, 101, 104, 106,
' 107, 108, 110, 111, 113, 114, 116, 118,
120, 121, 125, 130, 131, 136. 152, 153
154, 158, 179, 181, 188. 193, 202, 218
248,312, 317, 319, 323, 324; captain
149; ensign, 159, 162, 163. 170, 190
198, 200, 204, 210, 222, 225, 228, 233
239, 252; lieutenant, 73, 97, 98; ser
geant, 21, 149, 151; senior, 119, 123
124, 125, 126, 133, 134, 135, 138, 142
146, 202; junior, 27, 29, 73, 132, 133
135, 139, 143, 144, 151; 1st, 150, 156,
267; 2d, 156: Benajah, 268, 270,
273, 317, 319: Caleb, 296, 307
308, 309, 317, 319: Daniel, 302
Esther, 29: Jacob, 227:
James, 262. 286; John, 29, 135
142, 148, 153, 154, 156, 157, 159, 163
164, 166, 167, 169, 171, 175, 176, 177
179, 181, 182, 183, 184, 186, 188, 190,
193, 194, 201, 202, 206. 207, 210, 211
212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 221
222, 223 225, 226 227 228 229 230
23lj 233^ 239,' 240^ 24l' 242* 248*, 249
251, 255, 256, 257, 258, 262, 266, 267
lieutenant, 208, 209, 236, 255 ; sergeant,
197, 204, 205: Joseph, 285, 28'<
301,304, 307: Joshua, 287, 317
319: Nathaniel, 29, 38, 142, 144
154, 179, 190, 193, 202, 218, 252. 303
doctor, 263, 271, 296, 306; senior, 233
Richard, 21, 26, 27, 29, 73, 116
121, 126, 136, 140, 150, 180, 190, 193
202, 253, 256, 272, 277, 296, 299, 301
captain, 213, 250; lieutenant, 203
junior, 227 : Thomas J., 191 :
Uriah, 289, 294, 297, 299, 304, 317
319: William, 263, 272, 291, 301
306.
Badger, Daniel, 89, 225, 226.
Bagg, Jonathan, 113.
Baker, Edward, 244.
Bancroft, Nathaniel, 99 : Thomas, 23.
Banes, Benoni, 120, 132, 135, 140, 144,
153, 156, 160, 165, 169, 170, 179, 184,
186, 188, 190, 193, 198, 202, 205, 210,
213, 214, 215, 216, 218, 219, 228, 264:
Hepzibah, 184.
Barber, Anne, 30: Aquilla, 30:
Benjamin, 28, 30, 78: Hannah,
30 : Joanna, 41 : John, 26,
27, 75; senior, 30, 97, 98, 99, 101, 102,
105; junior, 30, 66: Joseph, 28,
INDEX,
385
so, 78: Dr. Lucius, I, 323:
Mary, 30, 32 : Moses, 30 :
Sarah, 34 : Thomas, 26, 30, 34, 66,
78.
Barker, James, 21, 26, 30, 67, 97, 101:
Mercy, 30: Oliver, 30:
Samuel, 30.
Barlow, James, 27, 31, 75, 135, 179, 188,
192, 230, 270, 317, 319; junior, 31.
Bartlet(Bartlett), Benjamin, 20, 196 :
Ephraim, 196 ; John, senior, 235.
Bearding, Sarali, 40.
Belcher, Jonathan, 318: J. Q., 319.
Bellinj^ham, Sir Richard, 253.
Bissell (Bisil), Daniel, Esq., 309: Eze-
kiel, 289, 297: John, 91, 92:
Margaret, 8.'!.
Blandford, 13.
Bliss, Loronce, 47; address, 46, 91.
Blotchet (Blogget), Henry, 264, 306.
Boltwood, Goodni., 21.
Breck, Hannah, 165.
Brewer, Mr. Daniel, 115, 131, 158.
Brooktield, 14, 16.
Brooks (Brookes), Ebenezer, 27, 31, 75:
John, 31: Sarah, 42:
William, 27, 31, 42, 75, 97.
Brownson (Brunson) Abigail, 44:
Joseph, 385, 289, 294, 301. 306, 309.
Burbank, Abraham, 223, 235, 249, 253,
258, 259,261, 268, 264, 277, 281, 284,
287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 294, 296,
304, 305, 306, 307. 308: Eben-
ezer, 30, 32, 127, 138, 144, 148, 153,
154, 156, 157, 169, 179, 184, 180, 187,
192, 197, 205, 206, 207, 208, 216, 219,
220, 243, 248. 249, 250, 251, 255, 270,
327: John, 20, 26, 30, 66, 75, 97:
Good'", 127: senior, 138:
John, Jr., 30, 132, 138, 144, 149, 150,
156, 158, 159, 163. 164, 167, 168, 1G9,
172, 177, 179, 181, 183, 184, 185, 188,
189, 190, 197, 198, 201, 202, 203, 204,
205. 206,207. 209, 210, 211, 212, 213,
214, 216, 217, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223,
225, 226, 227, 231, 233, 23.4, 23,5, 236.
237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 243, 244, 248,
254, 256, 260, 268, 270, 283, 286, 294,
295, 296, 297,304, 306, 325: Pele-
tiah A., 56: Timothy, 279, 285,
287.
Burckby, Hannah, 35.
Burlison (I'urlcson, Buries, Burliss), Eben-
ezer, 269; wife of, 2!)6: Edward,
27,30, 31, 72, 73. 1.34, 136, 140, 180,
202, 302: Fearnot, 31, 79, 90, 202,
216, 217, 226, 252: John, 31, 170.
172. 177, 179, 185. 189, 192: Jo-
seph, 260: Mary, 31 : Return,
31: Sarah, :tO.
Burnham. Mr. Nathaniel, 94.
Burt. David. 30: Jonathan. 47.
Bu.sh, Bush's wife, 296, 298; child, 296,
297, 298, 299, 302, 306: Daniel,
31: Mary, 31: — ^ Samuel, 27,
31, 73, 77, 81, 107.
Cakebread, Isaac, 21, 26, 31, 68, 99:
Good'", 101: Rebeckah, 31:
Thomas, 31.
Canada, Daniel, 27, 32, 74, 127.
Canal, Farmington, 13.
Canton, 5.
Catling, Mr., 281.
Chandler, Mr. John, 94.
Chapin, Henry, 47: Samuel, 47.
Chapman. P]dward, 68.
Chase, Ann, 30.
Ohauncey (Chancy), Worthy, Mr. Nathan-
iel, 87, 158, 159.
Cheney (Cheny, Cheeney), Nathaniel, 21,
27, 75, 127," 266.
Chicopee, 6.
Childs, Samuel, 323, 322.
Clap, Rev. Mr. Nathaniel, 85, 117, 118,
119, 120, 121.
Clark, Richard, 314.
Clemmons (Clements), John, 284, 289,
290, 293.
Cline, George W., 266.
Coggin (Cogan), Bathsheba, 30:
Ruth, 42.
Cooke, Nathaniel, 21, 26, 31, 63, 71;
junior, 31.
Collins, Nathaniel, 158.
Colton (Coulton), George, 28, 47, 53, 57,
59, 60, 61, 62, 64, 67, 68, 69, 70, 72,
73, 74, 75, 76, 77; quartermaster, 48,
49, 66.
Cooley. Benjamin, 28, 47, 53, 57, 59, 60,
61, 62, 67, 68, 69, 70, 72, 73, 74, 75,
76, 77 : ensign, 48, 49. 64, 65, 66.
Cooper, Thomas, 27, 75, 97, 101, 10.3,
135; lieutenant, 28, 48, 49, 53, 57, 59,
60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67.
Copley (Coply), Mathew, 31, 159, 16,3,
178, 180, 189, 190, 193, 202, 214, 217.
223. 226, 229, 23.3, 2()6; junior, 309:
Nathaniel, 227: Samuel, 31,
165, 179, 185, 188, 189, 193, 199, 204,
205, 206, 207, 208, 221, 233, 245, 251,
266, 268, 291: Thomas, 21, 26, 31,
37, 68. (;9, 70, 72, 78, 97, 98, 104, 100,
107, 108, 110, 111, 112, li:!, 116, 121,
130, 135, 144, 180, 184, 185, 186, 188,
193, 197, 202. 214, 216, 23:'., 248, 261,
263, 278, 280: Good'", 103, 159;
senior, 126, 131, 132, 142, 173, 262;
junior, 163, 257.
Cornwall, Moses, 19.
Crane, Amos S., 150.
Cross, Samuel, 20, 58, 174.
Gushing, Judge, 90: Mary, 90:
T., speaker House of Representatives,
320, 321, 322.
336
INDEX.
Davice, James, 286.
Deerfield, G, 14.
Denslow, G., 21: Ruth, 31:
Susanna.
Devotion, Mr. Ebenezer, 88, 138, 162,
164, 165, 178, 247: Rev., 89, 200,
212, 229, 242, 245, 251, 254, 257, 259,
261, 263, 264, 272, 277: Worthy,
Mr., 161, 1G2, 163: Ebenezer, Jr.,
258: Edward, 89, 269, 273:
Joanna, 172: John, 89, 193, 202,
203, 205, 209, 211, 212, 218, 242, 248:
junior, 223, 224: - — Joseph, 172:
Rachel, 172: Rebecca, 172:
Ruth, 83.
Dewey, David, 288: Jedadiah, 147,
148: Jonathan, 295, 308.
Dibble (Dybel, Dy bell), Abiojail, 32:
Abraham, 20, 26, 32, 66, 71, 84, 97,
103, 105, 106, 110, 140: Benja-
min, 26, 32, 67, 71, 72, 109, 123:
H. E., 20: .Johanna, 30:
Samuel, 20.
Dickinson, Sarah, 37.
Dorchester, Anthony, 21, 47.
Drew, Dr. John, 261.
Dubbleday, Nathaniel, 285.
Dudley, Eliza, 39: J., 94: Wil-
liam, Esq., 93, 94.
Dummer, Richard, Gent., 253.
Dwight, Joseph, 321, 322: Samuel,
224: Samuel,' ensign, 228, 235:
Col. Timothy, 287, 289, 320.
Eastman, Joseph, 21, 26, 32, 68, 101, 107,
110, 114, 116, 171: Lydia, 32:
Mary, 32, 171: Peter, 32,
159, 171, 179, 188, 189, 192:
Roger, 32 : Sarah, 32 : 'timothy,
26, 32, 68, 70, 97, 100, :04, 108, 116,
184; junior, 32: William, 32.
Elger (Elgar), Abraham, 200: Good-
man, 190. 198, 213, 222, 225:
Goodman Thomas, 200: Thomas,
Jr., 200.
Ehot, John, 84, 151, 152, 183, 186, 190,
197, 200: Mr. John, 292.
Elsworth, Samuel, 309.
Ely, Nathaniel, 47.
Emerson, Mr., 113, 114.
Fairfield, J. F., 19.
Feeland (Pheland. Phelon), Cynthia, 274:
Joseph, 274: Mary (Polly),
274: Thomas, 274.
Ferry, Charles, 59.
Filer (Fyler, Ffyler), Samuel, 28, 32:
Walter. 32: Zerubbabel, 26, 32,
58, 69, 72, 78, 110; corporal, 97.
Filley, Abigail, 200: Elizabeth, 43:
Hannah, 16, 32: John, 20,
26, 32, 65, 69: Wilhnm, 32.
Fiske, Abigail, 217.
Forward, Joseph, 298, 300.
Foster, Edward, 233, 239, 254, 257, 260,
268, 280, 284, 288, 289.
Fox, Jonathan, 306.
Freeman, Eli, 252.
Froe (Ffro, Frow. Froo), Abigail, 32 :
David, 27, 32,' 74, 75, 104, 116, 144:
Grandmother Froe, 216:
Widow Priseilla, 221, 222, 225:
Widow, 90, 200, 204, 209, 211, 213.
Fuller, Bathsheba, 81: George, 109:
Hannah, 81: Henry, 42, 75:
Joseph, Sr., 81: Joseph, Jr.,
81, 164, 178, 180, 202, 206, 233, 239,
257,262,273,281,291: Mary, 81:
Sarah, 81.
Gay, Rev. Ebenezer, 19, 33, 76, 83, 90:
Ebenezer, D.D., 89: Eben-
ezer, Jr.. 89, 90: John, 89:
John Luther, 90 : Lusher, 89 :
Mary, 89, 90 : Nathaniel, 89 :
William, 90.
Gaylord, Eleazer, 169, 171: Walter,
169.
Gernsey, James, 171.
Gibbs, Gregory, 27, 33, 75: Giles,
33.
Gillett (Gillit, Jillet), Benjamin, 153, 177,
180, 188, 192, 199, 210, 216, 224, 226,
239, 255 : Daniel, 297 : Isaac,
295: Leroy, 37: Mere}', 37:
Samuel, 140. 179, 304.
Ginks, Jonathan, 193.
Glover, Rev. Pelotiah, 25,33, 75, 83, 325:
Samuel, 28, 33, 76.
Goring, Mr., 136.
Gowin (Gowen), Simon, 27, 33, 74, 101,
111, 127, 293.
Graham, Rev. John, 130, 315; farm, 163.
Granby, 5, 9: East, 5, 9.
Granger, Abraham, 153, 226, 235, 268,
291: Benjamin, 297, 308, 328:
David, 306: Dorothy, 44:
Elijah, 19: Francis, post-
master-general, 33: George, 26,
33, 66, 72, 83, 121, 124, 127: Hon.
Gideon, postmaster-general, 33, 74, 313:
Hannah, 42 : Jeremiah, 295,
306: John, 255, 262, 280, 28.3.
291, 294, 297, 298, 302, 304, 305, 306,
307, 317, 319: Capt. Jolin, 56:
Launcelot, 26, 33, 42, 66, 97, 101,
105, 107, 108: Goodm., 66, 72,
73, 77, 100, 135: Capt. Oliver, 56:
Robert, 268, 280, 294, 301, 306:
Samuel, 12i), 124, 127, 130:
Samuel. 1st, 22.3, 227, 2.33, 239, 255:
Samuel. 2d. 223, 231, 260, 263,
266, 273, 285, 294, 317: Thomas,
26, 33, 6(;, 72, 106, 113, 121, 130, 262,
INDEX.
337
263, 270, 271, 292, 294, 295, 304, 308,
309: Thomas, Sr., 159: Zad-
ock, 150.
Griffin, Collins B., 167 : Lyman, 328.
Griggs (Gridges) and wife, 302: Ben-
jamin, 307.
Griswold, Edward, 99: Nathaniel,
ensign, 185.
Grouer, John, 46.
Haddam, 5, 6.
Hadley, 6, 16, 24, 25, 32, 37.
Hale, Hannah, 39: John, 268, 285,
286, 287, 289, 296, 298, 317, 319:
Joseph, 296, 307, 308: Josiali,
143, 180, 185, 201, 204, 210, 216, 219,
22.3, 226, 231, 242, 247, 255: Na-
thaniel, 202: Nathaniel, Jr., 297:
Samuel, 34, 164, 170. 180, 202.
239, 247 : Timothy, 26, 28, 34, 63,
78, 97, 99, 179, 202, 231, 247, 308:
Worthy, Mr. 88.
Hall, Nathaniel, 245.
Halliday (Holiday), Abigail, 34:
Ebenezer, 34: Horace, 75, 215:
Isaac, 34, 304: John, 159,268:
Mary, 34: Samuel, 34, 148,
170, 179, 189, 193, 199, 205, 216, 217,
223, 225, 226: Sarah, 31, 34:
Walter, 26, 34, 66, 111, 113, 126, 139,
164, 191: William, 34, 153, 154,
160, 177, 179, 181, 188, 19.3, 210, 217,
219, 222, 245, 255, 256, 260, 267, 268;
2d, 273; junior, 285, 289, 294, 297, 304,
309.
Hally, Thomas, 46.
Halsey, William, 46.
Hamilton (Hamblelon). William, 260, 261.
Hamlin (llambling), Good'", 129:
Nathaniel, 170, 180, 188, 19.3, 202,218:
William, 266, 317, :'.19.
ilanchet, Bathsheba, 81 : Betsey, 35:
Hannibal, 295 : John, 27, 35,
74, 81, 97, 104, 106, 107, 108, 114, 116.
120, 121, 126, 132, 135, 140, 144, 146,
147, 148, 151, 164, 167, 168, 169, 176.
216, 219: Dea. John, 35, 79, 8(1,
170, 1!)0, 205, 207, 209, 210 212, 213,
221, 222, 226, 23.0, 231, 234, 241, 242,
244, 249; senior, 193; sergeant, 87,
138,139, 14:'., 150, 153, 156, 158, 159,
163: lohn, Lst, 157: .John, Jr ,
177, 180, 181, 197, 201, 202, 20.5, 226,
243, 278, 289, 294, 306, 307:
Mary, 35: Dea. Thomas, 27, 35,
74. 81, 101, 135, 169, 170, 198, 200:
Thomas, 107; senior, 97: junior.
27, 35. 7 1 : Zack, 307.
Harmon, Kbonezer, 56, 180, 192, 280:
Francis, 33: John, .33, ]:!5,
139, 145, 169, 177, 180, 188, 189, ]97,
206, 211, 216, 221, 236, 285, 301, 307 :
corporal, IGH: Dea. John, 308:
Joseph, 16, 20, 26, 33, 34, 46, 58
59. 69, 98, 105, 107, 108, 111, 116, 121
123,124, 130, 131, 132, 138, 140, 146
153, 171, 180, 192. 197, 199, 233; cap
tain, 163, 169, 170, 180, 198. 203; en
sign, 135; lieutenant, 142, 144, 148
150, 153, 154, 155, 156; sergeant, 85
97, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 106, 107
113, 114, 120, 126, 129, 132, 133, 324
Joseph, Jr., 171, 188, 192, 198
201, 204, 206, 207, 210, 211, 239, 252
255, 262, 266, 270, 271, 278, 279, 289
Joseph, 2d, 148: Julius, 275
Mary, 31, 35 : Nathaniel, 20
26, 33, 34, 58, 69, 71, 103, 104, 107
111, 115, 120, 123, 126, 130, 135, 138,
140, 141, 147, 180, 185, 192, 199, 215
248, 255, 294, 297: Nathaniel, 1st
217. 223, 243. 251, 258, 266, 270:
Nathaniel, 2d, 260, 289 ; 3d, 289, 306
deacon, 87, 158, 159: Reuben
275, 283, 307, 308: Samuel, 15
20, 26, 33, 46, 58, 59, 88, 159, 162
180, 192, 199, 201, 236, 267, 280, 294
297, 298, 301, 306, 307, 308; lieuten
ant, 162: Samuel, 1st, 205, 210,
217; 2d, 217, 226, 227: Sarah, 33
Harry and Roco (negroes), 21.
Hartford, 5, 0.
Hastings, B. F., 19: Benjamin, 263:
John^ 263: Joseph, 263, 271, 273,
275, 317, 319: Dea. Thomas, 263.
Hatfield, 6.
Hatheway, Dea. Abraham, 269: Asa-
hel, 150, 269: Jacob, 228, 245,
254, 260, 266, 268, 269, 270, 271, 278,
280, 283, 285, 294, 295, 297, 304, 306:
Dea. John, 80 : Louise E.,
71: Milton, 269: Samuel,
152, 189, 221, 226, 233, 2,34, 235, 239,
247, 248, 257, 263, 266, 269, 271, 275,
278, 283, 284, 286, 287, 290, 301, 306:
Shadrach, 269: Simeon, 269:
Wilbur, 269.
Hayward, James, 163, 170, 171, 175, 179,
188, 190: Mary, 175.
lliggins (Hugins, Huggins), Bridget, :\^>:
Hannah, 35, 14 : John, 27,
35, 75, 135, 136; junior, 35: Mar-
garet, 35: Sanniol, 35.
Iligley, Jo.seph, 21.
Hill, .James, 4"!.
llinsilalo, Elizabeth, 39; Robert, 39.
Hitchcock (Hitchcoke), Aaron, 281, 28.3,
287, 294, 297, 304, 309, 313; lieuten-
ant, 305, 308: Luke, 27, .35, 75,
97, 98, 102, 142.
Hodge, Abigail, 31: Elizabeth, :!4:
John, 20, 22, 2(1, 3 1. r,(\, 72, 99,
100, 215: Samuel, 31: Su-
satmali, :'.! : William, 3 1.
Holcomb, Widow, 201.
Ilolyoke, Elizur, 47,50; captain, 18, 19,
S38
INDEX.
59, Gl, 02, 6."?, fi4, 65, 66; Mr., 28, 53,
57, 58, 77: John, 52: Sam-
uel, 66.
Horsford, Susannah, 44: Wilham,
72, 73.
Hovey. Sarah, 39.
Hulbard (Hubbard), Daniel, 279, 294.
Hunter, Catharine, 34: Priscilla, 32.
Huntington, Hezekiah, 44.
Hussey, Mary, 43.
Huxley (Hucksley), Widow Experience,
222," 225: Hannah, 34: Jared
(Jarret), 34, 167, 180, 185, 187, 19(1,
193, 202, 205, 217, 243, 264, 267, 270,
275, 291; junior, 299, 306, 307, 309:
John,'l42, 154, 163, 172, 180, 199,
201, 206, 207, 296: Nathaniel, 34:
Sarah, 31, 35: Thomas, 27,
.34, 71, 72, 74, 97, 109, 138, 144, 179,
193,198, 202; sergeant, 99, 101, 105,
106,108,110,111,116, 120, 126, 129,
143, 153, 167, 247; senior, 130 ; junior.
99, 130.
Ingersoll, John, 28, 30, 75, 77:
Goodm., 76: John, Jr., 28, 36:
Thomas, 3().
Ishmael, negro, 263, 264, 267, 270, 271.
Jacob, ye Dutch lad, 21.
Jeffries (Jeffreys), Elizabeth, 36:
George, 20, 26, 36, 58, 63:
James, 36: Widow, 107.
Jones, Experience, 35: Griffith, 46:
Hepzibah. 31.
Judd, 14, 10, 24, 25: Rev. Jonathan,
315.
Kellogg (Kelloge) Jonathan, 289:
Joseph, 89: Capt. Joseph, 287,
298, 309: Martin, 172, 179, 202,
203.
Kendal (Kendol, Kindol, Kindel). Joshua,
226, 243, 251, 257, 200, 262, 268, 280,
282; ensign, 266, 296; junior, 304:
Simon, 309.
Kent, Abiah, 83: Amos, 297, 304:
Benjamin, 259, 208, 277, 279. 280.
282, 285, 288, 290, 292, 294, 296, 297,
298, 804, 308 : Chancellor, 36 :
Daniel, 289, 294, 297, 306: Dud-
ley, 56, 87, 192, 251. 254, 255, 257,
261, 262, 266, 208, 269, 279, 282, 283,
285, 289, 292, 294, 290, 297, 301, 305,
300, 309: Elijah, 308: Ex-
perience, 281: Frances. 36:
Henry P., 56: John, 36, 88, 110.
118, 121, 124, 126, 13.5, 139, 142, 143,
146, 147, 148, 150, 153, 159, 160, 169,
171, 172, 176, 185, 187, 188, 189. 191,
201: John, 1st, 1.56; senior, 163,
170, 175, 177, 180, 188, 193, 197, 198,
200, 201, 203, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209,
210, 211: John, Jr , 163, 177, 180,
181, 193, 199, 202, 203, 204, 206:
Capt. John, 245, 254, 258, 304:
Joseph, 28.3, 301, 304, 306, 317, 319:
.losiah, 178, 193, 216, 217, 222,
270, 285 : Marv, 36 : Moses,
226, 294: Noah, 317, 319:
Samuel, 26. 36, 56. 67, 74, 84, 110,
113, 11.5, 116, 120, 124. 135, 138, 166,
184, 187, 229, 230. 234, 260, 266, 294,
298, 301: Capt. Samuel, 304;
corpora], 159, 160. 226, 308; ensign,
267, 268, 272, 276, 282, 283, 286,
287: Goodm., 21, 73; senior, 28,
163, 177, 179, 181, 192, 203, 207, 249;
sergeant, 97, 98, 99, 101. 103. 105, 106:
Samuel, Esq., 297, 298, 301 :
Samuel, 1st, 248; 2d, 210. 239; 3d,
224, 228, 231, 233, 241, 247; junior,
27, 36, 73, 104. 107, 162, 177, 180, 181,
193, 20.5. 216, 223, 295, 2')6, 298, 299.
Kimball, Mary, 29.
Kimbole (Kimberly). Thomas, 198, 201.
King, Agnes, 36: Alexander, 304:
Benjamin, .36, 171, 179, 193, 202,
205, 207:" Benoni, 36: Dan-
iel, 2d, 19: Ebenezer, 266, 268,
304: Elizabeth, 36: James,
27, 36, 56, 73, 76, 97, 104, 113, 116-
121, 202: Goodm, 123, 133; sen,
ior, 126, 127, 128, 138, 143, 1.59, 163,
164, 170, 172, 180, 185, 188. 193, 231,
248, 2.57, 2.59; junior, 36, 163, 177, 179,
181, 190, 197, 204, 20.5. 206, 210:
Serg. James, 225, 239, 249 : John,
257, 259, 261, 268, 280, 285, 286, 298,
304, 306, 307: Joseph. 36, 20.5,
210, 223, 224, 22.5, 227, 228, 234. 235,
236, 238, 239, 240-244, 245, 248. 251,
252, 2.54, 25.5, 257, 259, 260, 262, 269,
270. 273, 307. 309, 315, 316, 322, 327;
captain, 296, 298, 299,302,306; lieu-
tenant, 2.56, 261, 266, 267, 270, 271,
274, 27.5, 276, 279, 280, 281, 283, 284,
28.5, 286. 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292,
293, 294, 328 ; sergeant, 233, 250:
Joseph, Jr., 271,. 304, 308: Josiah,
246, 251, 2.5.5, 2.57. 260, 262: ensign.
2.58,266, 279, 280.283,285: -Joshua,
304: Mary, 36 : Thomas, 223,
260, 301, 317, 319, .328: William,
36, 56,87, 201, 202, 206, 207, 208. 217,
226, 231,236, 251, 2.57, 258, 259 ,261-
264, 26.5, 267, 268, 271, 273, 275, 276,
279, 280, 285, 286, 289, 290, 293, 294,
299, 302, 304, .306, 307, 309, 316, 317;
ensign, 292, 308; junior, 306: Mr.,
295.
Knox Bros., 19.
Lamb, .Toll n, 46, .52
Lane, ,Iohn 37: Mary, 37: Sam-
uel, 27, 37, 7.5, 76, 99, 101, 104, 107,
INDEX.
339
108, 110, 180, 192, 201, 203, 205, 210,
216, 217, 230, 257: Samuel, Jr.,
37: Sarah, 37.
Laraby, Aby, 308 : James, 299, 308 ;
wife of, 298.
Lathrop, Rev. Joseph, 89, 90.
Lawton (Lay ton), Benedick, 37:
Christopher J., 13, 37: Christo-
topher Jacob, 230: James. 37,
138, 154, 160, 177, 180, 181, 230: '
John, 26, 36, 68, 69: Goodm., 105.
Leavitt (Levit), Asaph, 193, 202, 217, 223,
224, 226, 231, 251, 252, 270, 273, 297,
299; captain, 83; ensign, 272, 280;
lieutenant, 292, 307: Freegrace,
82: Hannah, 82: - — -Ichabod, 82:
Jemima, 82: Jeremiali, 300:
John, 82, 83, 304, 308, 309, 313:
Jonathan, 82: Joseph, 289,
301 : Mr. Joshua, 82, 152, 188, 189,
193, 197, 199, 201, 204, 205, 212, 213,
214, 216, 217, 220, 222, 224, 231, 233,
236, 237, 239, 240, 243, 244, 248, 251,
277, 300: Josiah, 82: Marv,
82: Reliance, 82: Thad-
deus, 83.
Leonard (Lenord, Leanord), Dr. John, 282,
290, 298 : Joseph, 22, 28, 37, 59,
77, 109.
Lester, Milton. 20.
Lewis, John, 300, 301.
Lobdell, Simon, 20.
Looniis (Lommas), Ehzabeth, 35:
George W., 40: Hannali, 36:
James D., 253: Wm. L., 71, 106.
Lyman, Gen. Pliiueas, 44; captain, 56,
301, 302. 303, 304, 305, .306, 307, 308;
major, 309.
Lyme, 5.
Maclaliiu, Abigail, 37.
Marsliali, Abigail, 37: Benjamin, 37:
Edinond, 21, 27, 37, 7.5, 97, 104,
107, 108, 13(i, 144, 170, 178, 190, 197,
198. 200. 202, 213: EHzabetli, 37:
^ John, 37, 170, 190, 193, 199, 202,
218, 228, 301: Martha, 37.
Marsiitield, Goodman, 20: Samuel.
23, 24, 47, .52, 67, 98: Mr., 108.
Mascroft, I'llizabeth, 40: Meiiitable,
40.
Mather, Mr. Atherton, 87, 187:
Worlliy, Mr. A/.ariah, 160: Cot-
ton, 161: Rev. Increase, 82, 161:
Riciiard, 280: Mr. Samuel,
1 15, 120, 131 : Mr., 246 : Rev.
Samuel, 160, 187: Timothy, 308 :
William, 248, 260, 26(), 268, 270,
296.
Mcrirk (Mirik), Samuel, 305.
Middletown, 5.
Miller, Lazaru.s, 37, 99, 102, 106, 113:
Natiianiol, 204: Obadiah, 27, 37,
74, 77, 97, 102, 103, 219, 227; senior,
105: Obadiah, Jr., 37.
Millington, Goodm., 20, 26, 37:
Henry, 37: -^ John, 37, 63, 67, 99,
103.
Michel (Mighill), Abigail, 37: John,
27, 37, llO, 136: John, Sr., 75,
97, 108, 111, 129, 135: John, Jr.,
28, 37, 75, 129, 130, 138: Marj^,
41 : — Thomas, 28, 37, 41, 75.
Mix, Rev. Mr. Stephen, 85, 116, 117, 118.
Mixer (Mixture), Isaac, 217, 304:
Dea. John, 212, 217, 220, 221, 225,
235, 238, 239, 242, 243, 244, 261 :
John, 18, 248: John, Jr., 217.
Merely, Thomas, 20.
Morgan, David, 20: Isaac, 21:
Miles, 47.
Moseley's Company, 41.
Nash, Ebenezer, 199, 202, 203, 216, 222,
239, 240, 243, 251, 273, 286:
Timothy, 199.
Nelson, 16: Horatio K., 166, 253:
Phillip, 253, 294, 304 : Thomas,
2.53.
Newberry, Mr. Roger, 277, 279.
Nicolson, Excellency, Francis, Esq., 186.
Noble, Ebenezer, 56, 274, 280, 301, 308.
Northfield, 14.
Norton, 16: Abigail, 37: Alice,
37 : D. W., 46 : Freegrace.
37, 38, 164, 167, 168, 180. 199, 210,
243, 297, 302, 304: George, 21,
26, 66. 69, 126: Capt. George, 37,
38, 116, 120, 121 ; ensign, 97, 103, 10.5,
106: Geo., Jr , 37, 142, 163, 170,
177, 180, 181, 18.5, 201, 210, 216, 223,
231, 233, 243, 262, 268, 280, 289, 298,
301 : Johaunah, 37: John, 37,
267, 283, 28.5, 287, 306, 308, 309:
Mary, 37 : — ^- Nathaniel, 37 : Sam •
uel, 37: Thomas, 37, 283, 289,
291, 294. 29.5, 297, 298, 308:
Widow of George, Sr., 128; farm, 167.
Obe, James Lawrence, 290.
Old (Ould). Ebenezer, 44, 193, 256:
Ilandford, 44, 127: John. 41, 193,
201, 217, 223. 255, 260, 262, 270, 280,
292, 302, 304, 306, 308, 309, 317, 319:
Jonathan, 44, 45, 288: Jo-
sepli, 45: Josiah, 45: Mind-
well, 17,44: Nathaniel, 45:
Robert, 17, 20, 26, 44, 45, 58, 70, 100,
110, 113, 11.5, 119, 120, 121, 124, 140,
145, 1.54, 170, 180: (ioodman,
123, 127; senior, 111, 126, 132, 1.50,
192; junior, 4.5, 125: Susannah,
17, 44: William, 44, 1.54.
Osborne. .lames, 33: Joyce, 33.
Owen, Elijah, 300; Isaac, 295, 300.
340
INDEX.
Painter, Mercy, 30.
Palmer, Anne, 38: Elizabeth, 38:
Esther, 38 : Mary, 38 :
Samuel. 38, 179. 190, 193, 202, 206,
207, 210, 216. 220: Thomas, 38,
301: Timothy. 21, 26, 28, 64, 66,
67, 76, 97, 99, 103,' 108, 109, 110, 11.5
Timothy, Jr., 38, 135, 148, 149,
1,50, 169, 171, 174, 179. 188, 193, 197,
202. 205. 206, 207, 216, 248, 255, 257.
260; corporal. 116: sergeant. 233
Parsons, Benjamin. 46. 47: Heze-
kiah. 180. 193. 197: Jonathan,
287, 290. 298. 300. 301: Joseph.
Esq., 151, 154. 194: Priscilla. 38:
Thomas. 26, 38, 67, 97.
Partridge (Partrigg), Samuel. 84. 93. 94.
194: Hon. Col. William, 175. 176,
183, 186.
Pease, Don, 20.
Pensrilly (Pensilley). John. 21, 27, 73. 74.
107. 118. 123, 124, 140. 179. 217, 219,
224. 254, 255, 257, 258. 259. 260, 262;
senior, 221, 222: ensign, 18, 115, 116,
120. 121. 126, 130. 132; lieutenant, 38,
138.148, 153, 181: sergeant, 97, 101,
106. 110, 114: '- John, Jr., 38, 189.
192. 204, 208, 235, 239, 252. 263. 268,
270. 271, 272. 273, 275, 284, 285, 306,
326^ 328.
Petty. John, 28, 38, 77.
Phelps, Apollos, 326: George, 150:
Isaac. 147, 148: Nathaniel.
248: Timothy, 233, 248, 252. 253.
254, 255, 259, 260, 263, 270, 280. 285.
289, 297, 302, 307, 309.
Philhps. Mr. George, 85, 113, 114, 115.
Phipps, Sir William. 253.
Pierce (Pearse), Elizabeth, 127:
Francis, 127: Thomas, 127:
William, 127, 249, 256, 266: Wil-
liam, Jr.. 127.
Pitkin, William, 11, 93, 94, 297, 316, 317,
318.
Pomeroy (Pomrey, Pumry): Benja-
min, 81. 227. 249. 257; Ebenezer.
149, 152, 219: captain, 199: Elia-
kim, 81: Eltweed, 81, 82:
Hannah, 81: — Joseph. 81, 132, 140,
148, 236, 2.52, 257, 292, 297, 317, 319;
corporal. 134, 138, 150, 159; sergeant,
163, 169, 170: Medad, 81,' 193,
202, 226, 243, 247. 251. 262. 273, 283,
285, 288, 294, 296. 297. 304, 305, 306.
307, 309: Nathaniel, 81, 227, 257.
261, 263, 266: Noah. 81, 257. 260,
267, 270, 273. 279, 280, 294, 301, 308,
309: Col. Seth, 81, 82, 152;
widow, 177.
Porter, Eliezer, 276, 321. 322: — Jo-
anna, 41 : Samuel, 194.
Poquounoc, 8.
Pouning, Henry, 46.
Prichard (Pritchet). Elizabeth, 30:
Esther, 35: Rebekah, 193:
Samuel. 38: William, 21, 27,38.
105. 107, 108, 110, 113, 116, 120, 121,
124, 161.
Princess, negro slave, 83.
Pvnchon, John, 9, 15, 47, 50i 51, 52, 57,
"58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67,
68, 69, 70, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76. 77, 93,
94, 109, 141, 164 ; captain, 48, 49. 53:
colonel. 80. 108, 109, 126, 141, 142,
151. 303 ; major, 14, 20. 22, 28, 38. 71,
79.83. 152, 153, 171, 312: John,
2d, 38, 75: Joseph, 28, 38, 77:
William, Mr., 6, 10: captain, 279:
William, Jr., 316, 317, 318.
Rawlins, 20: Nicolas, 101.
Rawson, Edward. 48.
Remington (Rimmington), Abigail, 39 :
Benjamin, 39, 156, 177, 179, 181, 182,
189, 193. 199, 206. 207, 216, 219, 226.
231, 255. 262, 270, 291: Daniel,
39: Dudley, 39, 271,317,319:
Elizabeth, 39: Hannah, 39:
Isaac. 263. 273, 299: John, 27,
39, 73, 121, 124, 126, 129. 130. 144,
148. 171. 180, 184. 185. 192.295:
Jonathan. 27. 39. 73. 87. 143. 150. 156,
177. 180. 193. 206. 207. 221. 227. 248,
250. 266. 272. 294. 304. 305, 308, 323;
junior. 270. 280. 285. 289, 297, 309:
Dea. Joseph, 39, 259, 264, 266,
267. 270. 273, 279. 280, 281. 282, 283,
284, 285. 288. 289. 290, 293. 295. 302,
304. 309: Joseph, 148, 159, 169,
170. 179. 188, 192, 198, 199, 200, 201,
206, 211, 215. 216. 217, 218, 226, 227,
229, 230, 234. 236. 239. 242, 243,
245. 246. 247. 248. 249, 250, 252, 254,
256, 262. 263. 264, 269. 294: — — Jo-
seph, Jr., 39. 285, 295, 301, 317, 319;
sergeant, 233: Mary, 39:
Mehitable. 37: Samuel, 39, 148,
150, 152, 156. 170, 179, 188, 193, 201.
223. 231. 251. 283. 284, 285, 291.
299; junior. 289. 294, 295. 297, 304:
Sarah. 39. 40: Stephen. 39.
295, 301: Thomas, 26. 39, 40,
85, 103. 106, 111, 114, 116. 120. 130,
131, 132: Goodm., 21. 69, 70, 73,
78. 100: senior, 39, 97, 98; junior, 39,
66.
Rising. Aaron. 227, 280. 294. 301, 304,
309: Elizabeth. 39: - — James.
26. 39, 67. 97, 252, 283, 301:
Goodm.. 20: John, 27. 39. 56. 75,
88. 133, 135. 136. 150, 153, 165, 167,
170. 171. 179. 185, 202, 207, 226. 243.
247^ 255^ 262, 270. 273. 283, 297. 306 ;
junior, 190. 193. 202: Jonathan,
INDEX.
341
223, 233, 247, 255, 273. 297: Mar-
tha, 39: Mary, 39: Moses,
304, 306.
Roe (Rowe), Abigail, 40. 42: Hugh,
26, 39, 40, 42, 65, 70, 84, 97, 103 :
Goodm., 21, 69, 74, 102, 128, 132, 135:
John, 245, 268. 287, 289, 290, 292,
293, 299, 304, 306 : Peter, 27, 40, 72,
87, 111,113, 130,142,150,152,153, 163,
168, 169, 171, 177, 179, 181, 184, 189,
192, 197, 201, 206, 208, 209. 210, 211,
215, 216, 222, 223, 226, 230, 233, 239,
240, 242, 243, 244, 245, 247, 250, 269:
Samuel, 26, 40, 66, 70, 71, 178,
207, 243, 245, 248, 286, 307:
Thomas, 283, 289, 290.
Rogers, Rev. Ezekiel, 253.
Rowley, 17.
Ruggles, Abigail, 87: Apphia, 87:
Benjamin, 84; Mr., 18. 86, 87, 122,
127, 128, 129, 133, 134, 138, 143, 144,
153, 155, 157; Rev. Mr., 85. 131, 139,
153, 155, 1.58. 161, 191 ; Mrs., 126:
John, 85, 86; Mr., 123: Joseph,
191, 212, 214, 220: Mercy, 87:
Ruth, 87: Tryphena, 87.
Saybrook, 5.
Scott (Scot), Elizabeth, 41 : John, 27,
41, 73, 74, 199; senior, 105, 107:
Margaret, 39: Mary, 199.
Segars (Seager, Segur), Abigail, 41 :
John, 41: Joseph, 27, 41, 120,
121, 124, 230, 270, 278, 279, 280: ■
Goodman, 269, 280, 281, 282:
Richard, 41.
Severance (Severans), John, 27, 41, 72,
214: Good'", 106: Joseph,
41 : Mary, 41.
Seymour, Hannah, 81.
Siieldon (Sheldin). Amy, 83: Benja-
min, 83: Daniel, 300: Elijah,
309: Jonathan, 145, 224, 242,
277, 281: Capt. Jonathan, 191,
231, 242, 294, 296, 297, 298, 299, 301,
302, 315, 316, 317, 318: Lieut.'
Jonathan, 261, 263, 266, 269, 272, 279,
280, 283, 285, 290: Jonathan, Jr.,
292, 304, 309: Mr. Jonathan, 236:
Joseph, 144, 147, 148, 323:
Capt. Jo,seph, 32, 34, 83, 150. 151, 1.55,
157, 158, 242; enaign, 83, 143, 144,
145, 146; sergeant, 134, 135, 139, 142,
143; junior, 83: Josiah, 83, 142,
220, 224, 246, 247, 253: Capt.
Josiah, 254, 280: Lewis C, 231:
Martin J., 69, 78, 106, 132. 191;
Mary, 315: Phinihas. 302,
304, 308, 309: Radiel, 83:
Silence. 315: Thomas, 83, 231,
233, 236, 249, 251, 255, 2f)3, 266, 270,
277, 278, 283, 28(), 287, 289, 297. 317,
319. Hezekiah S., homestead, 167.
43
Shirly (Shirley), William, Esq., 320, 321,
322.
Sikes (Sykcs, Sicks), Henry A.. 87:
Increase, 20: Jonathan, 41, 160,
193, 270, 289, 297, 298, 302, 308:
Posthumas, 262. 273, 278, 289, 297,
298, 308: Richard, 41, 47:
Samuel, 41, 158, 180, 192, 201, 205,
222, 226, 231, 233, 239, 240, 243, 291,
298: Victory, 20, 27, 41, 43, 75,
83, 97, 101, 104, 106, 107, 108, 111,
113, 115, 120, 121, 124, 126, 130, 132,
135, 138, 144; corporal, 116:
Good'", 18; sergeant, 133, 142, 149,
1.53, 154: Victory, Jr., 41, 179,
190, 193, 210, 231, 277.
Skinner, Mary, 34.
Slater, John, Sr., 323, 324.
Smith, Daniel, 308, 309: David, 41,
258, 262, 267, 282, 283, 285, 294, 302,
308,309: Dorcas, 263: Eben-
ezer, 135, 138, 140, 148, 154, 159, 163,
164, 170, 180, 192, 197, 198, 199, 200,
203. 204, 207, 213, 266, 270, 272, 274,
275, 278, 281, 283: — — Ebenezer, 2d,
306, 308; senior, 228: Edward,
21,26,40,41, 65, 105, 110, 111, 113,
116, 121, 124, 130, 132, 142, 167:
Edward, Jr.. 41, 181, 188, 190, 193,
207; senior,' 107, 180: Goodman
of Hadley, 146: Harvey, 162:
Rev. Henry. 213: Hugh, 41:
Ichabod, 144, 179, 184, 185, 188, 202,
214, 228, 239, 240, 248, 255: junior,
227, 270: James, 28, 41, 77, 289,
301, 306, 308; senior, 210, 213, 221.
Smith. John, 179, 192, 199, 260, 299:
Jonathan, 270, 299: Joseph, 187,
257, 304: Mary, 41 : Nathan-
iel, 270, 289, 308, 309: Noah, 264,
318: Noah ye 1st, 222, 262, 267,
268, 269, 270, 272, 278, 279, 285, 286,
287, 288, 289: Noah, 2d, 223,
266, 277, 280, 281, 283, 316, 317:
Samuel, 41, 279, 287, 288, 297, 304,
326; deacon, 208; senior, 205:
Samuel, 2d, 237, 266, 267, 268, 269,
270: Samuel, 3d, 223: Sarah,
37: Thomas, 41, 99, 114, 115,
121, 126, 135, 177, 181, 325; corporal,
150: Thomas ve 1st, 156; senior,
177, 188, 192, 203; "sergeant, 163, 190:
Thomas, Jr., 192, 217: Widow
Mary, 287, 296.
Sommers, 6, 1 1.
SouMilield (Sullield), 0, 9, 10, 11, 17, 51,
53, 67, 84, 93, 94.
Southwell, Ebenezer, 266, 280, 283. 299,
301, 316, 317, 318: Mary, 35
Southwick, 12, 13, 95: Ponds, 12,
13, 96.
Spelman, John, 284.
Spencer (Spenser), Calvin C, 69:
342
INDEX,
Daniel, 40, 223, 226, 262. 266. 273.
278. 294, 298, 304, 317. 319:
Elizabeth, 41: I. Lutlier, 69:
Jared, 40: Jolin, 40, 289:
Reuben, 40: Samuel, 40, 180, 189,
192, 201, 216, 243, 255, 269, 317, 325:
Sarah, 34: Simeon, 40:
Thaddeus, 35: Thomas. 26, 41,
65, 66, 127, 227, 259, 263, 270, 285,
289, 294, 298, 307, 317, 319: corporal,
97, 104, 107. 110: Serg Thomas,
34, 40, 128 : junior, 40.
Springtield, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 102, 103.
116: W. Springtield, 12, 51.
Stanley, Caleb, Jr., 25^
Stebbins, John, 22 : Thomas, 47.
Stedman, Samuel, 288.
Stevens, Edwin P, 327: Mary, 41 ;
Mr., 85: Sarah, 41:
Thomas. 28, 41, 75. 104. 105, 116, 142.
Stevenson^ James, 99, 103, 116, 148, 168.
Stocker, Thomas, 46.
Stockwell, Abigail, 82: Eleazer, 82,
153, 180, 193: John, 82. 159, 169,
180, 193, 225, 309: Quinton, 82,
102, 104, 108, 110, 113, 118, 121, 124.
135, 167, 223: — - Good'", 126, 128,
140: Samuel, 272.
Stoddard, John, Esq., 194, 316. 317, 318;
col , 279: Rev. Mr. Solomon, 115,
13L
Stratton, Seraiah, 288: William, 307.
Strickland, Edward. 257.
Strong, Elder John, 32.
Swampfield or Sunderland, 14.
Taintor. Michael, 287.
Taylor (Tayler, Taler), Abigail, 41 :
Ebeuezer, 42: Edward, 115, 120,
131: Rev. Edward, 158:
Elizabeth, 42: James, 27, 42, 75,
92,104, 116, 144: Johanna, 41 :
John, 26, 41, 63, 69, 72, 135, 191, 247:
Jonathan,27, 42, 75, 101, 113, 115,
116, 120, 121, 124, 126, 129,' 140, 159,
164, 166-169, 177, 179, 188, 190,
193, 202; Corp., 88, 132. 134. 138, 141,
143, 148, 153, 154, 160, 163, 170; dea ,
42, 158, 170, 171, 185, 204: Ke-
siah, 282: Marv, 42: Mercv,
38, 42: Nathan, 41 : Rebec-
ca, 38, 42: Ruth, 31, 42:
Samuel, 99: Sarah, 35, 41, 42:
Stephen, 16, 26, 41, 42, 63, 70. 71,
75. 135; jun.,41: Thomas, 27, 42,
68, 69, 101, 102, 180, 192, 246, 282:
William, 41 : Zefaniah, 309.
Thatcher (Thare), John, 243, 247, 249,
252, 254 ; and wife, 302.
Thomas, G and L . 21 : Rowland,
21, 28, 47. 49, 53,' 57, 59, 61, 62, 63, 65,
66, 67, 68, 69, 72, 73, 74, 76, 77, 108.
Thrall, John, 300.
Tilton, Mary, 32: Worshipful, Mr.,
114: Hon. Peter, 102.
Toposrraphy, 7.
Torrey, Wra., 48.
Towsley (Touselv), Anne, 43: John,
268,296: — ^ Jo-seph, 43: Mar-
garet, 43: Mary, 43, 44:
Mathew, 43, 280, 192. 253, 256. 267,
268: Michael, 27, 43, 75, 76, 77,
103, 127, 128: Good'", 133:
Nathan, 43.
Trowbridge, Thomas, 28. 78: Wil-
liam, 28: Mr., 78, 99.
Trumble (Trumbull), Arami, 42. 43:
Rev. Benjamin. 43: Benoni, 42, 43
Ebenezer, 273, 289, 294:
Ephraim, 43, 193: Hannah, 42, 43
John. 42, 43, 150, 190, 235, 238
239: John y-^ P', 151, 154, 163, 193
211, 222. 238, 250, 260, 263: 2"^
153, 180, 189. 192, 257: Jonathan
Gov., 22, 42. 43: Joseph, 21, 22,
26, 28, 41, 42, 43, 65, 76, 84, 97, 101
145, 153, 181. 299: Judah, 17,21
26, -28. 43, 65, 76, 07, 99, 107, 108, 110
144, 256: Mary, 17. 43: Sam
uel. 43, 181, 190. 192: Shadrach
43: William, 43, 192
Turner, Capt., 37, 81.
Tyler, Lieut., 20.
Wadsworth, James. Esq^, 276.
Waite, Richard, 2L
Walters, Mr, 161.
Warham, John, 32.
Warner, Daniel, 235: John, 21, 156,
163, 180. 187. 192, 226, 236, 240, 243,
270. 278; Sen.. 197. 199,206,217,239;
Jun., 192. 207, 273: Nathaniel,
180. 191, 192. 197, 204, 206. 225, 231,
233, 246, 255. 262, 280, 296. 298 :
Samuel. 248 : Thankful, 39.
Watson, John, 26, 44, 82 : Nathan-
iel. 44: Robert, 26. 41 : Good-
man, 63: Samuel, 44.
Webb, John, 23.
Wells, Joshua, 15, 20, 26, 44, 65, 123
West, Thomas, 20.
Wetiiersfield, 5.
Wheeler, Jacob, 256, 257.
Whiting. Joseph, 83: — Mary, 83:
William, 93, 94.
Wilbraham, 6.
Wir.ard, J., 319, 320, 321, 322.
Williams. Israel, 321; maj.,290; Mr., 131:
Zebediah. 23.
Winchell (Winchil), Benjamin, 44,160, 163,
180, 189. 192: Caleb, 300:
Christian. 43. 44: David. 20, 26.
43, 44, 58, 73, 74, 84, 85, 97, 101, 102.
104, 105, 106, 108, 109, 110, 113, 114,
115, 116, 118, 119, 121, 123, 124, 126,
127, 128, 130, 132, 134, 135, 136, 138,
INDEX.
543
139, 142, 143, 144, 148, 150, 151, 167,
179, 180, 190, 192, 193; ension, 151,
154, 156, 159, 163; jun., 180.190, 193;
sen., 179, 192: Elizabeth, 43, 44:
Jedediali,43: John. 58: Jona-
than, 20, 26, 43, 44, 58, 69, 70, 71, 97,
99, 100, 102, 103. 105. 107, 110, 113,
116, 118, 153, 179, 181: Joseph,
43, 44, 130, 144, 147, 156, 167, 168,
169, 177, 179, 184, 185, 186, 187. 188,
189, 191, 193, 197, 198, 199,201.204,
205, 206, 207, 229, 230, 231, 262, 265,
26G. 268, 269, 271, 272, 273, 274, 277,
278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285,
286, 287, 288, 312, 313, 314, 325, 326,
327, 328; corp'., 148, 154; serj., 120,
159, 162, 163, 166, 170, 171 : capt., 25,
210, 213, 216, 217, 222, 225, 226, 227,
232, 233, 234, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240,
241, 242, 243. 245. 247, 248, 249, 25!,
252, 254, 255, 257, 258, 259, 260. 261,
275 : Marv, 43 : Robert, 43 :
Samuel, 43, 93, 210: widow,
207: widow Mary, 237.
AVindsor, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 50.
Winthrop, Mr. Wayte, 50.
Witt, Ebenezer, 321, 322.
Woodbridge, Abigail, 217: Mr. John,
158, 272: Rev., 217.
Woodstock, 11.
Woodward and Saffery, 10, 11, 50, 91, 92,
155.
Woolcot, Roger, 316.
Woolery (Woolworth), Abia, 54 :
Elizabeth, 44: Hannah, 44:
Mary, 44: Richard, 27,44, 75, 104,
136," 170, 179, 210, 240, 245.
Wooster, Nathaniel, 227, 248, 262, 270,
273, 283, 294, 297, 301, 3i)9.
Worthington, Jonathan, 305.
Yale College, 1 1 .
Younglove, Hannah. 38: James, 84,
144, 148, 160, 163. 166, 171, 172, 175,
176, 178, 180, isi, 182, 189, 190, 191,
192, 197, 200, 203: Mr. John, 15,
16, 17, 27, 60, 72, 74, 76, 84, 97, 105,
111, 141, 165: Rev., 60, 247, 253:
Joseph, 16: Mary, 41 :
Mrs. John, 113, 114, 115: Samuel,
15, 84, 144, 145, 153, 156, 163, 172,
177, 179, 181, 184, 192: widow
Sarah, 16.
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