\3 *v^s^^ /\ <-. "'c.':* 
 
 .^^ 
 
 
 
 .0 
 
 
 ^^^''<.. 
 
 
 q, *.,-.* ,0-' V 
 
 o , * U 
 
 
 t^o^ 
 
 
 
 -^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ** % "-y^^^ / -\ -A 
 
 
 
 .Ho^ 
 
 
 
 
 .0^ 
 
 
 ^<> 
 
 
o^ *.^T^' ,^ 
 
 '•j^b- 
 
 ^\' 
 
 
 
 
 
 v^ 
 
 ^' 
 
 ^o^, ^V' 
 
 0^ c°::l_"-, "o, V^ »• 
 
 
 
 
 Jt' 
 
 \ 
 
 
 3-r 
 
 
 
 
 
 O^ ■' . . s V' 
 
 
 
 O *e,i* ,0 <?■ " o „ o ■ ^ 
 
 ^^0^ 
 
 s#^ 
 
 C 
 
 o 
 
 ,G^ ^c> ^..- <V <. 
 
 
 
 
 ^"^^ \^u:,.>^-.v. .y^^.-. ■'•^imi: .v^.. °/.. ,-...: ^"^ ^ 
 
 
 :y^^.^ ^^ ^^ •-:;^l^ 
 
THOMAS WILLIAMS BICKNRLL 
 
ttlf Kntxmt S^rnrba 
 of B>0mam0 anin J^arta 
 
 
 1908 
 
 ASSOCIATED PUBLISHERS OP AMERICAN RECORDS 
 NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT 
 
No. 49 
 
 UBP«s»V if CONGRESS 
 Two O'-nK's Rcce'ved 
 
 JUN 23 VdOB 
 
 Class ft \,'c no, 
 
 Copyright 1908 
 
 BY 
 
 THOMAS W. BICKNELL 
 Providence, R, I. 
 
 
 ?1 
 
 z 
 
This book, Sowams, is the product of forty years of honest work. 
 My brain, conscience, and heart are in it. My native town, Barrington 
 of 1908, the civil community that has been founded on the territory of 
 Ancient Sowams, has been a faithful fostering mother to me and I have 
 tried to be a loyal son; — loyal to her traditions, her history, and her 
 present life. I am proud of the fact that the Great Sachem, Osamequin, 
 better known as Massassoit, with his trusty, dusky tribesmen, dwelt on 
 Barrington soil. I am proud of the fact that 
 
 (^avtrnat HtUiam ^mhfath, UifomtxB dlark. 
 
 (gautrnnr Sl^nmaa Prinrr. SCnHm Wtnalnm. 
 
 dnurrnnr 3(nHtaI| Mwalottt. Hilliam Utiit?. 
 
 Qlaptain Oltinmaa WtUftt, Eranlut Wljttp. 
 
 aiolin AJiamB, T^ert^tim Wl\xtt, 
 
 anb 
 
 SIl|omaa OIuBt|matt, 
 
 the distinguished Founders of Plymouth town and Colony and Fathers 
 of the American State, were the actual founders and owners of our noble 
 town in its embryo life. 
 
 I am proud that Rev. John Myles and his associates, founded on 
 Barrington soil the First Baptist Church of Massachusetts, and that this 
 apostle of civil and rehgious freedom sleeps in Barrington soil, where 
 probably the great Massassoit also rests in peace. 
 
 I am proud of the men and women who have builded on these grand 
 foundations. 
 
 My prayer is that the future sons and daughters of Barrington, as 
 the generations and centuries come and go, may be faithful to the prin- 
 ciples of the immiortal Founders of this town and of the Plymouth Com- 
 monwealth, may preserve their traditions, and have no cause to blush 
 for the men and deeds of our own time. 
 
i^Jitratnrg 
 
 The Book of ANCIENT SOWAMS, I dedicate to my honored 
 grandfather, 
 
 3l0Blfua Itrktt^U 
 
 Farmer's Son ; Farmer ; Soldier in the War of the American Revolution ; 
 Representative and Senator in the General Assembly ; Associate 
 Justice of the Supreme Court ; Counsellor ; for forty years Treasurer 
 of the Congregational Church, Barrington, R. I. 
 
 His Purity, Nobility, Integrity, and Justice merited the title, " Old 
 Aristides." 
 
 " Of no man may it be more justly said, he has lived devoted to the 
 best interests of Rhode Island. No man more ardently loved his 
 country." 
 
l^vtfntt 
 
 OWAMS is the result of much reading, of careful, pains- 
 taking study, of muah discussion, public and private, and 
 of an honest and deliberate judgment. As to the correct- 
 ness of my main arguments and conclusions, I have no 
 more doubt than I have of my own existence. 
 The errors of some writers as to the location of Sowams are readily 
 traced to the acceptance of very partial and unreliable data. Few men 
 have the patience and fewer still the material for original historical inves- 
 tigation, and repeat wihat another has written. It has been my privilege 
 to have had my birth and early home within the Indian territory known as 
 Sowams. About the year 1870, it was my good fortune to find, in the 
 possession of the town clerk of Warren, the original records of Sowams, 
 which had been lost to the proprietors for many years. At the death 
 of Brigadier-General Thomas Allin of West Barrington in 1800, this 
 ancient book was at his home. No one now living can trace its wan- 
 derings from the home of the last proprietors' clerk to the possession of 
 Henry Hicks Luther of Warren. The most that can be said is that town 
 clerks and proprietors' clerks were in the habit of freely loaning record 
 books to their friends, or others interested, as other books are loaned 
 to-day, and it has been my fortune to find and return to their proper 
 ownership four valuable books of original records thus loaned. Two 
 of these books were no less than the Ancient Records of the town of 
 Swansea, dating back to 1667, which were found in a box in the attic of a 
 meat market on Baker Street, near the Baptist Church, Warren, Rhode 
 Island, in 1870. These books had been loaned to Honorable Levi Bosworth, 
 a justice of the Supreme Court of Rhode Island, by the town clerk of 
 Swansea. After the death of both these gentlemen, no one, not even 
 the new town clerk of Swansea, knew where these precious documents 
 were. General Fessenden remarked to me that "Judge Bosworth was 
 a good bookkeeper," and that if I could find any remnants of his estate, 
 
which had been settled several years before, I might come across the 
 books. Following this clue, I found the treasure in a box of cast-oflF 
 material in the possession of a member of the Bosworth family, and, 
 after using, returned them to their ihome in the safe of Town Clerk 
 Luther, at Swansea. 
 
 The Sowams Record Book was undoubtedly loaned to some 
 person in Warren, and, in course of time, came into the hands of Mr. 
 Luther. It is to Mr. Luther's credit, as a very honest and honorable 
 man, that he never claimed that it belonged to the town of Warren, or 
 that its records related especially to Warren. On the other hand, he 
 admitted that it was a Barrington book that had come into his possession 
 and when the matter of its return to the town of Barrington was dis- 
 cussed and acted upon by the town council of Warren, April 2, 1877, Mr. 
 Luther was among the first to recognize its proper ownership. 
 
 The following copies of records will set at rest some questions under 
 discussion as to the present possession of the book by the town of Bar- 
 rington : 
 
 Harrington, R. I., 
 "Monday, March 26th, A. D. 1877. 
 
 At a meeting of the Council held this day at two o'clock afternoon, 
 members present, Harrison H. Richardson, Benjamin Martin, Nathaniel 
 Peck, John C. Burrington, Lewis B. Smith. 
 
 The following resolution was passed by the Council. 
 
 "Whereas it is known that a volume of ancient records entitled A 
 Memorial or Records of Lands at Sowams alias Sowamsett belonging to 
 this town is now in the possession of the town of Warren where it is 
 held awaiting a requisition from the proper authorities of this town ; Now 
 therefore be it resolved that the Town Clerk be and he is hereby 
 instructed to communicate to the Hon. the Town Council of the Town of 
 Warren the request of this Council that said volume of records may be 
 delivered to the said Town Clerk who is hereby authorized to receipt for 
 the same. 
 
"Resolved that a duly attested copy of these Resolutions be trans- 
 mitted to the Hon. the Town Council of the Town of Warren." 
 
 From Council Records. Attested by Town Clerk, Frederick P. Church. 
 
 Town Council. "Warren, April 2, 1877. 
 
 President C. R. Cutler in the chair. All members present. 
 
 A paper from the Town Council of Barrington asking for the cus- 
 tody of a book of ancient proprietors' records was presented. Inasmuch 
 as these records related especially to portions of the town of Barrington, 
 the request was granted, and it was voted that the book be transferred 
 to the Town Council of the Town of Barrington." 
 
 From report of Meeting of Town Council of Warren, R. I., printed 
 in Providence Journal, April 4, 1877. 
 
 Barrington, R. I. 
 
 Council Report, presented to the Town Meeting held April 6th, 
 1877, and recorded in the printed Report for that year at page 9. 
 
 "We have the gratification to announce that through the courtesy 
 of the Town Council of the Town of Warren, we have recovered a vol- 
 ume of ancient records of inestimable value to this town, but which has 
 been lost to us for many years. The following inscription in bold antique 
 dharacters appears upon the title page : 
 
 'A memorial or Booke of Records of ye Severall Divissions & bounds 
 of ye Lands at Sowames Als Sowamsett and parts adjacent purchased of 
 ye Great Sachems Ossamequin & Wamsetto his eldest sonne by certaine 
 Gentlemen of ye Antient Inhabitants of the Colony of New Plymouth N E 
 by Order of ye Genl Court as by Deed bearing date Twenty Ninth day 
 
 of March 1653 May Appear.' 
 
 H. H. Richardson. 
 Benjamin Martin. 
 Nathaniel Peck. 
 John C. Burrington. 
 Lewis B. Smith. 
 
 Town Council." 
 From Town Council Reports Attested by Town Clerk, F. P. Church. 
 
So far as is known to the author, this is the first complete work on an 
 ancient New England Proprietary, the basis of most old New England 
 land titles. To the lawyer and conveyancer it will be an authority as to 
 early land titles. To the historian it will be a full account of the settle- 
 ment of one of the most unique plantations made by the pioneers and 
 ancient settlers of Plymouth. To the general reader it will be a clear and 
 vivid portrayal of the questions of civil and municipal life, nearly three 
 centuries ago. 
 
 This ancient Proprietary, known as Sowams, the Home of Osame- 
 quin, better known as Massassoit, will appear under four headings or 
 chapters : 
 
 I. History of the Great Sachem, Massassoit, and His Relations with 
 the Plymouth Colony and Sowams. 
 
 H. The Sowams Records, Printed Verbatim from the Original, 
 
 from 1653 to 1797. 
 
 HI. The Sowams Proprietary, Its Founders, Location and History; 
 Its Merging in Swansea, Mass., and Other Towns. 
 
 IV. Sowams. 
 
 V. Purposes, Organization, and Laws of a New England Proprietary. 
 I am indebted to all writers on early New England history as to the 
 
 history of Sowams and Massassoit. The chapter on Purposes, Organi- 
 zation, and Laws of a New England Proprietary is a condensation and 
 revision of Angell and Ames on Proprietaries, the best, and almost the 
 only authority on this important topic. 
 
 The "Sowams Records" are presented in as perfect a form as pos- 
 sible, even to the preservation of the spelling and punctuation. The 
 excellence of the chirography appears in the photographs of the title page 
 and fine paging of the body of the book, closing with the final record 
 of General Thomas Allin, the last proprietors' clerk. 
 
 I commit this volume, unique and interesting as it is, to the intelli- 
 gence and judgment of all interested people, assured that the truth will 
 stand more secure with the lapse of years and that honor will fall where 
 It shall be due. 
 
I DEDICATE 
 
 S O W A M S 
 
 TO 
 
 THE MEMORIES OF 
 
 My Father 
 
 ALLIN BICKNELL 
 
 AND 
 
 My Mother 
 HARRIET BYRON BICKNELL 
 
 OF 
 
 HARRINGTON, R. L 
 
CHAPTER I 
 
 CONTAINING A HISTORY 
 OF THE GREAT SACHEM 
 MASSASSOIT AND HIS 
 RELATIONS WITH THE 
 PLYMOUTH COLONY AND 
 SOWAMS 
 
CAPTAIN MYLES STANDISH 
 A Sowams Proprietor 
 
MnBBViBBmt 
 
 ^^^^H£ "Mayflower," the ship which brought the first Pilgrims to 
 / ^ I New England, set sail from Plymouth, Old England, Sep- 
 I P I tember 6, 1620, and, after a stormy and perilous voyage, 
 ^1^ arrived at Cape Cod, November, 11. O. S., finding safe 
 anchorage in Provincetown Harbor. Governor Bradford, 
 the first historian of Plymouth Plantation, writes: "Being thus 
 passed ye vast ocean, and a sea of troubles before in their prepara- 
 tion, they had now no friends to wellcome them, nor inns to entertain 
 or refresh their weather-beaten bodys, no houses or much less townes to 
 repaire too, to seeke for succoure. It is recorded in scripture as a merci 
 to ye apostle and his shipwracked company, yt the barbarians shewed 
 them no smale kindnes in refreshing them, but these savage barbarians, 
 when they mette with them (as after will appeare) were readier to fill 
 their sids full of arrows then otherwise. . . . Besids, what could they 
 see but a hidious and desolate wilderness, full of wild beasts and wild 
 men? And what multituds ther might be of them they knew not. . . - 
 For summer being done, all things stand upon them with a wether beaten 
 face ; and ye whole countrie full of woods and thickets, represented a wild 
 and savage heiw." Surely, this was not a hopeful prospect, as these 
 Pilgrims and strangers looked out upon the New World, which was to 
 be their home, and, by the wonderful blessing of the Divine Guidance, 
 the future homes of millions of their descendants. What more natural 
 thing could these brave men and women do than to fall upon their knees 
 and bless the God of Heaven, "who had brought them over ye vast and 
 furious ocean, and delivered them from all ye periles and miseries thereof, 
 againe to set their feete on ye firme and stable earth, their proper ele- 
 mente." 
 
On the fifteenth of November, Captain Myles Standish, with sixteen 
 well-armed men, went on shore for an examination of the country. 
 Marching about a mile by the shore, they saw five or six savages, with a 
 dog, coming toward them. Seeing Standish and his men, the Indians 
 ran into the woods, and then on the sandy shore, followed by Standish, 
 who wished to meet and speak with them. Following the Indian trail 
 until night, Standish and his men camped in the woods. The next day 
 they found a pond of fresih water, and shortly after cleared ground where 
 the Indians had planted corn. Further on, they came to a place where a 
 house had been and a great kettle had been left. Digging into heaps of 
 sand, Standish found "diverce faire Indian baskets filled with corne, and 
 some in eares, faire and good, of diverce collours, which seemed to them 
 a very goodly sight." This was the first reconnaissance on Cape Cod. 
 
 A few days later, thirty men went on shore and in their wanderings 
 found two deserted Indian houses covered wtih mats and sundry imple- 
 ments in them. They also found corn and beans which they took with 
 them, and saved as seed for the next year's planting. 
 
 The first interview of the Pilgrims with the Indians was in an attack 
 made on a reconnoitering party about Cape Cod Bay in the early part of 
 the month of December. The Indians, with their bows and arrows, were 
 no match for the muskets and coats-of-mail of the white men. "Ater- 
 wards," says Bradford, "they gave God sollamene thanks and praise for 
 their deliverance, and gathered up a bundle of their arrows, and sente 
 them into England afterwards by ye mr. of ye ship, and called that place 
 ye first encounter." 
 
 Bradford tells us that the Indians frequently skulked about their 
 settlement at Plymouth, and when any went to meet them would run 
 away. Once some Indians stole the tools of the settlers while they were 
 at dinner. On March i6, 1621, an Eastern Indian, who could speak 
 broken English, came to Plymouth and told them many things concern- 
 
ing the Indians of his own section, now the Kennebec Country in Maine, 
 "as also of ye people hear, of their names, number, and strength ; of their 
 situation and distance from this place, and who was cheefe among them." 
 He gave his name as Samoset and told them of another Indian, named 
 Squanto, who had been in England and could speak English better than 
 he. He was dismissed with gifts, but came again with five Indians, 
 bringing back the tools that had been stolen. On this visit, Samoset told 
 the whites that the great chief of the tribe, Massassoit, would visit Ply- 
 mouth in four or five days, with Squanto as an interpreter. 
 
 This interesting and remarkable interview, fraught with such 
 momentous results to both parties, is best told by an eye-witness and I 
 give entire the story as given in "Mourt's Relations."* 
 
 "Thursday, the 22nd of March, 1621, was a very fayre warme day. 
 About noone we met again about our publique businesse, but we 
 had scarce beene an houre together but Samoset came again, 
 and Squanto, the only native of Patuxat, where v/e now inhabite, 
 who was one of the twentie captives that by Hunt were carried away, and 
 had beene in England & dwelt in Cornehill with master Slanie, a Mer- 
 chant, and could speake a little English, with three others, and they 
 brought with them some few skinnes to trucke, and some red Her-rings 
 newly taken and dryed, but not salted, and signified unto us, that their 
 great Sagamore, Masasoyt — was hard by, with Quadequina his brother, 
 and all their men. They could not well express in English what they 
 would, but after an houre the King came to the top of an hill over against 
 us, and had in his trayne sixtie men, that wee could well behold them, 
 and they us ; we were not willing to send our governour to them, and they 
 unwilling to come to us, so Squanto went againe unto him, who brought 
 word that wee should send one to parley with him, which we did, which 
 was Edward Winsloe, to know his mind, and to signifie the mind and will 
 
 *Ed. 1865. Edited by Henry M. Dexter, p. go, et seq. 
 
 9 
 
of our governour, which was to have trading and peace with him. 
 We sent to the King a payre of knives and a Copper Chayne with a Jewell 
 at it. To Quadequina we sent likewise a Knife and a Jewell to hang in 
 his eare, and withall a Pot of strong water, a good quantity of Bisket, 
 and some butter, which were all willingly accepted. Our Messenger made 
 a speech unto him, that King James saluted him with words of love and 
 Peace, and did accept of him as his Friend and Alie, and that our govern- 
 our desired to see him and to trucke with him, and to confirm a peace 
 with him as his next neighbour; he liked well of the speech and heard 
 it attentively, though the interpreters did not well express it ; after he had 
 eaten and drunke himself, and given the rest to his company, he looked 
 upon our messengers sword and armour which he had on, with intimation 
 of his desire to buy it, but on the other side, our messenger showed his 
 unwillingness to part with it; In the end he left him in the custodie of 
 Quadequina, his brother, and came over the brooke, and some twentie 
 men following him, leaving all their Bows and Arrows behind them. We 
 kept six or seaven as hostages for our messenger: Captain Standish and 
 master Williamson met the King at the brooke, with half a dozen Muske- 
 tiers, they saluted him and he them, so one going over, the one on the one 
 side, and the other on the other, conducted him to an house then in 
 building where we placed a greene Rugge, and three or four cushions, 
 then instantly came our Governour with Drumne and Trumpet after him, 
 and some few Musketiers. After salutations, our Governour kissing his 
 hand, the King kissed him, and so they sat down. The Governour called 
 for some strong water, and drunke to him, and he drunke a great draught 
 that made him sweate all the while after, he called for a little fresh 
 meate, which the King did eate willingly, and did give his followers. 
 Then they treated of Peace, which was : 
 
 "i. That neyther he nor any of his should injure or doe hurt to any 
 of ours. 
 
 10 
 
"2. And if any of his did hurt to any of ours, he should send the 
 offender, that we might punish him. 
 
 "3. That if any of our Tooles were taken away when our people 
 were at worke, he should cause them to be restored, and if ours did any 
 harm to any of his, wee would doe the like to them. 
 
 "4. If any did unjustly warre against him, we would ayed him; If 
 any did warre against us, he should ayde us. 
 
 "5. He should send to his neighbour Confederates, to certifie them 
 of this, that they might not wrong us but might be likewise comprised 
 in the conditions of Peace. 
 
 "6. That when their men came to us, they should leave their Bowes 
 and Arrowes behind them, as wee should doe our Peeces when we came 
 to them. 
 
 "Lastly, that doing thus. King James would esteeme of him as his 
 friend and Alie ; all which the King seemed to like well, and it was 
 applauded of his followers, all the while he sat by the Governour he trem- 
 bled for feare ; At the close of the interview he acknowledged himself con- 
 tent to become the subject of our Sovereign lord, the King aforesaid and 
 his successors ; and gave unto them all the lands adjacent to them and their 
 heirs forever. 
 
 "In his person he is a very lustie man, in his best yeares, an able 
 body, grave of countenance and spare of speech: In his Attyre little or 
 nothing differing from the rest of his followers, only in a great Chaine of 
 white bone Beades about his necke, and at it behinde his necke, hangs a 
 little bagg of Tobacco, which he dranke and gave us to drinke ; his face 
 was paynted with a sad red like murry, and oyled both head and face, 
 that hee looked greasily ; All 'his followers likewise, were in their faces, in 
 part or in whole paynted, some blacke, some red, some yellow, and some 
 white, some with crosses, and other Antick workes, some had skins on 
 them, and some naked, all strong, tall, all men in appearance; So after 
 
all was done, the Governour conducted him to the Brooke, and there 
 they embraced each other and he departed, we diligently keeping our 
 hostages." 
 
 Bradford adds: "After these things he returned to his place called 
 SowAMS, some 40 mile from this place, but Squanto continued with them, 
 and was their interpreter, and was a spetiall instrument sent of God for 
 their good beyond their expectation. He directed them how to set their 
 corne, where to take fish, and to procure other commodities, and was also 
 their pilott to bring them to unknown places for their profitt, and never 
 left them till he dyed." 
 
 Massassoit, or Osamequin, who was thus introduced to Gov. Carver 
 and the Pilgrims, was the chief sachem of the Wampanoags, a powerful 
 tribe of Indians, occupying the territory of Southeastern Massachusetts, 
 south of the country of the Massachusetts tribe, with the Atlantic Ocean 
 and Narragansett Bay on their eastern, southern and western bounds. 
 He was born about 1580 and died in 1661. The true name of the sachem 
 was Osamequin, Ousamequin or Woosamequin, meaning "The yellow 
 feather," from ousa, yellow and mequin, a feather. His signature to the 
 Sowams' deed is Osamequin and this was his tribal name. The word 
 Massassoit, meaning "the great sachem," is from the two Indian words, 
 massa great, and assot, king or ruler, the title given him by the Plymouth 
 people as a synonym with his real name, Osamequin, by which he was 
 later known. 
 
 The names of his ancestors and wife are not known. He had two 
 brothers, Akkompoin and Quadequina. Massassoit had three sons, Wam- 
 sitta (Alexander), Pometacom (Philip), and Sunconewhew; and one 
 daughter, whose English name was Amie. 
 
 His son Alexander, married Namunpum, or Weetamo, Queen of 
 Pocassett. 
 
 12 
 

 y//i"m*''Ji'i >'- 
 
 EDWARD WINSLOW, GOVERNOR 
 A Sowams Proprietor 
 
His son, Philip, married Wootonekanuske, sister of Weetamo. 
 Philip had one son. 
 
 Quadequina, brother of Massassoit, is said to have been "a very 
 proper, tall young man, of a very modest and seemly countenance," and 
 held a high place in the government of the tribe. 
 
 Akkompoin was one of Philip's counsellors, signed deeds and made 
 treaties. 
 
 Wamsitta assisted his father, Massassoit, in the government of the 
 tribe, and, at his father's death in 1661, succeeded to the chief sachem- 
 ship. In 1662, Wamsitta and his brother, Pometacom, requested the 
 whites to give them English names, and the Plymouth Court gave to 
 Wamsitta the name of Alexander and to Pometacom the name of Philip, 
 in honor of the Macedonian Conquerors. 
 
 The introduction between the Pilgrims and Massassoit, in March, 
 162 1, as already described, was the first contact and bond of union between 
 the whites and the natives. The visit of the Indians was kindly recipro- 
 cated in July of the same year, when Edward Winslow and Stephen Hop- 
 kins were despatched on a visit to Sowams. This was the first attempt 
 of the English to explore the interior, their object being to gain a knowl- 
 edge of the Pokanoket country, the land of the Wampanoags, "to apolo- 
 gize for some misbehavior, to establish and to regulate an intercourse, to 
 procure corn, and to strengthen their mutual good understanding." Up 
 to this time the Pilgrims had not set foot outside their little settlement, 
 but now with Squanto as guide, they proceeded on their western explora- 
 tion, with an intrepidity akin to that of those who now attempt the like 
 service on the frontiers of the far West. They bore as gifts to the Indian 
 chief a horseman's laced coat of red cotton and a chain. The party set 
 out on foot on the morning of the 3d of July, 1621, and at three P. M. of 
 the same day were received with joy at the Indian village of Namasket, 
 in Middleboro', and were refreshed by an Indian repast of bread called 
 
 13 
 
mozium, made of Indian corn, and also with the roes of shad, which were 
 boiled with acorns. Eight miles further on, they reached the Titicut 
 River, where they found the Namasket Indians fishing at a weir, where 
 they caught plenty of bass. The natives exchanged provisions and shared 
 their lodgings with them in the open fields at night. The land was well 
 cleared and productive, and the evidences were manifest of many settle- 
 ments along the banks of the stream, but the pestilence of the previous 
 years had been so fatal that the living were unable to bury the dead, and 
 many Indian skeletons lay bleaching on the ground. Six of the natives 
 joined them in the morning on their journey, and about three miles below 
 the Taunton Green they reached a fording place where two old Indians 
 on the west bank of the stream prepared to resist their passage. A show 
 of friendship and a bracelet of beads conquered their hostile spirit, and 
 the emigrants or ambassadors were received with the kindest welcome, 
 the natives vying with each other in acts of hospitality, by giving them 
 food, and by kindred acts of civility. In passing down the Taunton River 
 they found evidences that the country had been recently thickly settled, 
 but rank weeds spread over the fertile soil, and desolation now reigned 
 throughout the country. 
 
 Traveling on through the Indian country, known as Mattapoiset, in 
 the eastern part of Swansea, they came to an Indian village, where they 
 were fed with fish and oysters and in the afternoon arrived at Sowams, 
 the residence of Massassoit. They discharged their muskets as a salute 
 to the grand sachem, and received from him a hearty welcome. The coat 
 and chain pleased the chief and his people highly, and Massassoit pledged 
 them his constant friendship, promised to prevent any further molestation 
 by his people and to send corn to Patuxet or Plymouth as they requested. 
 He then addressed his own people, spoke of his extensive dominions, and 
 encouraged trade with the English. With all his greatness, however, the 
 royal commissariat was limited to two fishes to be distributed between 
 
 14 
 
forty guests ; and between scanty food, filthy cabins and sleepless nights, 
 they were compelled to frame excuses for a hasty departure, and on 
 Friday morning before sunrise they turned their faces towards Plymouth 
 with Tokamahamon as guide. A two days' trip, by the same route as 
 they came, brought the embassy home again, to relate to their friends the 
 wonders of the new country and to receive their congratulations over their 
 successful mission. Winslow and Hopkins were the first white men who 
 ever trod this soil of whom we have any reliable record. Their mission 
 was a peaceful one ; they little dreamed, perhaps, that night as they slept 
 by the side of the powerful sachem, that in fifty years or a little more, 
 the little settlement at Plymouth would have extended its plantations and 
 its government over the whole forty miles which they had traversed. 
 And the kind-hearted Indian king had no conception of the fact that half 
 a century would witness the white man's cabin, where then the smoke 
 of his wigwam ascended, or that a new civilization would so soon 
 plant its foundations upon the ruins of this early barbarism. 
 
 In March, 1623, tidings came to Plymouth that Massassoit was sick 
 and likely to die, and also that a Dutch vessel had been stranded near 
 his residence. The Indians, w*hen sick, always expected aid from their 
 friends. It therefore, seemed best to Governor Bradford to send another 
 party to visit the chief and to have a conference with the Dutch. The 
 talents of Edward Winslow, his former visit, his friendship to Massassoit, 
 and his knowledge of the Dutch language marked him as the most fit man 
 for the expedition. With him went as a companion, an English gentle- 
 man, whose home was in London, but who was sojourning at Plymouth, 
 and who greatly desired to see the Indian country. His name was John 
 Hampden, and it is fitting that his name should be perpetuated in Bar- 
 rington history, in memory of the visit made to Massassoit in 1623. 
 An Indian, Hobbamock, went as a guide, for Squanto, Winslow's guide 
 
 15 
 
in his first visit, had died some time before. The story is given in Win- 
 slow's own graphic words: "We set forward and lodged the first night 
 at Namasket. The next day, about one o'clock, we came to a ferry in 
 Conbitants country. Upon my discharging my piece, divers Indians 
 came to us from a house not far off. They told us that Massassoit was 
 dead and that day buried. This news struck us blank, but especially Hob- 
 bamock, who desired that we might return with all speed. I told him I 
 would first think of it, considering now that he being dead, Conbitant was 
 most likely to succeed him, and that we were not above three miles from 
 Mattapuyst, his dwelling-place. 
 
 "Although he were but a hollow-hearted friend to us, I thought no 
 time so fit as this to enter more friendly terms with him and the rest of 
 the sachems thereabout; and though it was somewhat dangerous in 
 respect of our personal safety, because myself and Hobbamock had been 
 employed upon a service against him which he might fitly revenge, yet 
 esteeming it the best means, leaving the event to God in His Mercy, I 
 resolved to put in practice if Master Hampden and Hobbamock durst 
 attempt it with me ; whom I found willing so that or any other course 
 might tend to the general good. So we went toward Mattapuyst. In 
 the way, Hobbamock brake forth in these speeches : 'My loving sachem, O 
 my loving sachem ! Man have I known, but never any like thee.' And 
 turning him to me said, whilst I lived, I should never see his like amongst 
 the Indians ; saying also he was no liar, he was not bloody and cruel like 
 other Indians, from anger and passion he was soon reclaimed, easy to be 
 reconciled toward such as offended him; and that he governed his men 
 better with few strokes than others with many; truly loving where he 
 loved ; yea he feared we had not a faithful friend left among the Indians ; 
 showing how he oftimes restrained their malice, etc., — continuing a long 
 speech with signs of unfeigned sorrow. 
 
 i6 
 
"At length we came to Mattapuyst and went to the sachem's place, 
 but Conbitant was not there but at Puckanokick, which was five or six 
 miles off. The sachem's wife gave us friendly entertainment. Here 
 we inquired again concerning Massassoit; that they thought him dead 
 but knew no certainty. Whereupon I hired one to go with all expedition 
 to Puckanokick that we might know the certainty thereof, and withal to 
 acquaint Conbitant with our there being. About half an hour before the 
 sun setting the messenger returned and told he was not dead, although 
 there was no hope we should find him living. Upon this we were much 
 revived, and set forward with all speed, though it was late within night 
 ere we got thither. When we came thither we found the house so full 
 of men as we could scarce get in, though they used the best diligence to 
 make way for us. They were in the midst of their charms for him, mak- 
 ing such a hellish noise as it distempered us who were well, and therefore 
 unlike to ease him that was sick. About him were six or eight women 
 who chafed his arms, legs, and thighs to keep heat in him. Having 
 understanding left, but his sight wholly gone, he asked who was come. 
 They told him "Winsnow," for they cannot pronounce the letter 1, but 
 ordinarily use n in place thereof. He desired to speak with me. When 
 I came to him, and they told him of it, he put forth his hand, which I 
 took. Then he said twice, though very inwardly, 'Keen Winsnow ?' which 
 is to say, 'Art thou Winslow?' I answered, 'Ahhe,' that is yes. Then 
 he doubled these words: "Matta neen wonchanet nanem, Winslow!' that 
 is to say, 'O Winslow, I shall never see thee again.' Then I called Hob- 
 bamock and desired him to tell Massassowat that the Governor, hearing 
 of his sickness, was sorry for the same, and though by many businesses 
 he could not come himself, yet he sent me with such things for him as 
 he thought most likely to do good in this extremity, and whereof if he 
 pleased to take I would presently give him ; which he desired, and having 
 a confection of many comfortable conserves on the point of my knife, I 
 
 17 
 
gave him some, which I could scarce get through his teeth. When it was 
 dissolved in his mouth he swallowed the juice of it, whereat those about 
 him rejoiced, saying that he had not swallowed anything in two days 
 before. Then I desired to see his mouth which was exceedingly furred 
 and his tongue swelled in such a manner as it was not possible for him to 
 eat such meat as they had. Then I washed his mouth and scraped his 
 tongue. After which I gave him more of the confection, which he swal- 
 lowed with more readiness. Then he desired to drink ; I dissolved some 
 of it in water and gave him thereof. Within half an hour this wrought 
 a great alteration in him in the eyes of all that beheld him. Presently 
 after, his sight began to come to him, which gave him and us good 
 encouragement. I inquired how he slept, and they said he slept not in 
 two days before. Then I gave him more and told him of a mishap we 
 had by the way, in breaking a bottle of drink, saying if he would send 
 one of his men to Patuxet, I would send for more of the same; also for 
 chickens to make him broth, and for other things which I knew were 
 good for him; and would stay the return of his messenger if he desired. 
 This he took marvelous kindly, and appointed some, who were ready to 
 go by two or three o'clock in the morning; against which time I made 
 ready a letter, 
 
 "He requested me the day following I would take my piece and kill 
 him some fowl, and make him some English pottage, such as he had eaten 
 at Plymouth, which I promised. After, his stomach coming to him, I 
 must needs make him some without fowl, before I went abroad, I caused 
 a woman to bruise some corn and take the flour from it, and set over 
 the broken corn, in a pipkin, for they have earthen pots of all sizes. W^hen 
 the day broke we went out, it being now March, to seek herbs, but could 
 not find any but strawberry leaves, of which I gathered a handful and put 
 into the same ; and because I had nothing to relish it, I went forth again 
 and pulled up a sassafras root and sliced a piece thereof and boiled it 
 
 i8 
 
till it had a good relish, and then took it out again. The broth being 
 boiled I strained it through my handkerchief, and gave him at least a 
 pint, Which he drank and liked it very well. After this his sight mended 
 more and more ; also he took some rest ; insomuch as we with the admira- 
 tion blessed God for giving his blessing to such raw and ignorant means, 
 himself and all of them acknowledging us the instruments of his preser- 
 vation. 
 
 "That morning he caused me to spend in going from one to another 
 amongst those who were sick in the town, requesting me to wash their 
 mouths also, and give to each of them some of the same I gave him, say- 
 ing they were good folk. This pains I took with willingness, though it 
 were much offensive to me. 
 
 "After dinner he desired me to get him a goose or a duck, and make 
 him some pottage therewith with as much speed as I could. So I took 
 a man with me, and made a shot at a couple of ducks, some six score 
 paces off, and killed one, at which he wondered. So we returned forth- 
 with and dressed it, making more broth therewith, which he much desired. 
 Never did I see a man so low brought, recover in that measure in so short 
 a time. 
 
 "About an hour after he began to be very sick, and cast up the broth, 
 and began to bleed at the nose, and so continued the space of four hours. 
 Concluding now that he must die, they asked me what I thought of him. 
 I answered, his case is desperate, yet it might be would save his life ; for 
 if it ceased in time, he could forthwith sleep and take rest, which was 
 the principal thing he wanted. Not long after his blood stayed and he 
 slept at least six or eight hours. When he waked I washed his face, and 
 bathed and supplied his beard and nose with a linen cloth. But on a 
 sudden he chopped his nose in the water and drew up some therein, and 
 sent it forth with such violence as he began to bleed afresh. Then they 
 
 19 
 
thought there was no hope, but we perceived it was but the tenderness 
 of the nostril, and therefore told them I thought it would stay presently, 
 as indeed it did. 
 
 "The messengers were returned; but finding his stomach come to 
 him he would not have the chickens killed, but kept them for breed. 
 Many whilst we were there came to see him ; some by their report, from 
 a place not less than a hundred miles. To all that came, one of his chief 
 men related the manner of his sickness, how near he was spent, how his 
 friends, the English, came to see him, and how suddenly he recovered to 
 him this strength they saw. Upon this recovery, he brake forth into 
 these speeches ; 'Now I see the English are my friends, and love me, and 
 whilst I live I will never forget this kindness they have showed me.' 
 Being fitted out for our return, we took leave of him ; who returned many 
 thanks to our Governor, and also to ourselves for our labor and love ; the 
 like did all that were about him. So we departed." 
 
 Says Cotton Mather: "The fees he (Massassoit) paid his English 
 doctor, were a confession of the plot among several nations of the Indians 
 to destroy the English." This information was most timely to the Eng- 
 lish, and enabled them to ward oflf the threatened conspiracy which had 
 been formed between the Massachusetts tribe and the people to the south 
 and west of Plymouth, which Massassoit had been often and urgently 
 solicited to aid in carrying out. The cause of the jealousies and combina- 
 tions against the whites at this time was owing to the unkind treatment 
 of the natives by a company of men, called "Weston's Plantation of Set- 
 tlers," from the name of their leader. The character of these settlers 
 was profligate and unprincipled, and after they had become reduced to 
 extreme penury by their idleness and dissolute habits, excited the ill-will 
 of the Indians by fraudulent dealings and by theft. Massassoit advised 
 Winslow, that the English should make an immediate attack upon the 
 Massachusetts, lest after the tribes had destroyed the Weymouth settle- 
 
ment, they should fall upon the people of Plymouth, and easily destroy 
 them. 
 
 Tihe prompt and brave action of Myles Standish, with his "little army 
 of eight men," soon put an end to this destructive plot, by the slaughter 
 of a few of the leaders among the Massachusetts and the dispersion of 
 the rest into the unhealthy swamps where disease and death made con- 
 quest of many of them. When the pious Robinson heard of these deeds, 
 he was much grieved and said : "Oh that you had converted some, before 
 you had killed any." Thus the humane acts of Winslow and Hampden, 
 in saving, by providential aid, the life of Massassoit, were repaid by 
 friendly counsels, which preserved the infant colony from complete exter- 
 mination. While an Indian's revenge is proverbial, his gratitude should 
 also be kindly remembered, and the dwellers in Plymouth and Bristol 
 counties ought ever to cherish in grateful memories the name of Massas- 
 soit of Sowams, who saved their ancestors and their colony from a pre- 
 mature and an inevitable destruction. 
 
 The path broken and trodden between Sowams and Plymouth by the 
 pioneers, Winslow, Hopkins, and Hampden, became in process of time a 
 well-beaten highway for the interchange of the products of the chase for 
 the implements of civilization used in husbandry and hunting. Although, 
 as the elder Cushman justly said : "the first care of the Plymouth adven- 
 turers was to settle religion before either profit or advantage," yet the 
 circumstances of their colonization demanded the utmost use of every 
 opportunity offered to secure money, to repay their outfit and the traders 
 who had aided their new establishment in the new world. They were 
 not greedy of amassing money or lands for their own sake, so much as to 
 meet the large demands made upon them in the first years of their settle- 
 ment by the London and Plymouth merchants. From England they 
 received cloth, coats, hatchets, hoes, knives, kettles, plates, shoes, 
 powder, shot and guns. These they exchanged with the Indians for the 
 
furs of beaver, mink and otter, and the skins of deer and foxes, which 
 they shipped to England ; and their tours of inspection among the Massa- 
 chusetts, the Kennebecks, the Wampanoags and the Manhattoes, were 
 mainly to establish friendly commercial relations. 
 
 It is said that Governor Winslow, on his return from a western tour, 
 visited again his friend Massassoit, whom he solicited to accompany him 
 to Plymouth. When they approached the settlement, the chief sent an 
 Indian messenger privately to inform the whites that Winslow was dead. 
 Great grief came over them at such tidings, until the arrival of the party, 
 when to their happy surprise, Winslow made his appearance with the rest. 
 When asked why he sent such word, Massassoit replied: "That they 
 might be more glad to see him when they came." While Squanto and 
 Hobbamock acted as agents for the colonists in their traffic, frequent 
 visits were undoubtedly made by the leading men of Plymouth. Among 
 these we may mention the names of Myles Standish, Thomas Willett, and 
 John Brown, and we do not wonder that as they looked out upon the 
 charming landscape and waterscape at Sowams and Popanomscutt, that 
 they should have selected these lands for occupation, in preference to the 
 bleak shores of old Plymouth. 
 
 "As early as 1632, the Plymouth settlers had established a trading 
 post at Sowams," says Mr. Miller in his story of the Wampanoags, "which 
 was supposed to have been located on the Barring^on side of the river, 
 on the land known as Phebe's Neck." Hither the Dutch ships came to 
 trade with the Indians and white settlers, bringing European wares to 
 exchange for furs. So attractive was the natural scenery of this section, 
 the soil was so rich, and the positions of the lands as related to the Bay 
 and its harbors so well adapted for commerce, that the business men of 
 the Colony saw at Sowams their great opportunity, telling Mr. Williams 
 and John Clarke that "this was the garden of their patent," and refusing 
 

 (V « 
 
 cr i» 
 c 3 
 
 3"^ 
 
 
 " " ►^ 
 
 r. 
 
 o 
 
to allow Mr. Clarke to settle his colony thereon. Had they done so, the 
 first planting of Newport would have been on Barrington soil, and the 
 city by the sea might not have been, in that century at least. 
 
 The Rhode Island Historical Society has made special note of this 
 important visit of Winslow and Hampden to Massassoit at Sowams, by 
 asking the Providence, Warren & Bristol Railroad directors to change 
 the name of their station at Chachacust, or New Meadow Neck, from 
 New Meadow Neck to Hampden Meadows, and the erection, in 1890, 
 of a tablet on the depot, with the following inscription : 
 
 "This Station is Called 
 HAMPDEN MEADOWS 
 
 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUEST OF THE RhODE IsLAND HISTORICAL 
 
 Society. In the early colonial days the name 'Meadows' was 
 given to the tracts of land 'running as far back from the river 
 as the salt grass could grow.' 
 
 "The NAME 'Hampden' commemorates the visit of Edward Win- 
 slow AND John Hampden to this region in 1623. In March of that 
 
 YEAR, news reached PLYMOUTH THAT MaSSASSOIT WAS SICK AND LIKELY 
 
 TO DIE, Accordingly Edward Winslow (afterwards governor of 
 Plymouth Colony) was sent to visii the Indian sachem at his 
 village of Sowams, and to care for him in his sickness. With 
 him went 'one Master John Hampden, a gentleman of London, 
 who then wintered with us and desired much to see the country.' 
 It is confidently believed that future historical research will 
 prove unquestionably that this young man afterwards became the 
 great Parliamentary leader and statesman whose glory is the 
 common heritage of the English race." 
 
 Concerning the first visit to Massassoit, Governor Bradford writes 
 as follows : "Having in some sorte ordered their bussines at hom, it was 
 
 23 
 
thought me€t to send some abroad to see their new friend Massasoyet, 
 and to bestow upon ihim some gratuitie to bind him ye faster unto them ; 
 as also that hearby they might view ye countrie, and see in what manner 
 he lived, what strength he had aboute him, and how ye ways were to 
 his place, if at any time they should have occasion, So ye 2. of July they 
 sente Mr. Edward Winslow & Mr. Hopkins, with ye aforesaid Squanto 
 for ther guid, who gave him a suite of cloaths, and a horsemans coate, 
 with some other small things, which were kindly accepted ; but they found 
 but short commons, and came both wearie and hungrie home. For ye 
 Indians used then to have nothing so much corne as they have since ye 
 English have stored them with their hows, and scene their Industrie in 
 breaking up new grounds therewith. They found his place to be 40 
 miles from hence, ye soyle good, & ye people not many, being dead & 
 abundantly wasted in ye late great mortalitie which fell in all these parts 
 aboute three years before the coming of the English, wherein thousands 
 of them dyed, they not being able to burie one another; ther sculs and 
 bones were found in many places lying still above ground, where their 
 houses and dwellings had been ; a very sad spectachle to behold. But they 
 brought word that ye Narighansets lived but on ye other side of that great 
 bay, and were a strong people and many in number, living compact 
 togeather, and had not been touched at all with this wasting plague." 
 That Massassoit was a man of very benevolent spirit is seen in his 
 generosity to the Pilgrims as the result of his first visit to Plymouth in 
 162 1. He not only entered into a treaty of friendship with the whites, 
 which he observed religiously during his life, but he acknowledged the 
 king of Great Britain as the supreme owner and ruler of his territory. 
 His first royal gift — not sale, for the consideration was in the main pro- 
 tection — was the territory included in what are now the townships of 
 Plymouth, Duxbury, Carver, Kingston, Plympton, Marshfield, Wareham 
 and a part of Halifax. The first land title held by Plymouth Colony was 
 
 24 
 
from Massassoit. and was not obtained by conquest or invasion, but was 
 the result of the generosity of the Savage in answer to the Christian 
 spirit of the Pilgrims. 
 
 In view of this and other transfers of large sections of tribal lands, 
 the question may be raised, why was Massassoit so ready to dispose of 
 large portions of his territory to the whites when each sale circumscribed 
 the ownership and free movements of the tribe? The answer to this 
 question helps to solve the Sowams problem. One strong reason, 
 probably the chief motive, appears in the fact that Massassoit was not 
 living in friendly relations with the strong tribe of Massachusetts Indians 
 on the north, and the much stronger Narragansetts on the south and west. 
 
 The occupation of the Cape towns, Bridgwater, Taunton and Reho- 
 both on the north, and of Sowams and Swansea on the Bay by the whites 
 was a much needed protectorate to Massasssoit and his tribe. A terrible 
 scourge had reduced the Wampanoags from several thousands to a mere 
 handful of lighting men, and the sagacious sachem saw salvation for the 
 remnant of his tribe in alliance with the strong white man to whom he 
 had sent the greeting by Samoset, "Welcome, Englishman." And this 
 suggests a reason why Massassoit did not occupy Mount Hope as his 
 principal residence. There he was exposed to hostile attacks from the 
 Narragansetts, who occupied Aquidneck, the other islands of the bay, 
 and the main land on the west shore. Sowams, now Barrington and ' 
 Swansea, was the strategic position which he could defend or retreat 
 from, while Mount Hope offered no protection nor opportunity of escape 
 when the enemy had possessed himself of the north end of Mt. Hope 
 Neck, a space of less than a mile in breadth. 
 
 One of the most important acts of the four New England 
 Colonies was the adoption of Articles of Confederation in 1643, 
 by which they were called the United Colonies for the purpose 
 of mutual protection, especially from the incursions of hostile Indians. 
 
 25 
 
"This Confederacy," said John Quincy Adams, "was the model and 
 prototype of the North American Confederacy of 1774. • • . 
 In both cases it was the great law of nature and of nature's God, — the 
 law of self-preservation and self-defence." Commissioners were chosen 
 to act for those colonies. One of the first acts of the commissioners was 
 to adjust the difficulties and hostilities then existing between the Narra- 
 gansetts under Miantonomo, on the one hand, and the Pequots under 
 Uncas, and the Wampanoags under Massassoit on the other. 
 
 At a meeting of the commissioners held at Boston, September 7, 
 1643, it was agreed that Miantonomo be put to death for "malitious 
 plots" and "tumults" and "outbreakings" against Uncas, sagamore of 
 the Mohegans, and his people, and Woosamequin (Massassoit) and his 
 people, "whose peace and lawful liberties we may not suffer to be vio- 
 lated." It was also agreed that "Plymouth labor, by all due means, to 
 restore Woosamequin to his full liberties in respect to any encroach- 
 ments by the Nanohiggansetts or any other natives." 
 
 In 1645, the commissioners refer again to the importance of protect- 
 ing their friendly Indian allies, naming Massassoit first in the list, and 
 adding: "But a peace well framed will hardly be secured unlesse either 
 some of ye chiefe sachims deliver their Sonnes as Hostages or that some 
 considerable part of the Countrey be yeilded to the English for planta- 
 cions wherein there may be forts built by the English and mayntayned 
 (at least in pt) by a tribute from the Nanohiggansetts to secure the 
 agreement." 
 
 In the sale of Sowams and its settlement by the Plymouth founders, 
 Massassoit sought and found the best protection which his tribe so evi- 
 dently demanded. Surrounded by the cordon of whites, they enjoyed 
 peace and quiet within their narrow tribal area. 
 
 Another motive for granting concessions of land was the friendly 
 
 26 
 
spirit of the Plymouth Colony leaders and their recognition of the rights 
 of the Indians. The Plymouth and Sowams' trail became a great high- 
 way of travel, of barter, and the route of interchange of friendly offices. 
 The coming of Roger Williams in 1636 to form intimate relations of 
 friendship with Massassoit, probably spending a part of the winter of 
 1636, at Sowams, with the sachem, was another tie that bound the white 
 and red man together and secured for the white settlers lands and neigh- 
 borly protection from the Indians. A good knowledge of the Indian 
 language gave Mr. Williams a great advantage and a great opportunity 
 in cultivating the arts of peace and of cooperation with the natives. 
 
 It is quite possible, too, that Massassoit and his counselors came to 
 regard blankets, coats, firearms and English money as more useful than 
 lands, which seemed more than they needed in the reduced condition of 
 the tribe. Whatever the motives, Massassoit disposed of large portions 
 of his possessions between 1620 and his death in 1661, the deeds being 
 signed by one of his sons or counselors, besides his own signature. 
 
 Taunton was bought by John Brown and others in 1640 for a small 
 consideration. Rehoboth, a tract eight miles square, really ten, was 
 bought in 1641. Wannamoisett was bought in 1645, by John Brown, 
 for £15. Sowams was purchased in 1653 for £35. 
 
 In 1 66 1, Thomas Willett and others bought Rehoboth North Pur- 
 chases "For divers good causes and other valuable considerations." These 
 several tracts now constitute thirteen towns, which, added to the Cape 
 towns constitute twenty municipalities for which Massassoit received 
 so far as is known not exceeding £200 in money. After the death of 
 Massassoit, Alexander, Philip, and others of the tribe sold considerable 
 sections for new townships. 
 
 In 1673, Totomommuck sold the territory, now known as Warren, to 
 the town of Swansea. This tract was bounded on the south by the body 
 
 27 
 
of Consumpsit, or Mount Hope Neck ; on the west by the Sowams River 
 and its east branch, now known as Palmers River, and on the north by 
 the Old Swansea bounds. The eastern boundary of this purchase is not 
 clearly defined, but may have been the Kickemuit River. Further refer- 
 ence will be made to this deed in the chapter on Sowams. 
 
 In 1668, Philip and Unkompoin made a quit-claim deed of lands on 
 New Meadow Neck to Thomas Willett, James Brown and John Allen in 
 behalf of themselves and the rest for £11. This deed completes the trans- 
 fer of the reservation made by Massassoit in the Sowams deed, to which 
 reference is made, and fixes the date when the Indians removed from 
 New Meadow Neck. 
 
 In 1669, Philip sold to Hugh Cole and others five hundred acres 
 of land in Swansea, on the west side of Cole's River, a part of Touissett. 
 
 Governor Winslow, writing in 1676, said : "I think I can clearly say 
 that before these present troubles (Philip's War) broke out, the English 
 did not possess one foot of land in this colony, but what was fairly 
 obtained by honest purchase of the Indian proprietors. We first made a 
 law that none should purchase or receive of gift, any land from the 
 Indians, without the knowledge or allowance of our court, at a penalty 
 of five pounds per acre. It was also provided that Mt. Hope, Pocassett 
 and several other necks of the best lands in the colony should never 
 be bought out of their hands." 
 
 He writes still further: "Our neighbors at Rehoboth and Swansea, 
 although they bought their lands fairly of this Philip and his father and 
 brother, yet because of their vicinity, that they might not trespass upon 
 the Indians, did, at their own cost, set up a very substantial fence quite 
 across that great neck (Popanomscutt) between the English and the 
 Indians ; and paid due damage if at any time any unruly horse or other 
 beasts broke in and trespassed. The English agreed with Philip and 
 his for a certain sum, yearly, to maintain the said fence and secure 
 
 28 
 
themselves. And if at any time they have brought complaint before us 
 they have had Justice impartial and speedily, so that our own people 
 have frequently complained that we erred on the other hand in showing 
 them over much favor." 
 
 It is a remarkable fact, that, during the forty years of business rela- 
 tionship between the Pilgrims and Massassoit, there is no recorded 
 instance of serious differences between them. A deep and abiding con- 
 fidence was early established, wliich, in the midst of tumults and hostili- 
 ties without, was never disturbed. In 1621, the Narragansetts attacked 
 Massassoit and killed one of his tribe, on hearing which, Myles Standish, 
 at the head of ten armed men, marched to Namasket (Middleboro) to 
 rescue or revenge their friend, succeeding in their enterprise by two dis- 
 charges of their muskets. 
 
 In 1639, Massassoit renewed the treaty with the whites, reaffirming 
 his allegiance, and pledging his aid to the settlers at Plymouth, on all 
 occasions of need. 
 
 The only assault ever made upon Massassoit by white men occurred 
 in 1646, when Thomas Hitt and William Cheeseboro, a blacksmith, both 
 of Rehoboth, maliciously attacked him and others of his tribe. Cheese- 
 boro fled to a neighboring colony, but was sentenced on his return to 
 fourteen days' imprisonment and £6 fine for his offence, and Thomas Hitt 
 was sentenced to pay a fine of 20 shillings. 
 
 Massassoit died in the year 1661, aged about eighty-one years. His 
 burial-place is unknown, but was most likely in the Indian burial-place 
 in Sowams or at Kickemuit. Trumbull, in his "Indian Wars," says of 
 Massassoit: "He seems to have been a most estimable man. He was 
 just, humane and beneficent, true to his word, and, in every respect, an 
 honest man." 
 
 At the first celebration of Forefather's Day, December 22, 1769, 
 
 29 
 
under the auspices of the "Old Colony Club of Plymouth," the fifth regu- 
 lar toast was : 
 
 "To the memory of Massassoit, our first and best friend and ally of 
 the natives." 
 
 General Guy M. Fessenden says: "Massassoit, though a heathen, 
 proved himself true to the dictates which the light of nature suggested. 
 He possessed all the elements of a great mind and a noble heart. With 
 the advantages of civilized life and the light which a pure Christianity 
 would have supplied, he might have achieved a brilliant destiny and 
 occupied a high niche in the temple of Fame. In all the memorials which 
 have come down to us, Massassoit's character stands above reproach." 
 
 "We have found the Indians," wrote Governor Winslow, "very faith- 
 ful to their covenants of peace with us, very loving and willing to 
 pleasure us. We go with them in some cases fifty miles into the country, 
 and walk as safely and peaceably in the woods as in the highways of 
 England." 
 
 Our own studies of Massassoit's life and character confirm the esti- 
 mates of these eminent authorities and justify the belief that at no distant 
 day, wihen a clearer vision of the really great men and events of our 
 colonial history shall be enjoyed, that Massassoit, an Indian, a savage by 
 , birth and inheritance though he was, will stand out in colossal propor- 
 tions as the greatest of our aboriginal Americans and the Defender and 
 Saviour of the Plymouth Colony. Still more it is our ardent hope and 
 expectation that on some commanding height in Old Plymouth Colony, 
 possibly on the Hill of Treaty at Plymouth, over against Burial Hill, 
 made sacred by the ashes of Bradford, the Winslows and other Pilgrim 
 Fathers, a shaft shall rise to the perpetual memory of the wise, the just, 
 the peace-loving, the true, the trusty, the generous, the faithful, the 
 constant, the warm-hearted friend of the Pilgrims, Ousamequih, alias 
 Massassoit. 
 
 30 
 
CHAPTER II 
 
 THE RECORDS OF THE 
 SOWAMS PROPRIETARY 
 
^I^/VN answer unto the petition of Mr James Brown Mr John 
 ^m Allen John Viall and Mr John Saffin and divers others 
 ^B I Proprietors in Lands in this Collony : viz in the Towns 
 ^^^ W as they say of Rehoboth Swansey and New Bristol the 
 Right whearof they haveing received from Certaine 
 worthy Gentlemen Ancient Inhabitants of some of the first com- 
 mers into this Collony whow in Consideration of the Premises had the 
 preference first grannt and Choice given them by the Honeord generall 
 Court to make purchase of Certain Lands in those parts from the Indians 
 and devided it among themselves which accordingly was by them accom- 
 plished and by deed of Sale under the hands and seals of Owassimequin 
 and Wamsitta his Eldest sone bearing date the 29th of March Anno Dom 
 1653 may and doth at large apear; Now may it please the Honored 
 Court for the Right and Legall Settlement of those our Severall Estates 
 of Land the proprietors thereof haveing a book of Records and memorialls 
 thereof amongst themselves where in the Severall devitions and AUina- 
 tions are Recorded and to be recorded To the End that peace and good 
 Agreement may be Continued amongst them as they are a Community 
 and that every of them may Legally and peaceable in joy his own This 
 Court doth grannt unto them Liberty from time to time to make Choise 
 of some person as a Cleark to Enter and Record the severall devitions 
 and Allinations of these their Lands in one Course and form of Law 
 which may be transcmitted and Remain to posteritie that this Liberty 
 may not Infringe or hinder the bringing or Entring the said Lands to the 
 records of the above mentioned Townes as any of them are or may fall 
 within them respectively and provided that the said Records shall not 
 be any barr to infring the just Rights and Clames of other person or 
 persons that can or may Legally make apear such their Rights or titles 
 to any parcell or parcells of said Lands which may bee by such Clark 
 Recorded as afforesaid By order of the Court for the Jurisdiction of 
 New Plymouth, given by Nathaniell Morton Secretary 
 Date, June, 1683 
 
 33 
 
Qlfyj JtriBt ©rigtttaU Agrppnwnt of the proprietors 
 under their hands upon the Grant of the Court concerning 
 Each ones part in the lands at Sawomes and Mattapoyset 
 Dated ye 7th month 1652 
 
 The names of those whow by order of Court and agreement of pur- 
 chasers at Plymouth to make purchase and division of the Lands as are 
 at Sawomes and Mattapoysett the seaventh of March 1652 whow are to 
 have their severall Pts or moyeties Layed out at the places above 
 expressed and are to make and satisfie the purchase and all others charges 
 arriseing thereupon according to their several proportions 
 
 Their names are as folloeth 
 
 Mr. William Bradford 
 
 Air. Thomas Prince 
 
 Mr. Edward Winslow 
 
 Mr. John Adams 
 
 Mr. Cushman 
 
 Mr. John Winslow 
 
 Thomas Clarke 
 
 Experience Mitchell 
 
 Mr. Thomas Willett 
 
 Mr. White 
 
 Mr. Myles Standish's half pte 
 
 one moyety 
 one half pt 
 all his portion 
 his whole portion 
 his whole pte 
 all his pte 
 his half pte 
 his half part 
 his pte 
 his pte 
 
 Wee whose names are above expressed doe here by engage our 
 selves to make good whatever charges shall arise in the further prosecu- 
 tion of the premises above mentioned it being brought in upon account 
 witness our hands ye day & year above writen 
 
 William Bradford John Winslow 
 
 Thomas Prince Experience Mitchell 
 
 Thomas Willett Knelm Winslow 
 
 Edward Winslow Resolved White 
 
 Thomas Cushman Peregrine White 
 
 Thomas Clark Myles Standish, Sen. 
 
 by our father 
 
 34 
 
■ ^n Hnht''lh\ir'f{<x.nd% upon tni {^awriA /j{ Z^//)'- 
 
 :< Jnartfi liy^l. w/iciv cLrt ic noLAit. ihH'^Snnra/f%^'^fl>-/y.^i'*f't 
 
 (f/ - ^ <- 
 
 
 
 f^r 
 
 
 "tt(-i 'fii'l-litii-n •'^ ■ 
 
 FIRST ORIGINAL AGREEMENT IN SOWAMS RECORDS 
 
SIIjP ^0rott!i Agr^^mrttt of the Proprietors About the 
 devition of the lands at Sowomes March ii, 1653 
 
 It is agreed and Concluded by the Company of partners yt are 
 interested at Sawomes that there shall be twenty lots of Land layd fourth 
 Each lot containing eaighty Acres in as convenient a forme as may be: 
 and for the deviding of it we are Agreed yt every half share shall put in 
 a lot and the Whole shares shall put in two lots and whow ever shall be 
 the first drawn shall have the first choice as his lot comes south and so the 
 second and third and the rest successively and these lots to be drawn 
 soone as may be after it is so devided provided that every whole share 
 shall have twenty Acres alowed them either at the heads of their Lotts 
 or in such other place as shall be Thought meet And as touching the 
 meadowes it is agreed that all our meadowes shall be laid out into ten 
 Acres shares as the former having respect to Quantity and Quallity and 
 that the whole shares shall chuse thre lots on the New Meadow neck at 
 one end and shall have other thre lots apoynted by thre halfe shares on 
 the other side of Sowomes River Lying also at one end and togeather 
 in lew of that which was formerly allotted equally to halfe shares and 
 whole shares And the persons that are made choice of to make these 
 devitions above said are Capt Myles Standish Mr Brown Capt Willett 
 and Mr. John Winslow and Mr. Thomas Cleark or any three of these. 
 And we whose names are under written doe bind our selves to stand to 
 what they shall doe in the premises above-said: 
 
 William Bradford Josiah Winslow 
 
 Thomas Prince Resolved White 
 
 John Brown Thomas Clark 
 
 Thomas Willett Myles Standish 
 
 John Winslow 
 
 Knelm Winslow with the consent of John Adams and for his use 
 
 35 
 
(Hljf O^rmtb Bnh of ^atU of fCmtbH frnm ©aamp- 
 quui mth WmoBstia Ijta aun JiateJi 29: iHarrI| 1053 
 
 ®0 all P^oplf to whom these presents shall come, 
 Osamequin and Wamsetto his eldest sone Sendeth 
 greeting 
 
 To all People to whom these presents shall come, Osamequin and 
 Wamsetto his eldest sone Sendeth greeting 
 
 Know Yee that we the said Osamequin & Wamsetto for and in con- 
 sideration of thirty five pounds Sterling to us the said Osamequin and 
 Wamsetto in hand payd by Thomas Prince Gent: Thomas Willett Gent: 
 Miles Standish Gent: Josiah Winslow Gent: for and in the behalf e of 
 themselves and divers others of the Inhabitants of Plymouth Jurisdiction 
 whose names are hereafter specified with which said summe we the said 
 Osamequin and Wamsetto doo acknowledge ourselves fully satisfyed con- 
 tented and payed Have freely and absolutely bargained and sold enfeoffed 
 and confirmed and by thes presents doo Bargaine Sell Enfeoffe and Con- 
 firme from us the said Osamequin and Wamsetto, and our and Every 
 of our haiers unto Thomas Prince Thomas Willett Miles Standish, Josia 
 Winslow Agents for themselves and William Bradford Senr Gent: 
 Thomas Clark John Winslow Thomas Cushman, William White John 
 Adams and Experience Mitchell to them and every of them, their and 
 every of their haiers and asigns forever All those severall parcels and 
 necks of upland Swamps and Meadow's Lyeing and being on the South 
 syde of Sinkhunch Els Rehoboth Bounds and is Bounded from a Little 
 Brooke of water called by the Indians Mosskituash Westerly, and so 
 ranging by a dead swamp Estward and so by markt trees as Osamequin 
 and Wamsetto directed unto the great river with all the meadow in and 
 about ye sydes of both the branches of the great river, wth all the Creeks 
 and Brookes that are in or upon any of the said meadows as also all the 
 marsh meadows Lying and being wth out the Bounds before mentioned 
 in or about the neck called by the Indians Chachacust Also all the mead- 
 ows of any kind lyeing and being in or about Popasquash neck as also 
 all the meadows lyeing from Kickomuet on both sides or any way joyning 
 
 36 
 
■-.— . ., - II I 11 n «».< . 
 
 
 
 .-..., V/.'?' Jr//.. . 
 ' rfJu- 'i ■^ J rote Set ff J 
 
 ■''■■'> Ci^Jy.l 
 
 cr,'ra-s f[7:y .- , .^, ,-//?>vs ,-:. 
 
 I -,1.1 
 
 
 Jl,,^ 
 
 
 
 ^J/O.'^. 
 
 yf' 
 
 
 J J -, r> J:'. ■ /■ t J , , '. , ! 
 
 
 
 A./ 
 
 '7 f^ 
 
 
 .n 
 
 // 
 
 
 .</'.'0\*^, :.;. 
 
 .<i 
 
 - ■: ,".•• ,' -V :/ -/I / .^^i'rr/l 0A?_ far, .'^r-O-" 'jc> ^ 7 
 
 ■^/^/,- >- ^v..c^ !?^^;.,..7.< r^M-/ ... , .^ .?/.n- ; 
 
 or t1 
 
 PHOTOGRAPH OF GRAND DEED OF SALE FROM OUSAMEQUIN, 1653 
 IN SOWAMS RECORDS 
 
a^cn cn.^ ,/o^^v/..v.+ 'iQ^^^^/'-^ ^'^-V -^% •^'^'^■''^^ ^' * r ^ ^ 
 
 Cii/e. Ct'^oWJo ' c"^^^:. /'Uc'.uK: /.'f : fie J<.-t ici t/V '.-.Cyf / 
 
 
 n 
 
 
 "V' ' 
 
 
 PHOTOGRAPH OF GRAND DEED OP SALE FROM OUSAMEOUIN, 1653 
 IN SOWAMS RECORDS 
 
to it on the bay on each side To Have and to Hold all the aforesaid 
 uplands swampe marshes, Creeks and Rivers with all their appurtenances 
 unto the aforesaid Thomas Prince Thomas Willett Miles Standish Josia 
 Winslow and the rest of the Partners aforesaid to them and every of 
 them, their and every of their haiers executors and assignes forever And 
 the said Osamequin and Wamsetto his sone covenant promise and grant, 
 that whensoever the Indians shall remove from the neck that then and 
 from thenceforth the aforesaid Thomas Prince Thomas Willett Miles 
 Standish Josiah Winslow shall enter upon the same by the same agree- 
 ment as their Proper Right And interest to them and their heirs forever 
 
 To and for the true performance of all and every one of the afore- 
 said severall Perticulars wee the said Osamequin and Wamsetto Bind us 
 and every of us our and every of our heirs, Executors Administrators and 
 assignes firmely by these presents 
 
 In Witness whereof wee have hereunto sett our hands and scales 
 this twentieth day of March Anno Domini 1653 
 
 Signed sealed and 
 
 delivered in ye presence of us The mark 3 of 
 
 Osamequin & a scale 
 John Browne 
 
 James Browne Wamsetto M & scale 
 
 Richard Garrett 
 
 Alt Agrffm^nt made Betwene the Delegates of Reho- 
 both and the Proprietors about ye Meadow and the 
 Bounds of the said Lands of Sawonis Dated the 29th June 
 1653 
 
 Whereas the towne of Rehoboth the 28th June 1653 did depute and 
 Authorize Stephen Payne Richard Bowen Thomas Cooper and William 
 Sabine as their Deligates to treat and conclude with Capt Miles Standish 
 Captain Thomas Willett and Josias Winslow concerning such Lands And 
 all other matters as are in DeflFerence betwixt the Town of Rehoboth and 
 the aforesaid Capt Miles Standish and Capt Thomas Willett Josias Win- 
 
 37 
 
slow and the rest that are Interested in the said Lands it is concluded as 
 
 followeth : 
 
 1 That all such marsh or Meadow Lying on either side of the river 
 Running under the Bridge commonly called Bowen's Bridge at the Com- 
 mon fence and usually called the Hundred Acres which said meadow 
 were allotted in several allotments at the first settling of the Towne All 
 those meadows are to remain unto the severall inhabitants of the Towns as 
 their true Proprities. 
 
 2 That all such Lands as the towne of Rehoboth formerly passed 
 over unto Mr John Browne by an agreement of such articles as now 
 stand in the Towne Booke bearing the date of the 29th loth month 
 1645 and also recorded in the Court of Plymouth the Summe of the said 
 lands so many acres as the said lands shall arise unto when it is measured 
 shall be layd forth for the use of the said Capt Myles Standish Capt 
 Thomas Willett Josia Winslow and the rest on the North side of the Lyne 
 betwixt the Towne and the markt-trees neere to Mr Brownes fence from 
 the salt water to the river called Bowens Bridge River 
 
 3 For all such marshes as lye on the west side of the river running 
 down toward the Common ffence and Butting on the East End of some 
 house Lots now layd forth If ye said. Capt. Standish Capt Willett 
 Josia Winslow and the rest shall desire the same at any tyme hereafter 
 they shall have them allowing the true valuation thereof out of such 
 Meadows as lyes upon ye west shoare of Sawams River at the upper 
 End of the same as shall be valued by two Indifferent men 
 
 4, That the Townef of Rehoboth at any time within three years after 
 the date hereof shall Remove the Common ffence and in the meantime 
 Sufficiently repair the Same And when they doe Remove ye same they 
 shall Sett it upon their own Land in the Lyne betwixt the Towne and the 
 Parties aforsad from the salt water at High water marke of Patuckitt into 
 the River Running under Bowens Bridge & uphold itt. 
 
 5 The Town of Rehoboth shall make a sufficient ffence to keepe 
 horses and cattle from Rangeing into the neck of land called the new 
 Meadow Neck and maintaine the same 
 
 38 
 
6 That Timber on Ether side shall be Lawful! to be made use of from 
 time to time for the Meadows aforesaid for their fencing 
 
 7 That ffor such meadows as Lye to the north Syde of the great 
 Plaine it shall be LawfuU for the Towne to make vse of untill ye afore- 
 said Persons interested doe see cause to vse ye sd meadows, or if att any 
 time they shall sell them, the Towne to have ye first refusall of Buying 
 them 
 
 Stephen Payne Thomas Cooper 
 
 Richard Bowen William Sabin 
 
 Anotljrr AgrF^ttttttt Betwene the Proprietors of ye 
 Lands at Sawomes aforesaid and the Delligates of the 
 Town of Rehoboth Recorded in Court Dated 29th of Jan : 
 1662 
 
 Whereas The Town of Rehoboth ye 28 of June 1653 ^^^ depute and 
 Athorise Stephen Pain Richard Bowen Thomas Cooper and William 
 Sabine as there Delligates to treat and conclude with Capt Myles Standish 
 Capt Thomas Willett and Josia Winslow concerning such lands and all 
 other matters are in difference betwixt the Town of Rehoboth and 
 the aforesaid Capt Myles Standish Capt Thomas Willett Josias Winslow 
 And the Rest that are interested in the said Lands 
 
 January the 29th, 62 A new Contract or agreement was made 
 betwixt Capt. Thomas Willett and the rest of the purchasers and the 
 Towne of Rehoboth to prevent both preasant and future Trouble as also 
 for the preservation of their mutual peace to them and their successors. 
 At a full Towne meeting Lawfully warned it was voted and concluded 
 by the Towne that Capt. Thomas Willett and the rest of the purchasers 
 their heirs and successors should have seaven score Rod of Land and 
 the fence upon the Neck from their Line towards the Towne and soe 
 rangeing from the river Commonly Called Patuxet river across the Neck 
 to the river by Bowens Bridge and forty rod of Land on the New meadow 
 Neck and the fence from there Lyne towards the Towne Cross the neck 
 towards broad Cove 
 
 39 
 
Provided the Towne their heirs and successors should forever be 
 freed from all former ingagements or Covenants of either making or 
 upholding any fence or fences upon the forementioned Neck or Necks 
 To which proposition Capt. Willett and the rest of the purchasers assented 
 and Capt. Willett promised to delivr to the Town the wrightings in con- 
 venient time 
 
 Ensine Smith and Philip Walker, Joseph Peck and Nicholas Peck 
 were chosen by t!he Town and purchasers to Measure out the lands and 
 the charges to be equally Divided. 
 
 This forementioned vote was assented to by the Towne save only 
 Gilbert Brooks and John Woodcock who declared their dissent. 
 
 Alt Agr^PUtPttt under ye hands of ten of the Proprie- 
 tors in order to the settlement of the lands aforesaid. 
 
 Dated December 25TH 1660 
 
 Wee whose names are here under written the proprietors of those 
 Lands called and named by the name of Sawomes Lands doe unanimously 
 and Joyntly binde our selves and covenant to perform these peticulr 
 
 1 That none of us shall at anytime Let or sell any of the said Lands 
 to any stranger that is not allready a proprietor with us without the Joynt 
 Consent of us all subscribed under our hands vidt, neither upland nor 
 meadow 
 
 2 That Henry Smith of Rehoboth be the man to measure all Lands 
 yt is to be measured out and Appertaining unto any of us and that some 
 two or three of our selves are to be preasant with him to see it done 
 
 3 That Thomas Willett by way of exchange is to 'have thirty Acres 
 of upland measured out adjoyning unto the land of his formerly meas- 
 ured out by William Carpenter having the Towne fence on the North side 
 and the Land of John Brown on the South Side and Mr. Willett doth 
 leave the home lot formerly lay'd out for Elder Cushman in Consideration 
 
 40 
 
of the same, being of the quantity of thirty acres to lye common 
 Amongst us 
 
 John Brown Peter Hunt 
 
 Thomas Willett Henry Smith 
 
 Stephen Pain Phillip Walker 
 
 Joseph Peck Thomas Chafey 
 
 John Allen Samuel Newman 
 
 An Agrpem^ttt under ye hands of eaight of the Pro- 
 prietors. Dated April 2 : 1655 
 Wee whose names are hereunder written being the purchasers of 
 some tracts of land bounding upon the bounds of Rehoboth as is now 
 devided into some lots and other greater lots according to every mans 
 proportions save some part of the said land not being fit to be improved 
 for corn is Left as common amongst us part whereof ajoyneth unto ye 
 Lands of John Brown whow is one of the proprietors with ourselves and 
 upon a motion made by him unto us, viz ; That he would let his home lot 
 which he bought of Thomas Willett Lye as Common Amoungst us in 
 case we would consent that he should have ye same quantity in consider- 
 ation thereof out of that common Land that bordereth upon his Land 
 and we doe hereby declare our consent provided the said land be equally 
 measured by WilHam Carpenter and Robert Marten at the charge of John 
 Brown and that they Lay it out all Ajoyning unto his rangeing East and 
 west throug^hout alltogeather as it falls and not in Persells 
 
 Thomas Prince Josias Winslow 
 
 Thomas Willett Resolved White 
 
 Stephen Pain Samuell Newman 
 
 John Allen Joseph Peck 
 
 A« Agrf em^ttt under ten of the Proprietors Hands 
 Jan. 22; 1673 
 Wee whose names are here under written doe Agree and conclude 
 that all Moable grase ajoyning to any of our Medows Belongs to the said 
 
 41 
 
Meadow and onely for the use of ye proprietors of the said Meadows and 
 that noe other person shall intrench upon the said previledge witness our 
 hands this twenty second day of January one thousand six hundred seav- 
 enty three 
 
 Thomas Willett James Brown 
 
 Stephen Pain John Allen 
 
 Peter Hunt John Brown 
 
 Nathaniel Peck Israel Peck 
 
 Nathaniel Chafey Joseph Chafey 
 
 SWANSEY DeSEMBER 28: 1676 
 
 % (§mmXB nxih JProprntcrSof the Lands 
 Purchased of Osamequin and Wamsitto his sonne, Com- 
 monly called and Known by the name of Sowomes whoes 
 names are here inserted Either in behalfe of ourselves or 
 for them Concerned doe for the better settlement of the 
 lands at Popanomscut and places adjacent agree and con- 
 clude as followeth 
 
 Emprimis That a Record shall be kept by the proprietors wherein 
 all the names of the first purchasers shall be entred and what part and 
 proportions of the said Lands they had and did injoy And to whom it 
 was Alianated divested or devised to the end every one may Enjoy his 
 owne 
 
 2 That for the Lands at Popanomscut and parts adjacent left & de- 
 serted by the Indians now in disspute between the proprietors and the pub- 
 liqe wheather ouers or conquered Lands the proprietors doe (forthwith all 
 as one man) take Effectual Course for the defence and clearing our Inter- 
 est in the Lands aforesaid in order where unto it is mutually Agreed and 
 fully concluded by us the proprietors in manner following vizt ; 
 
 3 That some meet person or persons be forthwith Chosen to prose- 
 cute the busnes for the defence of our Interest as Afforesaid 
 
 42 
 
4 That Posestion of the rest of the lands be with all convenient 
 speed more perticularly by a devition by the best way and meanes as the 
 Major part of we the proprietors according to our proportions shall 
 think most Convenient in Case we should not Every perticular person 
 assent thereunto so that the Major vote shall carry it in all things Except 
 the graunt or giveing away of any the said Lands unles it be for defra- 
 ing the chargeges thereof and Clearing the title &c 
 
 5 That in layeing out of the said Lands according as we shall con- 
 clude for more or less Devitions Each person shall draw lots for his share 
 or part v/here he or they shall lye or In joy it and in Case any one shall 
 have his lot fall upon the Medow Land of any person that is allready layd 
 out which may by the major part of the Proprietors be Judged prejuditiall 
 unto the owner of the said meadow so as it is needfull to be Exchanged 
 then it is mutually agreed and Concluded that that person or persons 
 whose lot or lots falls to be by or upon the said meadow belonging to 
 another person or persons as aforesaid shall exchange with the owner 
 or proprietors of the said meadow and in Case the said Lot bordering 
 upon the said Meadows be better than the owner of the medows lot then 
 such person or owner shall give unto him or them that doth soe Exchange 
 lote for Conveniency Reasanable satisfaction for the difference in value 
 according as the Major part of the proprietors shall Judge in case the 
 partys cannot agree 
 
 6 That in the distinguishing between Meadow and what shall be 
 accounted upland one Rule shall be observed amoungst all the Proprietors 
 according as the Major part shall agree and determine for the avoyding 
 Controversy as afforesaid 
 
 7 That hig^hways be layd Convenient in such places as the Major 
 part shall agree and determine for best Convenience both for the general 
 and peticular 
 
 8 That all the Land be devided with all Convenient speed according 
 to the best way as shall be by the proprietors thought most meet and that 
 the Charges thereof be paid out of the land as they deem Convenient 
 
 These several Articles and Concession were Concluded written on 
 
 43 
 
both sides concerning the Lands therein specified to which they have sub- 
 scribed this 28 of Desember 1676 At a full and Lawful meeting 
 
 James Brown Stephen Pain 
 
 John Saffin John Allen 
 
 John Brown Peter Hunt 
 
 Nath: Pain Stephen Pain Jur 
 
 Thomas Chafey Israeli Peck 
 
 December 30, 1676 
 
 At a Hamrb MHxXIQ of the proprietors of the Lands above said 
 it is by us this day mutually agreed and Concluded on that Mr Stephen 
 Pain Senior or his sonn Nathaniel Pain be one of them that can best attend 
 the buisnes of the proprietors about the said Land according to Agree- 
 ment and that Mr John Allen and Capt John Brown and John Saffin be 
 chosen and hereby are chosen togeather with one of the first nominated 
 as a Committe for the laying out of the sd Lands with all convenient speed 
 and to effect what is needfull to be done for the settlement of said Land 
 according to direction by our mutuall agreements and concessions as 
 folloeth 
 
 Imprimis That the Committe hereby have power to run and mark 
 out the line that devides the long lot that was of Mr. John Winslows 
 originally and the Lot that Mr Anthony Low now lives upon from the 
 Land above said which is now to be devided 
 
 That the Committe aforesaid shall and may Lay out the home Lots 
 fronting upon the river now Called Swansey River Exstending them both 
 for their lenthes and breadthes according to there best skill and abillity 
 for the benifitt Intrest and Conveniency of the whole 
 
 That the Committe aforesaid shall and have also hereby power to Lay 
 out Convenient highwayes both publique and privet as they shall In there 
 judgments think needfull 
 
 That the said Committe shall and have hereby power to mark all the 
 bounds of those Meadows as belong to severall perticular persons Longe 
 since granted that lye within or about the lands aforesaid and that the 
 
 44 
 
said Committe shall Attend one and the same rule and order for the dis- 
 tinguishing what is meadow and what upland about said Lands and finally 
 to act and doe all things needfull thereabout and what they the Committy 
 or the Major part of them shall conclude to doe in and about the prem- 
 ises for the settlement of the same as aforesaid shall be and hereby is 
 Authentickly Confirmed by ye Proprietors 
 
 That the said Committy have power and hereby shall have liberty 
 to take a vew of all other the lands to be devided and consider ye best 
 way and manner to make devition thereof in all respects most benificiall 
 for the good of the whole and to bring in there opinions and Report, to 
 the Company of Proprietors that accordingly they may Conclude and 
 fully determine the same and what the Major part of the proprietors 
 (which shall in all things concerning the premises be accounted accord- 
 ing to the number of shares and proportions which each one does in joy 
 as aforesaid) shall agree to and conclude shall be valid and Authentick 
 according to all true interests and purposes whatsoever In witness 
 whereof we the proprietors have again hereunto set our hands the day 
 and year above written 
 
 And further it is hereby mutually agreed and concluded by the pro- 
 prietors aforesaid that the book of Records for the bounds of Lands per- 
 taining to them in the hands of William Carpenter or Elsewhere be 
 perused and that all the lands pertaining to us the proprietors be duly 
 entred and bounded togeather with all our agreements and Concessions 
 in and about the premises be also recorded to the end that peace and 
 unity and a good understanding may be continued amongst us 
 
 James Brown Stephen Pain 
 
 John Saffin John Allen 
 
 John Brown Peter Hunt 
 
 Natha : Pain Stephen Pain Jur 
 
 Thomas Chafey Israeli Peck 
 
 45 
 
Aprill II Anno 1679 
 
 At a ICamfuU Martt^i iS^ttttg of the proprietors of the Land of 
 Popanomscut it is mutually Concluded and agreed on that the home Lots 
 butting upon the river being Layed out by the Committe and a high way 
 down the neck at the head thereof the great lots shall be Layd out with 
 all convenient speed by the said Committe Runing and Extending from 
 the longe beach that buts upon the bay or great river as a direct Lyne 
 runs to the said highway at the head of the home lots and from thence 
 upon a direct lyne parralell as the said great high way runs through the 
 dead Swamp heading or butting upon the Longe line on the northerly 
 side of the said Swamp each lot to be according to each mans propor- 
 tion according as the home lots are Layd 
 
 ' 2 In order whereunto it is also mutually agreed and Concluded by 
 the said proprietors that each man shall throw up his peticular interest 
 or devition of the said dead Swamp allready Layd out and take his or 
 there part or proportion in the said great lots as there Lot shall fall be it 
 in one place or another as the said lot shall Run as aforesaid 
 
 3 That the lower part of the neck at the front of the said great lots 
 that shall but upon the said lyne from the long beach togeather with the 
 Litle neck of Land lying upon the river near Mr Aliens M'eadow shall at 
 preasant remain in Commen amoungst the proprietors undevided until 
 further Consideration how to disspose of it and further it is mutually 
 Agreed on by the proprietors that the said Committe shall cause the said 
 lots to be drawn by an Indifferent person begining the first lot next the 
 highway and finally to act and doe all other things touching the premises 
 between man and man according to the tenour of our Concessions accord- 
 ing to there best skill and ability witness our hands it is to be understood 
 that the said Committe shall have power to determine how and in what 
 manner Mr Aliens home lot shall be extended wheather on the Litle neck 
 or otherwise 
 
 James Brown Stephen Pain John Allen 
 
 John Saffin John Brown Peter Hunt 
 
 Jonathan Bosworth Joseph Chafey Israeli Peck 
 
 46 
 
At % (^tttStuii Mttia^ of the proprietors on ye ii of April 1679 
 It is mutually concluded to draw lots for the devition of the great lots at 
 Popanomscut which accordingly was forthwith done beginning as afore- 
 said at the highway at the head of the home lots to be the first in number 
 which is Leut Peter Hunt's 
 
 2 Thomas Chafey 6 Stephen Pain 
 
 3 John Allen ... 7 John Saffin & Est. 
 
 4 Natha : Peck ( James Brown & 
 
 5 Samll Newman ( John Brown. 
 
 August 28th 
 
 (El? QlommUt? in the behalfe of the Proprietors met about the Lay- 
 ing out of the home Lots at Poppanomscut and cast lotts for the said 
 Lands drawn by William Carpenter of Rehoboth whow was with Capt 
 John Brown Surveighor at which time it was agreed that Mr John Allen 
 should have his house lots at the head of his Marsh beyand the south line 
 of the house Lots whence the lots began and were numberd as folloeth 
 Leu Peter Hunt i Mr Samuel Newman and partners 5 
 
 Mr Stephen Pain 2 Mr James Brown and John Brown 6 
 
 Mr John Saffin 3 Capt Willets heirs 7 
 
 Thomas Chafey 4 Israeli Peck & partners 8 
 
 April 18: 1679 
 
 Whereas it was agreed and mutually Concluded on by the proprietors 
 of the Lands of Popanomscut that the Committe should determine and 
 Conclude how and in what manner Mr John Aliens home Lot shall lye we 
 having considered the premises doe Conclude that the said Lott shall Lye 
 and remain to him and his heires and Assignes for Ever in the same 
 forme as it is allready layd out next unto his Meadow on the river side 
 Witness our hands 
 
 John Saffin "j 
 
 John Brown V the Committe 
 
 John Allen j i. 
 
 47 
 
SWANSEY I5TH DAY OF MaRCH 1679 
 
 1 At A llart»Ji Atm^ of the proprietors of the Lands at Popa- 
 nomscut or Phebes Neck it is mutually agreed that Stephen Pain and 
 Nathaniell Pain shall and will agree to and acquiese in the severall Agree- 
 ments there predecesors have togeather with the other proprietors Con- 
 cluded and subscribed unto touching or any way Relating to the lands 
 aforesaid which they did hereby Assent unto as by there Subscription 
 hereunto may apear 
 
 2 That the Generall fence of the said Neck near Mr Anthony Lowes 
 Land shall be repared and kept up by the proprietors according to there 
 severall proportions and intrests and in order thereunto That the Com- 
 mitte now in being take Care that it be forthwith done with all Convenient 
 speed 
 
 3 That the Longe lots or great lots allready drawn shall be forthwith 
 Layd out to Each man according to his lot and proportion and also that 
 the said Committe take a vew of the lower part of the said Neck and 
 Consider the best way and manner how the said land shall be Layd out 
 and the severall highways to be layd out for the good of the whole and 
 according give there Report to the Company that all the said Land yet 
 undevided may be forthwith devided to Each one according to his pro- 
 portion 
 
 4 That the former agreement by the Proprietors Concerning the 
 Allination of any part of the said Lands be still attended viz that noe one 
 that is a Proprietor shall or will sell or lett to any anypart of there 
 Respective intrest or share of the said Lands to any person or persons 
 that is not now a proprietor but shall first proffer the Sale or farming 
 thereof to the Committe or the Major part of the proprietors whow may 
 any one or more of them have the just Refusall or Reasonable Acceptation 
 of said Land Exsposed to sale before any others whow have noe intrest in 
 said Neck or Necks of Land they giveing as much for it as bone fide 
 another will give 
 
 That the said Neck be kept inclosed and not Exsposed to be fed from 
 
 48 
 
the first of May to the nine and twenty day of September or Michaellmas 
 day and that the Proprietors may each one have the bennefit of the feed 
 according to there Respective Shares 
 
 5 That Mr John Allen and John Saffin are hereby impowred with 
 Capt John Brown the Committe aforesaid to make sale of a pece of Land 
 which Lyeth between the home Lots and Mr Anthony Lowes land to 
 him the said Low or any other person he Refusing the same on such 
 termes as they shall think reasonable in the behalfe of the Proprietors to 
 defray Common Charges 
 
 To all which Severall agreements on this and the other side being 
 five or six articles we the Proprietors have hereunto sett our hands the 
 day and year above written 
 
 James Brown John Allen 
 
 John Saffin John Brown 
 
 John Peck Jonatha: Bosworth 
 
 Thomas Chafey Sam:ll Newman 
 
 Stephen Pain Natha :1 Pain 
 
 Samuell Walker 
 
 At a Legall AIeeting of the Proprietors Jan: 14; 1680 
 
 3t Mas mutually Concluded that a highway be Layd out through 
 the midst of Chachapacasett Neck of two rod wide or as near ye midst as 
 the Surveyor shall think fit as a Common highway for the generall use 
 of the Proprietors and that there be left one rod between the bounds of 
 the Meadow and the upland or Lots for a conveniensy of Carting hay 
 onely or the Like not prejadusing any lot of upland further 
 
 And That the lots begin on ye west side of the highway of two rods 
 wide which Exstends from the north part to the south and soe around to 
 Scamscammuck Spring 
 
 And that Mr Allen have his allotment in the Litle Neck on the South 
 Side of his house Lot Exsept so much as Apertaines to disscenter viz 
 
 49 
 
Mr Nathaniell Pain Stephen Pain and Liut Hunts part in said Neck 
 which is to be Layd out to them in the order and number as the other 
 
 Samull Newman and partners i 
 Nathaniell Pain and partners 2 
 John Allen 3 
 
 Nathaniell Peck & Israel Peck 4 
 
 James Brown John Allen 
 
 Samull Newman Israel Peck 
 
 Stephen Pain Nathall Pain 
 
 These lots were drawn by Joseph Chafey Jan. 14, 1680 
 
 James Brown 
 
 5 
 
 Leut Hunt 
 
 6 
 
 John Saffin 
 
 7 
 
 John Brown 
 
 8 
 
 John Brown 
 
 
 Jonathan Bosworth 
 
 
 Abraham Peren 
 
 
 At a SlaUlfuU MttXtX^ of the Proprietors of Poponomscut or 
 Phebes Neck September 29, 1681 It is mutually agreed by the Proprietors 
 above said that all our severall devitions and peticular proportions of Lands 
 of said Neck shall be recorded and that Capt John Brown is mutually 
 Chosen to be Recorder of the said Lands and Highways concluded and 
 apoynted to be in the said Neck and all other things NeedfuU to be 
 Recorded in and concerning the lands aforesaid and to be allowed soe 
 much money as is usually given by the Inhabitants of the Town for there 
 Lands in other places 
 
 James Brown John Allen 
 
 John Saffin Samuell Peck 
 
 Samu:ll Newman Abraham Perin 
 
 Stephen Pain Nathaniell Pain 
 
 Atti 3^artlypr at lawfull warned and full meting of the Proprietors 
 of the Lands aforesaid at Rehoboth on the twenty third of October one 
 thousand six hundred Eaighty two Capt John Brown was againe Chosen 
 Cleark for the Company of Proprietors and Accordingly was then Sworne 
 Cleark before Mr Daniell Smith Assistent 
 
 50 
 
Att Arrnuttt of % ijfiglimay^a 
 
 IPrtaa we the Subscribers being a standing Committe mutually 
 Chosen and confirmed by the Proprietors of the lands of Popanomscut or 
 Phebes Neck to lay out run and mark out the Longe Lyne which is the 
 northerly bounds of the said Neck on the back side of the dead Swamp, 
 and also for the stakeing and marking out of the bounds and Limmits 
 of all the meadowes bordering upon the Lands aforesaid and also for the 
 Staking Laying out and Conferming of highways convenient both gen- 
 eral and peticular according to our Judgements We upon Mature Con- 
 sideration have accordingly with great care and industry Run the Longe 
 Lyne aforesaid upon the right poynt which is East and by South two 
 degrees Southerly or west and by north two degrees northerly by a fly 
 Compas as the trees are well marked 
 
 2 That the bounds and Limmits of the said meadows are and shall 
 be from the spring called Skamskamuck as they are respectively marked 
 out and playnly stated and bounded by or upon the upland aforesaid 
 Round about the neck untill you come to the uttermost Exstent of the 
 Meadows at Nayeot which are accordingly Confermed 
 
 3 That the Great Highway at the head of the home Lots and on 
 which the front or butt runs down from the aforesaid Longe Lyne or 
 northerly bounds of the neck or Lands aforesaid Runs down the said 
 Neck nearest upon a north and south Lyne soe far as the home lots 
 exstend southerly being from the head of the said lots four rods broad 
 westerly and from the said southerly Side of the said home lotts there is 
 another highway runs to the west side of hides 'hole on a West poynt four 
 rods wide and from thence south downe towards the Beach eaigbteen 
 Chaines the same breadth aforesaid and from thence to the Peckes 
 Meadow at the Longe beach and from thence by the Meadow side two 
 rods broad from the bounds of the Meadows untill it Comes to the Lands 
 of Capt John Brown Even to the westerly bounds of Samuell Newmans 
 Meadow 
 
 4 And also from and out of the Southerly highway downe the Litle 
 Neck called Chachapacasett another highway of two rods Broad as it is 
 marked out Extending down to the meadows as it is already marked out 
 
 51 
 
5 And also out of the four Rod highway by Hunts Lvne to Pecks 
 Meadow runing towards the East Another Leading way of one rod broad 
 from the bounds of the Meadows all aLonge as they Lye untill you Come 
 to the bottom of ye Neck to the highway aforesaid which ways are to be 
 enclosed with gates or bars as accation may be when the said neck or any 
 part thereof shall at any time be fenced and it is allwayes to be under- 
 stood yt there is to be a highway at the bottom of the Neck of two rods 
 wide by the meadow side Left as aforesaid 
 
 6 And also Another highway out of the grand way at the Head of 
 the home lots aforesaid towards the East by the fence side of the home 
 Lot of Mr John Safifin as it now runs to the river side Exstending from 
 the said fence towards Mr Lowes Land bought of the Pecks, two rods 
 which is taken out of the said Saffins said home lot in Lew of the highway 
 that was desined some time to goe through some part of that Lot but now 
 thought more convenient as it is now stated 
 
 7 And also Another highway running out of the grand highway at 
 the head of the home Lots towards the East to the river between the home 
 Lott of Thomas Chafey and John Saffins Lot which is two rods Broad 
 and was formerly Intended to be and lye between the said Chafey and 
 Samuell Newmans home lot to the River aforesaid 
 
 8 And Allso in the Last place we the said Committe doe Advise and 
 deem most convenient that the highway of two Rod broad formerly 
 desined and Left to Run downe to the River between the Pecks home 
 Lot and the Land we sould and have Layed out to Mr Anthony Low be 
 by him now Layd out on the lower or Southerly Side of his lot bought of 
 the Pecks aforesaid, the which if he refuse then the said high way is to 
 lye open as a Common Highway as aforesaid and to Come by the River 
 Side by the said way Left by the said Saffin 
 
 9 And farther we declare that at the Runing of the Long Lyne on 
 the Northerly side of the dead Swamp aforesaid which is the head of the 
 great lots Layd out through said Swamp we the said Committe did allso 
 Run and Mark out the Easterly side of Capt Myles Standish deaseased 
 his lot which Runs upon a south Lyne by the Compas aforesaid downe 
 from the Longe Lyne aforesaid as it is staked out and marked all which 
 
 52 
 
bounds of Meadows highvvayes sett out and staked as abovesaid with all 
 and Singular the Respective Lynes Run and marked as abovesaid in and 
 about the premises we doe hereby Conclude determine Rattafie and Con- 
 ferme so to be and for Ever Remaine Witness our hands this second 
 day of Januarye 1681 
 
 John Allen "^ 
 
 John Saffin V the Committe 
 
 John Brown J 
 
 And ffarther we the Committe above said doe Conclude determine 
 
 and hereby declare that there is and for ever shall be a Leading Cart way 
 
 of one rod broad from the great highway by ]\lr, Anthony Lowes home 
 
 field all along a Crose the heads of the Long lotts on the northerly side 
 
 of the dead Swamp Close by the Long line as it Runeth untill it comes 
 
 to Capt Standishs lott Dated in Swansey the Second day of January 
 
 Anno 1681 
 
 John Saffin 
 
 John Brown )- the Committe. 
 
 John Allen 
 
 A« Agr^^m^ttt as to the Division of Certain Uplands 
 Swamps and Meadows 
 
 Rehoboth the i8th of November 1681 
 
 lOUl have hereunto subscribed being a community and true 
 proprietors of certain uplands Swamps and Meadows of Sundery Sorts 
 Lying and being in the Colony of New Plymouth, The right whearofif 
 we derived from divers Gentlemen whow by order from the Honored 
 Generall Court of New Plymouth did purchase it of the Great Sachem 
 Osamequin and Wamsetto his son as by deed under their hands and 
 Scales bearing date March the 29th 1653 may Apear And having a reall 
 sence of and laying to hart the great mischifes and inconveniences that 
 may Arise and accrew unto ourselves and posteritye for want of the true 
 stating and exact bounding of each ones devition and peticular propriety 
 and intrest in and to the said uplands Swamps and Meadowes doe upon 
 
 53 
 
mature Judgement and Consideration in the discharge of our duty to God 
 and for the prevention of Evill and discord that may arise And for the 
 promoting and Continuance of Love unitye and peace amongst ourselves 
 and those that doe succeed us mutually Agree and unanimously conclude 
 first that a Committee be forthwith Chosen to take notice of the Clames 
 and bounds of Each ones perticuler Lands Swamps and Meadows and 
 take an exact accont thereof and present to us or the Major part of the 
 proprietors dewly warned for Confermation thereof upon Record the 
 persons by us Chosen as a Committe in order to the previous one as fol- 
 loeth: Capt John Brown Mr John Allen Senior And in Case Mr John 
 Allen cannot attend to it then Jonathan Bosworth Senior and Mr Noah 
 Floyd 
 
 James Brown John Allen 
 
 John Saffin Noah Floyd 
 
 John Viall Jonathan Bosworth 
 
 Samull Newman Israeli Peck 
 
 Stej^hen Pain Nathll Pain 
 
 Joseph Peck John Brown 
 
 A ^ttarh or Amonall of the Severall devitions 
 and bounds of all the Meadows and marshes Salt or Fresh 
 of any kind or sort what so Ever with all there Appur- 
 tenances given and granted, by Osamequin and Wamsitto 
 his Eldest sone unto Certaine Gentlemen in or about the 
 Towne of Plymouth mentioned in and according to the 
 Tenor of the Grand deed of Sale sined and sealed by the 
 said Osamequin and Wamsitto Sachims Bearing date the 
 Twenty ninth day of March Anno 1653 longe since Layed 
 out and devided by and betwene the said persons whose 
 names are mentioned in the deed aforesaid according to 
 there Respective sihares and devitions searched out Exam- 
 ined marked and Renued by us the subscribers as a Com- 
 mitte Chosen and apoynted by the Community of Proprie- 
 
 54 
 
tors of the Meadows aforesaid as by an instrument bear- 
 ing date the i8th November 1681 may appeare is as fol- 
 loeth 
 
 Imprimis Bounds of the severall Devitions of the Meadows fresh 
 or salt of any kind w<hatsoever as aforesaid that are Situate lyeing and 
 being upon the East and Westerly sides of Kecamuet River and soe Round 
 about Mount hope neck butting and bounding upon the said River & 
 Saltwater Bay untill you Come to Poppasquash and parts Adjacent take- 
 ing in all the Marshes and Medowes as aforesaid by or upon the saltwater 
 Bay unto Poppanumscut and so Round butting upon the River to the head 
 of Belchers Creek in perticular is as folloeth 
 
 1 The first lott originally Capt Myles Standish sold to Mr. John 
 Brown Senior and Capt Thomas Willett beginneth at the head of Keca- 
 muet River and Lyeth Round on both sides thereof Easterly and West- 
 erlye till one comes to the passage where they have usually gone over 
 with canooes over against Job Winslowes now dwelling house and from 
 thence bounding upon the Easterly side of said River towards ye west 
 to the side of a certain Creek below the now dwelling house of Hugh 
 Cole which Creek Runs towards the upland north East and bounding 
 towards the East so far as the moable Land Exstendeth takeing in all 
 the Island or hummocks of and small strips or poynts of upland in or 
 about the said Meadowes as is allowed according to the tenor of the 
 Grand Deed 
 
 2 The Second lott of Meadow as aforesaid begineth from the said 
 Creek South Easterly Runing down and butting upon the said River 
 towards the west and bounding upon the upland so far up as the moable 
 Land Lyeth and Exstending to and butting upon the next Creek Called 
 Clark Creek runing towards the upland or Swamp north and by East 
 Easterly to a small black oak marked which Lot of Medow was originally 
 Exsperience Mitchells Lott sold and allianated to Capt Thomas Willett 
 and by him sold to Mr John Brown Senior all which is according to the 
 tenor of the Grand deed 
 
 3 The Third Lot of Meadow origeonally John Adams and by him 
 sold to John Allen and Joseph Peck desesed begineth at the Creek where 
 
 55 
 
the Second lot Endeth butting and bounding upon Kecamuet River 
 towards the West and upon the upland towards the East all along so far 
 up as the Moable Land Exstendeth untill it comes to the head of a Creek 
 or Cove which Lyeth north and by East Easterly to Rocke Run accord- 
 ing to the tenor of the Grand deed 
 
 4 The ffourth Lott of Meadow originally Resolved Whites sold to 
 Mr Stephen Pain Begineth at the Creek or Cove wheare the third lot 
 Endeth and takes in all the IMeadow of any Kinde butting upon the said 
 River towards the West and upon the upland towards the East so far up 
 as the Moable Land Lyes and downwards towards the south to Way- 
 poyset and lyeth and is Layed out for Seaven Acres by Estemation the 
 other thre acres belonging to this lott to make it ten begineth on the 
 westerly side of said Kecamuett River at the first pece or percell of 
 Meadow below the said passage with Canooes that is over against Job 
 Winslowes now dwelling house and runs downe butting upon the said 
 River toward the East and upon the upland of Mount Hope Neck so far 
 up as the Moable Land Lyeth to a broaken red oak tree towards the 
 South Ranging with three stakes or stones in the IMeadow upon an East 
 and by north poynt to the River aforesaid according to the tenor of the 
 Grand deed 
 
 5 The fifth Lott of ]\Ieado being a Common lot and fell to Capt 
 Thomas Willett by Agreement begineth towards the north at the broaken 
 stake marked with four on the one side and five on the other side and is 
 bounded towards the East upon Kecamuet River aforesaid towards the 
 West upon Mount hope Neck upon the upland so far up as the Moable 
 Land Lyeth Exstending towards the south down to a Certain (marked) 
 Stake marked five on one side and six on the other Ranging to the midle 
 of a small Creek or cove branching out of the said River upon an East 
 and by South line halfe a poynt Southerly according to the Tenor of the 
 Grand Deed 
 
 6 The Sixth Lot of Meadow being also a common lott and was by 
 Agreement graunted to Mr Stephen Pain Senior and to the Browns begins 
 towards the north where the fifth lott Endeth butting and bounding upon 
 the river Kecamuet towards the East upon the upland of Mount Hope 
 
 56 
 
towards the West so far as the Moable land Lyeth and so runs down 
 towards the south to the narrow Passage Called Waypoyset and from 
 thence runs down Round about Mount hope hill takeing in all the mead- 
 ows of any kind butting upon the salt water bay or River and bounding 
 upon the upland of Mount Hope so far up as the Moable Land lyeth 
 untill one comes to the Rocks by the ferry going over from Mount Hope 
 to Road Island which now belongs to the Paines and from thence this lott 
 takes in all the pieces or parcels of Meadow lying Round the Neck untill 
 one Comes to a Certain Stake and heap of stones at the poynt of Meadow 
 which beares upon the Southerly poynt of Pappasquash West halfe a 
 poynt Southerly all which from the Rockes at the ferry aforesaid belonges 
 still to the Browns and Paines aforesaid And from thence this same lott 
 from the said stake and heap of stones takeing in all the Meadow butting 
 upon the Bay towards the west and all the meadow round the poynt with 
 the small Island of upland lying about the Rockey Cove westerly with ye 
 flatts and bounding upon the upland of Mount Hope so far up as the 
 Moable land Lyeth towards the East and so Round on both sides ye small 
 Creek and fresh Run, and so takes in all towards the north to a Certain 
 Stake with a heap of stones at the Exstraame or utmost poynt of said 
 peice of Meadow which now belongs to Mr James Brown and Capt John 
 Brown by Agreement And the last peice or persells of meadow of any 
 kind belonging to this lot Lyeth by a creek or pond over about the midle 
 of Popasquash neck and parts Adjacent takeing all the medow and moable 
 Land towards the upland and Swamp there about which is yet to be 
 devided between the Browns and Paines aforesaid according to the Ten- 
 our of the Grand Deed 
 
 7 The Seaventh lot of Meadow origionally Allianated to Mr Stephen 
 Pain Senior and by him sould to Henery Smith and Phillip Walker begin- 
 eth at a Stake and heap of stones at the Southerly Side of a peice of 
 Meadow butting from thence upon the Bay west to a rock in the Bay 
 near the shoare and from thence Runs up round the Cove on both sides 
 the Creek Called Walkers Creek butting and bounding upon the upland 
 of Mount hope so far up Round about towards the south East north and 
 West as the moable land and Meadow of any kind lyeth untill it comes 
 
 57 
 
to a heap of stones at the poynt towards the north parting between this 
 lot and Capt Thomas Willetts next Lot of Meadow according to the tenor 
 of the Grand Deed 
 
 8 The Eaighth Lott of Meadow origionally Capt Thomas Willetts 
 begineth at the stake and heap of stones whear the seaventh lott endeth 
 on the poynt by Walker Creek aforesaid towards the south and from the 
 said Stake Runeth upon a west Lyne to the mouth of said Creek and 
 from thence exstendeth towards the north to the Indian fourt beyond the 
 Swamp by the Hill side near the Spring taking in all the Meadow and 
 Moable Springy land upon the upland of Mount hope towards the East 
 and is butted and bounded upon the bay towards the west takeing in all 
 the Meadow and Moable Lands Island or humocks of upland on both sides 
 the Creek or pond Runing up towards the Indian fort aforesaid and 
 from thence runs round about the cove of Meadow above the Elme tree 
 and willow Bushes so far up as the Moable land Lyeth towards the north 
 untill it comes to the head of the bay round about the small pond to the 
 utmost poynt of Meadow or Marsh bounded by a white oak blown up by 
 the roots butting from thence upon the Bay aforesaid according to the 
 tenor of the Grand Deed 
 
 9 The Ninth Lot of Meadow which was origionally John Adams 
 about Popasquash Neck begineth at the uttermost poynt or part of the 
 Meadow or Marsh butting upon the Bay at the Creeks mouth towards the 
 west and from thence butting upon the Creek or pond towards the north 
 and so is bounded upon the upland of Popasquash neck towards the south 
 so far up as the Moable Land Lyeth and so Round about the Cove of 
 Meadow on both sides the small Creek issuing out of the Swamp untill it 
 comes to a marked Red oake upon the upland side towards the East 
 bounded thereby upon a west north west Lyne half a poynt northerly 
 bearing upon a great Rock on the other side of the said Pond according 
 to the tenor of the Grand Deed 
 
 10 The Tenth Lott of Meadow origeonally Thomas Clarks begineth 
 at the said marked Red oak and lyne runing through the Marsh upon a 
 west north west halfe a poynt northerly lyne to the pond butting upon 
 the said pond as it lyeth towards the west takeing in all the Meadow and 
 
 58 
 
Moable Land upon the upland towards the East untill it comes to a great 
 white cake marked ten on the one side and Eleven on ye other and from 
 thence runs down butting upon the Pond from the said tree upon a north 
 west and by west lyne Ranging by three Rockes according to the tenor 
 of the Grand Deed 
 
 11 The Eleventh Lott of Meadow begineth at the great white oake 
 whear the tenth lot endeth and is bounded towards the South upon the 
 said north west and by west line Ranging with three rock's towards the 
 South upon the upland so far up as the Moable land lyeth towards the 
 east and so bounding upon a certain marked tree towards the north and 
 from thence is bounded by a west north west line half a poynt northerly 
 by the head of a small Pond lying in the meadow of Capt Thomas Willett 
 and was origeonally the Meadow of John Winslow Purchased by Stephen 
 Pain senior according to the tenor of the Grand Deed 
 
 12 The Twelveth Lot of Meadow originally Thomas Cushmans Pur- 
 dhased by Capt Thomas Willett begineth at the white oake marked Eleven 
 on the one side and twelve on the other whear ye Lott of Mr Stephen Pain 
 Endeth and Runs upon a west north west lyne at the head of a small pond 
 in this Meadow butting and bounding upon the upland Round about the 
 Cove of Meadow so far up as the Moable land Lyeth towards the East 
 north and west and upon the Meadow of Stephen Pain towards the South 
 According to the tenor of the Grand Deed 
 
 The next parcell of Meadow in Common amongst the purchasers 
 Called Grate Meadow sould to Mr Anthony Low begins at a Certain 
 Stake at the Southerly poynt of the said Meadow butting and bounding 
 upon the bay all alonge as it Lyeth towards the north and bounded upon 
 the upland of Mount hope towards the south and East so far as the Moa- 
 ble land Lyeth according to the tenor of the Grand deed till it comes to 
 the stake at the end of the said Meadow Northerly 
 
 13 The Next Lott of Meadow begineth at a wild Cherrie tree marked 
 by the beach side at the lower end or poynt thereof butting upon the Bay 
 towards the west all a long till it comes to a stake by the beach side at 
 the head of a flaggy Pond and from thence upon a south south east poynt 
 Ranging by stakes to the upland or Swamp upon Mount hope neck so 
 
 59 
 
far up as the Moable Land lyeth till it Comes to the Cherrie tree again 
 being Layd out for six Acres and a halfe origeonally belonging to the 
 Whites and by them sold to Mr Stephen Pain Senior the Remainder of 
 wihich lott to make it up ten Acres shall be hereafter mentioned in its due 
 place according to the Tenor of the Grand Deed 
 
 14 The Fourteenth Lott of Meadow origionally pertaned to John 
 Winslow and by him sould to Stephen Payne Senr begineth at the said 
 stake at the flagg}^ Pond by the beach side bounded by the thirteenth lott 
 towards the south and Runs upon a south south East lyne a poynt Easterly 
 to upland or Swamp upon Mount hope neck so far as the moable land 
 lyeth round about the Cove of meadow takeing in all the hummocks or 
 strips of upland in the said Meadow untill it comes to the run or spring 
 issuing out of the upland and from thence it runs up to a marked walnut 
 tree at the dich in the meadow parting the next lot of Meadow some time 
 pertaining to Capt, Thomas Willett takeing in all the Meadow and Moable 
 land Islands or hummocks of upland in or about the said Meadow But- 
 ting upon the river of Swansey towards the west according to the tenor 
 of the Grand Deed 
 
 15 The Fiveteenth Lot of Meadow origionally belonging to Capt. 
 Thomas Willett begineth at and is bounded towards the south with the 
 ditch Ranging with the walnut tree upon a west and by north lyne halfe 
 a poynt northerly to the river of Swansey and from thence runs up 
 bounded by the upland so far as the Moable land lyeth towards the East 
 imtill it Comes to the uttermost poynt of the said Meadow towards the 
 north and is bounded upon Swansey River towards the west According 
 to the Tenor of the Grand Deed 
 
 The Remainder of the Meadow to make up the six Acres and a halfe 
 below ten Acres lyeth part at a place Called Princes Pond on the Westerly 
 side of Swansey River and is bounded towards the south upon the high- 
 way that Leadeth up to an Eaighty Acre lott of upland some time Capt. 
 Willetts to the west towards the said Pond to the north upon the lott of 
 upland some time Thomas Clarke's to the East on the River And partly 
 upon Popanomscutt on the Easterly Side of the River begining at the 
 Southerly part of the Meadow over against the Litle Island in the fork 
 
 60 
 
of the River takeing in all the Meadow and Moable land Islands and 
 hummocks of upland Lying and being in and about the said Meadow to 
 an ould stump upon the upland of Brook's Pasture Runing from the 
 stump upon a flatt stone piched up on a north East lyne halfe a poynt 
 Easterly ranging with a rock and soe Cross a small Pond to the River 
 according to the tenor of the Grand Deed 
 
 i6 The Sixteenth Lot begineth from the said old stump and flat 
 stone piched up and runs upon the Southerly side of the River and 
 Beldhers Creek till it comes to the head there of takeing in all the Meadow 
 and Moable Land Hummocks or Islands of upland in or about the said 
 Meadow bounding upon the said River or Creek Towards the north and 
 upon the upland of Brookes his pasture towards the south and to the head 
 of Belchers Creek aforesaid Towards the East and was origionally Josiah 
 Winslow sold to Mr Stephen Payne Senr and Mr Peter Hunt according 
 to the tenor of the Grand deed 
 
 iEf mnnttU av ISprorjb of the bounds of all the mead- 
 owes fresh or salt situate Lying or being at or about Popa- 
 nomscut lands or Phebees Neck Round about butting upon 
 the Great River Called Swansey River and upon the Salt 
 water Bay and creeks Adjacent and the persons to whome 
 the said Meadowes did origionally Appertain according to 
 the tenor and true mening of the Grand deed Bearing date 
 the twenty ninth day of March 1653 is as folloeth 
 I The first Lot of Meadow origionally Thomas Clarkes since pur- 
 chased by John Allen senr begins at a marked oake saplin and lieap of 
 stones bearing East South East upon the Great River now called Swan- 
 sey River and from thence lyeth down butting upon the River all round 
 about the neck Takeing in all the small Islands or Hummocks of upland 
 lying scattering in the said Meadow bounding upon the Easterly side of 
 a Cove or Branch of the said River Running up towards scamscammuck 
 spring till it comes to a small Creek runing up East north East to a marked 
 Maple tree takeing in all the Meadow or Moable Land in said bounds 
 According to the tenor of the Grand deed 
 
 61 
 
2 The Next Lot of Meadow origionally John Adams since pur- 
 chased by John Allen senr and Mr Joseph Peck deaseased begins at the 
 Maple tree takeing in all the Meadow butting upon the westerly side of 
 the small Creek and Cove aforesaid butting and bounding upon the upland 
 towards the west so far up as ye Moable Land Lyeth Round between the 
 Great River and the upland so far up as the Moable Land Lyeth unto the 
 marked tree upon the upland down to a marked white oak standing in the 
 Meadow and from thence upon a south west poynt to a Great Rock in the 
 Bay According to the tenor of the Grand Deed 
 
 3 From That lot begins Another Called the Common Lot takeing in 
 all the Meadow from the bounds aforesaid to the Bay bounded towards 
 the north to the hig'hway at the bottome of the Neck towards the south 
 and west upon the Bay according to the Tenor of the Grand deed 
 
 / I The first devition whereof Exstends to a black oake blown up by 
 
 the rootes marked and runs upon a south west Lyne westerly to the north 
 west end of a flat Rock in the Bay and now belongs to Mr John Allen 
 Senior 
 
 2 The Second devition begineth whear the first endeth and now 
 belongs to the Pecks and Exstends to an ould broaken oak stump Runing 
 upon a south west Lyne westerly to the Bay 
 
 3 The Third devition belonging to Mr James Brown and Capt John 
 Brown Exstending from the said ould broaken oak stump to a marked 
 horn bow tree Runing from thense upon a south west Lyne westerly upon 
 the Bay 
 
 4 The Fourth and last divition of the said Common Lot at the bot- 
 tome of the Neck Runs from the said marked hornbow tree upon a south 
 west Lyne westerly to the Bay and now belongs to Leut Peter Hunt all 
 which devitions are according to the tenor of the Grand deed 
 
 5 The Meadow about Hides hole being the revertion of the common 
 meadow as it is bounded with the upland and beach on all sides so far as 
 the moable Land Lyeth pertaneth to Samuell Newman Phillip Walker 
 
 \ Henery Smith and Thomas Chaff ey. 
 
 4 The next ten acre Lot of Meadow origionally Mr William Brad- 
 fords is bounded from a marked small tree upon the Bay at a stake on the 
 
 62 
 
> 
 
 cr5 '^ 
 
Easterly poynt of said Meadow or Marsh on a South and by West Lyne 
 and was purchased by Mr Joseph Peck and Mr Samuell Newman the 
 Minister now deaseased and devided between Nathaniell Peck and Israel 
 Peck on the Easterly End thereof and Samuel Newman towards the west 
 bounded upon a south Lyne westerly from the upland towards the Bay 
 as the stakes are set betwene the meadow which the said Pecks part of 
 said Lot and yt thereof pertaning to Samuell Newman which is bounded 
 with the Marsh or Meadow Land belonging to Mr James Brown and 
 Capt John Brown towards the west as ye ditch Runs from the upland 
 towards the Bay upon A South and by west Lyne according to the tenor 
 of the Grand Deed 
 
 5 The Next Parcell of Meadow Begins at the said ditch and fence 
 of the said Newmans westerly bounds takeing in all the Meadow lying 
 between the upland and the said Bay to Nayot poynt and was given and 
 graunted to Mr John Brown Senior by the Proprietors for twelve Acres 
 more or less and now belongeth to the said Mr James Brown and Capt 
 John Brown According to the tenor of the Grand Deed 
 
 6 The Next Lot origionally Capt Miles Standishes Begineth at Nayot 
 beach or Creek and takes in all the Meadow of any sort or kind on both 
 sides of Mouscodhuck Northerly Creek and allso on both sides the East- 
 erly Creek and all the meadow on Annawomscut Creek so far up as the 
 Moable Land Lyeth according to the Tenor of the Grand deed all which 
 Meadow situate Lying and being on the Easterly Creek and all the 
 Meadow on the East side of the northerly Creek and all the Meadow on 
 Nayett side pertaneth to Mr James Brown and Capt John Brown And all 
 the other Meadow on the west side of the northerly Creek and all the 
 Meadow lying upon Annawomscutt Creek Pertaines to Capt Thomas 
 Willett Since Allianated to William Allen 
 
 63 
 
A i^^mnnaU or HrrorlH of the Bounds of all the 
 Meadows fresh or salt situate Lying and being on or 
 about New Meadow Neck buting and bounding upon 
 Newmeadow River and Creeks and Swamps Adjacent 
 and the persons to whome the said Meadows origionally 
 did pertain according to the tenor and true meaning of the 
 Grand deed bearing date the twenty nineth day of March 
 one thousand six hundred fivety three is as folloeth 
 
 1 The bounds of the first Lott of Meadow butting upon the westerly 
 side of New Meadow River begins at a small Ledge of Rockes by the 
 said River side upon the upland upon a south South East Lyne halfe a 
 poynt Easterly to a rock in the River and from thence takeing in all the 
 Meadow and Moable Land between the upland and the River untill one 
 Comes to a broaken oak and from thence Runs upon an East and by south 
 line a quarter of a poynt Southerly butting and bounding upon the said 
 River And origionally was the lot of Exsperience Mitdhell sould to and 
 purchased by Capt Thomas Willett and from him to Mr John Brown 
 Senior taking in all the Meadow and Moable Land so bounded according 
 to the Tenor of the Grand deed 
 
 2 From thence even from the sd broken oak begins the Comon 
 Meadow being five Acres more or less butting upon the said River 
 Exstending to a pine tree in the meadow and runs upon an east & west 
 1)016 to a Cove in the s'd River takeing in all the Meadow between the 
 River and the upland between said bounds so far as the Moable Land 
 Lyeth according to the tenor of ye Grand deed 
 
 3 The Next Lot of Meadow which was origionally Thomas Cush- 
 man purchased by Capt Thomas Willett Exstending from ye said pine 
 tree Runing up Northerly to a pine tree and a ditch Runing upon an East 
 and by South Lyne Southerly butting on the said Ryver as the moable 
 Land Lyeth According to the tenor of the Grand deed 
 
 4 The Next Lot of Meadow was origionally Mr Thomas Princes 
 Lot purchased by Mr John Brown Senior Exstending Northerly to a white 
 oake upon a poynt of upland marked of ould and now opened anew run- 
 
 64 
 

 ■■^^ 
 
 
 m~' •iZ^-t' CL nc' 9ien<r ..flf /^„ ^, , 
 
 
 cntf-ttrA>:j / r //;, 
 
 .-Jrc. urn/ sJc ,^f //^c n^-^sYciy (^9-7X/( .l,Yc .r.iO.':. . ^,< 
 
 •/ ! 
 
 1; 
 
 
 /Z) 
 
 r.. 
 
 t!>^. 
 
 
 
 
 ^di 
 
 C<trt£oncf/i.ruSa.ri^S(::ifAn^.ki^S..././._ ' ' ' . ■' '^ 
 
 rt/r one ^/i:r,.Sxn^ Sv^CAu ncJrtb 'y^TU p /y /^ 
 
 
 
 '■t(n ', )V, 
 
 -^. 
 
 //?<: ?//5/.; 
 
 
 
 
 -^yl- 
 
 'r j: 
 
 '■r fii 
 
 u rctrii 
 
 rrn n\ 
 
 -s r-;/: 
 
 ■ tnc f'n lfjp_ 
 
 
 IvxJ-t 
 
 ... /. 
 
 
 PHOTOGRAPH OF PAGE 35 IN SOWAMS RECORDS 
 
ing by a ditch upon a South East Lyne to the River takeing all the 
 Meadow and Moable Land to the upland according to the tenor of the 
 Grand deed 
 
 5 The next Lot of Meadow origeonally was Mr Josiah Winslowes 
 Exstending from the aforesaid oake and ditch Northerly to a narrow part 
 of the Meadow to an ould oake Cut down Runing upon a stone piched 
 downe on an East South East Lyne butting upon the said River takeing 
 in all the moable Land within the bounds aforesaid according to the tenor 
 of the Grand deed 
 
 6 The Next Lot of Meadow origeonally John Winslows begineth 
 where the other Endeth at the said stone and tree Exstending Northerly 
 betwen the upland and the River to a white oake marked at the Lower 
 End of a Longe piney poynt upon the mayne River aforesaid and so 
 rangeth with a greeat pyne marked towards the top of the Ridge of said 
 poynt towards the west takeing in all the Moable Lands within the bounds 
 aforesaid According to the tenor of the grand deed 
 
 7 8 The Next two Lots of Meadow Called broad Cove origionally 
 the Meadow of Capt Thomas Willett and Exstendeth from the oake and 
 pyne poynt aforesaid whear the other lot endeth up northerly to the 
 Southerly side of a Certain Creek to a Certain Red oake marked on the 
 poynt of upland on the upper end of the said Creek west south west take- 
 ing all the Coves of Meadow and strips and poynts of upland with all the 
 Moable Land so bounded according to the tenor of the Grand deed 
 
 9 The Next Lot of Meadow origeonally John Adams purchased by 
 Mr Joseph Peck and Mr John Allen senior and Runs up all alonge from 
 the said marked red oake upon the said poynt takeing in all the Meadow 
 and Moable Land upon the northerly side of the Creek butting upon the 
 said River takeing in all the poynts and persells of Meadow untill it Comes 
 about the midle of a triangle pece of Meadow to a Red Oake sapling 
 marked Runing upon an east southEast Lyne through the Meadow by 
 stakes to the sd River over against Rockey River by vertue of the Grande 
 deed 
 
 10 The Next Lot of Meadow origeonally John Winslowes which 
 
 65 
 
Exstends from the said Sapling and stakes where the other Lot endeth 
 upon the west side of the said River takeing in all the Meadow and Moa- 
 ble Land to the uper End of the Salt marsh River Called New Meadow- 
 River According to the tenor of the Grand deed 
 
 1 The first Lot on the East side of the River Called New Meadow 
 River begins at the upper End of the Salt next to Palmers farme bound- 
 ing upon the River westerly and the upland towards the East and takes in 
 all the Moable Land untill it comes down to a small Creek Runing in 
 towards the upland near or by the Clay pits towards the south and was 
 origionally Josiah Winslowes by the Grand deed 
 
 2 & 3 The second and third lots that were origionally Thomas Cush- 
 mans Meadows purchased by Capt Willett begineth at the said Creek by 
 the Clay pitts aforesaid towards the north and from thence runs down 
 butting upon the River towards the west takeing in all the severall par- 
 sells Coves of Meadow and Moable Land with all the small poynts strips 
 and Islands or hummocks of upland Lying in and about the premises 
 untill one Comes downe to the northerly part of the poynt of upland 
 towards the south against the mouth of a Cove or Creek and from thence 
 upon an East and by South Line to a white oake marked and blown up 
 by the Rootes on an Island of upland in the said Meadow to a Certain 
 white oake tree on the upland Likewise blown up takeing in all the Moable 
 land within the bounds afforesaid According to the tenor of the Grand 
 deed 
 
 4 The fourth Lot of Meadow begins at the Root of the white oak 
 tree whear the said two last Lots Ended and Runs down to the Southerly 
 side of the Broad Cove to a black oake marked takeing in all the Meadow 
 and Moable Land within the said bounds according to the tenor of the 
 Grand deed And was originally the Meadow of Resolved and Perigrine 
 Whites 
 
 5 The fivefth Lot begins whear the fourth Lot endeth and runs down 
 butting upon the River towards the west takeing in all the Meadow and 
 Moable Land small poynts and Island or hummocks of upland till it comes 
 down to the Northerly side of a piney poynt of upland Runing downe to 
 the River upon an East and West poynt on a pine tree marked and fallen 
 
 66 
 
downe by the River side and was origionally Josiah Winslowes by vertue 
 of the Grand deed 
 
 6 The Next Lot of Meadow origionally Mr William Bradfords 
 begineth at the said Pine tree wheare the last Lot Endeth and Runs upon 
 Newmeadow River towards the west untill it Comes to a stake Ranging 
 with a flat Rock and Stone in the Meadow by the fence to the said River 
 on a west and by north line halfe a poynt northerly which is the bounds 
 of this Lot towards the South takeing in all the Moable Land According 
 to the Tenor of the Grand Deed 
 
 7 The Next Lot origionally Mr Thomas Princes Meadow begins 
 towards the North at the flat Rock wherewith the Last Lot Endeth and 
 takes in all the Meadow and Moable Land between the upland towards the 
 East and Westerly towards the River and Creek Called Belchers Creek 
 untill it Comes to the head of said Creek on the Northerly side thereof 
 which said Lot was Allianated by said Prince to Mr John Brown senior 
 According to the tenor of the Grand deed 
 
 The Severall Enteryes of the Exact Bounds and Limits of all the 
 Marsh or Meadow Lands pertaining to sundry persons according to there 
 origionall Graunts inserted in the Afore written folios have ben by us the 
 subscribers Carefully searched out and duely Examined and truely stated 
 According to our best skill and abbillity we being Chosen as a Committe 
 by the Company of Proprietors to that purpose on the eaigtheenth of 
 November one thousand six hundred Eaighty one 
 
 Witnes our hands 
 
 John Brown \ 
 
 John Allen V as a Committe 
 
 Noah Floyde ) 
 
 At a IGmufuU W^Xmh and full Meting of the Pro- 
 prietors at Rehoboth on the twenty third day of October 
 one thousand six hundred Eaighty two 
 Wee the Proprietors of all the Meadow Lands be it fresh or salt as 
 above mentioned According to there origionall Graunts Respectively 
 bounded and by the dilligent Search and Survey of the Committee by us 
 
 67 
 
Apoynted found out and Cleared up and now presented to us for our 
 Approbation and Assent to be Recorded for the Reall use and benifit of 
 ourselves and them that shall Survive us And having Perused and 
 Maturely Considered the Premises doe find to our great Satisfaction that 
 the Severall parts thereof is truely and Justly bounded according to Each 
 ones peticuler Right and true Propriety And Therefore doe by our unan- 
 imous free Consent Allow and Conferme and Maintaine the same to be 
 Authentick to all true intents and Purposes According to Law In Witnes 
 Wlhearof wee have hereunto Sett our hands the day and year above 
 written 
 
 James Brown Peter Hunt 
 
 John Saffin John Allen 
 
 John Brown Noah Floyd 
 
 John Viall Samuell Peck 
 
 Stephen Payn Nathaniell Payne 
 
 Anthony Low Samuell Newman 
 
 Israeli Peck Joseph Chafey 
 
 John Payne Abraham Perren 
 Joshuah Smith 
 
 JPil^rOB theire hath bin a Misunderstanding and defference between 
 the heirs of Ensign Henery Smith of Rehoboth and Robert Millerd of 
 the Town Aforesaid about the bounds of the fourth and fifth ten Acre 
 Lots of Meadow Lying on the East side of New Meadow River in 
 Swansey 
 
 It is now concluded and Agreed by Capt Peter Hunt overseer of the 
 heirs of the said Henry Smith and Joshuah Smith Eldest Sonn of ye said 
 Henry Smith And the said Robert Millerd that the bounds between the 
 fourth and fifth Lots aforesaid is and shall be a white oake tree by the 
 upland on the south side a Litle Creek Marked four on the North side 
 and five on the south side and from thence on a west North west poynt 
 
 68 
 
of Compas to a stake sett ranging with the midle of a Cove In Witnes 
 whearof the said persons have hereunto set there hands this 19 of May 
 1685 
 
 Sined as witnesses 
 
 Nicholas Peck Peter Hunt 
 
 WilHam Bartrem Joshuah Smith 
 
 Obadiah Bowen Robert Millerd 
 
 One Parsell of Meadow pertaning to Richard Whitteker laid out 
 formerly for four Acres and a halfe to Phillip Walker and Henery Smith 
 of Rehoboth desesed and to Samuel Newman viz two Acres to Phillip 
 Walker two Acres to Henery Smith and halfe an acre to Samuell New- 
 man and now all in the possestion of the said Richard Whitteker which 
 said Meadow is situate on the west side of New Meadow Neck and is 
 bounded on the North west with a Cove and westerly with the River 
 Southerly with the Meadow of Nathaniell Peck and Easterly with the 
 way of a rod wide 
 
 A ^ttaxh of % ^^Wrall ItmttattH and Bounds of 
 the lands of Poppanomscut aliss Phebes Neck in the 
 Township of Swansey pertaining to Sundry persons Pro- 
 prietors thereof as it is Layd out is as folloeth to them 
 & every of them their & every of their heirs & Assignes 
 forever 
 
 1 The first lott upon the River side being a single lott about thirteen 
 Acres Called the home Lotts pertaineth To Leut Peter Hunt and is 
 Bounded upon the said River and Mr Aliens Meadow towards the East, 
 towards the South upon the Land of John Allen and the highway at an 
 oake saplin with stone let into the ground about it, towards the west upon 
 the great highway at the head of the home Lotts at a certain Stake with 
 stones as aforesaid towards the north with the land of the Paynes at the 
 head thereof by a stake, and by the River side with a stake by a celler 
 digged with stones about it as aforesaid 
 
 2 The second lott belongeth to the Paynes being three Lotts about 
 
 69 
 
thirteen Acres each and is bounded towards the East upon the meadow 
 of John Allen towards the south upon the Land of Peter Hunt at the 
 stake by the cellar aforesaid towards the west upon the great highway 
 at a stake with stones about it as aforesaid towards the north upon the 
 Land of John Saffin to a saplin marked being three Lotts and is about 
 thirty eaight Rod in Breadth and is thus devided viz from the aforesd 
 stake by the Cellar to a Certain split stake neare the said meadow with 
 stones about it being two thirds of the aforesaid three lots and from 
 thence to the aforesaid sappling towards the north with stones about it 
 Let into the ground which Lot pertaines to John Paine 
 
 3 The Third Lott belongs to John Saffin being a single lott about 
 thirteen Acres and is bounded Towards the East partly upon the said 
 John Aliens Meadow and partly upon the River Towards the South upon 
 the Land of John Paine to a sappling marked S with stones about as 
 aforesaid towards the west upon the great highway at a stake with stones 
 as aforesaid towards the north upon a highway of two Rod wide, going 
 down to the River 
 
 4 The fourth Lot belongs to Thomas Chafey being a single Lott 
 about thirteen Acres and is bounded towards the East upon the River 
 towards the South upon the said highway Leading to the River at a sap- 
 ling marked by the River side towards the west by the great highway 
 towards the North to a young wallnut tree marked and upon the Land 
 of Samuell Newman 
 
 5 The Lot belongs to Samuell Newman & partners being a single 
 Lot about thirteen Acres and is bounded towards the East upon the River 
 towards the South upon the Land of Thomas Chafey to a young walnut 
 marked with stones about it towards the west upon the Great highway 
 at the head of the said Lots as aforesaid and towards the North upon the 
 Land of Mr James and John Brown at a sapling by the River side 
 marked L B 
 
 6 The sixth Lott being two single Lotts and a halfe Containing 
 about thirty two Acres and a halfe belongs to James Brown and John 
 Brown & is bounded upon the River towards the East towards the South 
 upon the Land of Samuell Newman and partners towards the West upon 
 
 70 
 
the Great highway at the head of the said Lotts towards the North upon 
 the Land of Capt Thomas Wilets heires to a stake with stones at the head 
 and to a saphng marked T W in the hedge by the River side at a sandy 
 poynt 
 
 7 The Seaventh Lott being five single Lotts Containing about sixty 
 five Acres belongeth to Capt Thomas Willets deaseased his heires and is 
 bounded towards the East upon the River towards the South upon the 
 land of Mr James and John Brown at the said sappling in the hedge by 
 the river side at a sandy poynt steep too towards the west upon the Great 
 Highway at the head of the said Lots towards the North Exstending as 
 the River Lyes is bounded upon the highway two Rod within the fence 
 towards the South as the fence now stands 
 
 8 The Eaight Lott being one Lott & a halfe Containing about Nine- 
 teen Acres and a halfe belongeth to the Pecks and is bounded upon the 
 River towards the East, upon the highway that Leadeth to the River 
 towards the South upon the Great highway at the head of the Lotts 
 towards the west and towards the north upon the highway that leadeth 
 to the River by the Land of Anthony Low Sould to him by the Proprie- 
 tors with severall Stakes the ground digged with stones about it 
 
 9 The Ninth Devition belonging to Anthony Low being about Eleven 
 Acres sold to him by the Proprietors is bounded towards the East upon 
 the river towards the south upon the highway Leading to the River 
 towards the west upon the Great highway and towards the north upon 
 the Long Line of the Ould Lots 
 
 10 John Allen senr his hous Lott being two single Lotts Lying at 
 the southward of the said house lotts is bounded towards the East upon 
 the River and his Meadow towards the South by a Rock and a stake 
 towards the west upon this Meadow and the Brook 
 
 All these severall Lots were Layd out by a fly Compas and There 
 Length Lyeth East and by South Southerly from the Great highway to 
 the River by the aforesaid Compas 
 
 ^nt fallBtthi the bounds of % (^ttut iCotta Layd out in the said 
 Phebes Neck upon a north and South Line by a fly Compas 
 
 71 
 
1 Imprimis the first Lot pertaneth to Peter Hunt being a single Lott 
 about thirty six Acres and is bounded towards the East upon the Great 
 highway Runing down the neck towards the South upon the highway 
 Leading towards the west and towards the west upon the Land of Thomas 
 Chafey at a stake with a stone in the earth digged, towards the north 
 upon the Longe Line by the dead Swamp at a Maple bush in the pond 
 marked 
 
 2 The Second Lott belongeth to Thomas Chafey and is thirty six 
 Acres or thereabouts bounded towards the East to the land of Peter Hunt 
 towards the South upon the Great west highway towards the west upon 
 the Land of John Allen Sr towards the north upon the Longe Line 
 bounded with Marks at the Respective Corners by Stakes and holes digged 
 
 3 The Third Lott pertaneth to John Allen Sr being two single Lotts 
 Contaning about Seaventy two Acres and is bounded towards the East 
 to the Land of Thomas Chafey towards the South upon the west highway 
 towards the west upon the Land of the Pecks towards the north upon the 
 Longe Line bounded with marks and digged at the Respective Corners 
 
 4 The fourth Lott belongeth to the Pecks containing one lott and a 
 halfe being about fivety four Acres and is bounded towards the East upon 
 the Land of John Allen Sr towards the South partly upon the Great west 
 high way and partly upon said highway running Southerly by hides hole 
 and soe bounded by the said way runing near west north west and 
 towards the west upon the Land of Samuell Newman and towards the 
 north upon the Longe line bounded with Markes at the Respective 
 corners (with a wallnut at the North East and a Maple at the North West 
 corner) 
 
 5 The fifth Lott belonging to Samuell Newman and partners Con- 
 taining about thirty six Acres and is bounded towards the East upon the 
 Land of the Pecks towards the South on the Great highway by the Bay 
 side towards the west upon the Land of the Pains towards the north upon 
 the Long Line there Marked on the north west Corner with a green 
 Maple tree in a swamp on the north East Corner with a Green wallnut 
 
 6 The Sixth Lott being three single Lotts Containeing about one 
 hundred and eaight Acres and is bounded towards the East upon the Land 
 
 73 
 
of Samuell Newman and Partners, towards the South upon the Great 
 highway upon the Bay towards the West upon the Land of Capt Thomas 
 Willetts heirs and John Saffins towards the north upon the Long Line 
 aforesaid And is Thus devided the third part whearof towards the west 
 pertaineth to John Paine all of which is bounded with marks at the 
 Respective Corners 
 
 7 The Seaventh Lott Belongeth to the heirs of Capt Thomas Willett 
 deaceased now to John Saffin and is bounded towards the East to the 
 Land of the said John Paine towards the south upon the highway Lying 
 partly upon the Bay aforesaid and partly upon the highway by the Meadow 
 side towards the West upon the Land of James and John Brown to the 
 Northwest Corner of Samuell Newmans Meadow And from thence upon 
 a direct Lyne about north northwest to Toms spring to a Marked tree 
 there and thence East northerly to a stake on the south side Moscachuck 
 Creek there it Exstendeth north by the Land of Mr James Brown and Capt 
 John Brown up to the Longe Line and bounded on the north with said 
 Longe Line this parsell of Land containes two hundred and sixteen Acres 
 
 8 The Eaight Lott being two shares and halfe Belongeth to James 
 Brown Esq and John Brown and Containeth about ninety Acres and 
 Eaight Acres formerly alowed them by the Indians and is bounded 
 towards the East upon the land of John Saffin Towards the South upon 
 there owne Meadows towards the west upon the Bay And towards the 
 north upon the Creek and there own Meadow up to Toms Spring afore- 
 said 
 
 Lying on ye Lower and southerly most part of Phebes 
 neck aforesaid is as folloeth 
 
 The first Lott begineth on the west side of the highway that Runs 
 down Southerly about the midle of the said neck belongeth to Samuell 
 Newman and partners and is about thirteen Acres and a halfe bounded 
 towards the north upon the Great highway Lying upon the front of some 
 of the Great Letts aforesaid towards the east upon the said highway Run- 
 
 73 
 
ning down the said Lower Neck towards the South at a marked stake, 
 upon the south the Land of the Paines towards the West upon the Bay 
 or hides 'hole upon a west line marked with stakes upon the highway and 
 towards the north upon the highway 
 
 2 The second Lott belongeth to the Paynes being three single Lotts 
 or shares and is about thirty four Acres and halfe and is bounded towards 
 the north upon the Land of Samuell Newman and partners towards the 
 East upon the aforesaid 'highway towards the south upon the land of 
 John Allen by a stake marked two and three the southerly third part 
 whearof belongs to John Paine being own Lot or share towards the west 
 upon the Bay upon a West Line 
 
 3 The Third Lott being three Lotts or shares belongeth to John 
 Allen Senr Containing by agreement about twenty three acres and a halfe 
 and the remainder to make up the Complement of the three shares is Layd 
 out in the Litle Neck Lying by the River side at the Southward of the 
 said Aliens home Lotts and is bounded towards the East upon the high- 
 way that Runs down the said Neck at a stake marked three and four 
 the Earth digged and stones about it toward the south upon the Land 
 belonging to the Pecks at a stake with stones as aforesaid And towards 
 the west upon the Bay upon a west Line and towards the North upon 
 John Paynes Lott 
 
 4 The fourth Lott belongs to the Pecks being one share and a halfe 
 being about twenty Acres and a quarter and is bounded towards the East 
 upon the said highway at a stake as before Towards the South by the 
 Land of James Brown Essquier at a stake digged as before Towards the 
 west upon the Bay Runing thether upon a west Line North upon the 
 Land of John Allen Senr 
 
 5 The fifth Lott belongs to James Brown Esq being a share and a 
 quarter Contaning about sixteen Acres and three quarters and is bounded 
 towards the East upon the highway with stakes set and the earth digged 
 about them towards the south upon the way (or Meadow bounds) Reserv- 
 ing a Leading Cartway by the side thereof toward the west upon the Bay 
 on a west Line betwene him and the Pecks Towards the North upon the 
 Land of the Pecks aforesaid 
 
 74 
 
6 The Sixth Lott Belongs to Peter Hunt and is about Eleven Acres 
 and a halfe and is bounded towards the East and South upon the Meadow 
 Limmits Reserving a Leading Cart way by the sides thereof towards the 
 west upon the highway Runing down the Neck and towards the North 
 upon the Land of John Saffin with stakes digged into the Earth 
 
 7 The Seaventh Lott being six shares Containing about Eaighty one 
 Acres and is bounded towards the East upon the Limmits of the Mead- 
 ows Reserving a Leading Cartway by the side thereof Towards the South 
 upon the Land of Peter Hunt towards the west upon the highway with 
 stakes digged in the earth and stones about them and towards the North 
 upon the Land of John Brown all which six shares belongs to John Saffin 
 
 8 The Eaight Lott belongeth to John Brown being about Sixteen 
 Acres and three quarters and is one share and a quarter and is bounded 
 Towards the East upon the Limmits of the Meadows Reserving a Lead- 
 ing Cart way by the side thereof Towards the south upon the Land of 
 John Saffin towards the west upon the highway Running down the said 
 Neck And Towards the north upon the highway Marked with stakes 
 digged and stones about them as before 
 
 All which Lotts aforesaid which Lye on the west side of the highway 
 going down the sd Neck Run upon a west Line directly to the Salt water 
 Bay and those Lots that Lye on the East side of the said highway going 
 down the said Neck doe Run upon an East Line or poynt to the Meadows 
 as aforesaid 
 
 The remainder of the Land in the Litle Neck by the River side Lying 
 at the Southward of Jcyhn Aliens home Lott Belongeth to him the said 
 John Allen graunted to him by the proprietors partly in his own Right or 
 share thereof and partly in the Right of all the proprietors Exsept the 
 paynes and Peter Hunt whow sould there Respective shares therein and 
 for that Reason the said Allen hath Lese Land in his other devition of 
 Chachapacauset Neck and John Saffin and the other proprietors have 
 more by Exchange 
 
 IxttOtU all tUttl by these preasents that I Stephen Paine of Rehoboth 
 doe for me my heirs Executors and Administrators Release and forever 
 
 75 
 
quit Clame unto My Brother John Paine his heirs & Assignes all my Rig^ht 
 title or intrest that I have had or may any way pretend to have in that 
 share or Eaighteenth part of Phebis Neck with all the Rights members 
 and Appurtenaces thereunto belonging or any maner of way appertain- 
 ing to the same which my said Brother John Paine formerly Sould to 
 John Saffin of Boston Marchant or his Assignes according to all true 
 intents and purposes of the Law in that case provided Witnes my hand 
 and seall this twenty Eaight day of October 1682 
 
 Witness 
 
 James Brown Stephen Pain 
 
 The mark of (S) Samuel Sabin 
 
 This instrument was by the above written Stephen Paine owned and 
 acknowledged according to law the day and year above written Before 
 me James Brown Assistant 
 
 Arttrl^a of K^mtnmt between Mr John Viall and Mr Noah 
 Floyed both of the Town of Swanseyin the Government of New Plymouth 
 in New England for and concerning of dividing of lands Ajacent to there 
 dwelling house which they have in partnership between them (vis) that 
 upon the third day of April 1680 The said partyes made a devition of the 
 said Lands (vis) That the Said Mr John Viall shall have and injoy as his 
 owne proprietye The whole field of improved Lands upon the Easterly 
 side of the Long Lane being Surveighed and found to bee Sixty nine 
 Acres be it more or less and also one Acre and a halfe out of the barn 
 pasture Adjoyning the end of Mr Vialls part of the Barn To him the 
 said Mr John Viall his heirs and Assignes forever, In Consideration 
 whereof Mr Noah Floyd shall have and injoy as his own propriety the 
 Remainder of the barn pasture and the great feild on the westerly side 
 of the Long Lane both w*hich tracts of Land being surveighed and found 
 to be seaventy Acres and a halfe be it more or less To the said Mr Noah 
 Floyd his heirs and Assignes forever, (Provided) That for this preasent 
 year the said Mr Viall shall have free Liberty to plant or improve for 
 Corne what Lands he stands in need of out of the said Mr Floyds Lands 
 
 76 
 
l^- 
 
 l]lanoria(l.o]:bookc 
 
 pf^ cconLs of\iScvcraUJ)nnfimi 
 ^houmhpfyc^mdsa(Saivomcs\ 
 . (^SanKumdt^parls. Hdja cailpd 
 chased, of If (imit Slichcm OjCinK' 
 
 qmiliaoamjcllolnsdclcilSonn 
 by (^rtamciicnllcmaiifxjAnlic: • 
 Jnlmhitanls oflhc Colony of Ucnh 
 7lymoulhmj\: Inj Orderpfjjf/cul 
 Comf as hi/J)ccd heart no dare 
 'hKnfi/Mn!hpqijp///hnchj(jf^ 
 
 Mqij-IffW 
 
 WiZi 
 
 J 
 
 ^ 
 
 TITLE PAGE OF SOWAMS RECORDS 
 
not exceeding nine Acres and also that the said Mr Viall or his heirs 
 and Assignes shall have Liberty to take of his Crop or Crops at harvest 
 And Likewise it is Agreed by both the said partyes that they shall Joyntly 
 and Equally make up and Repair at Equall Charge all the fences for this 
 year about all the aforesaid feilds now devided: As Also it is Agreed 
 upon by both the partyes that a tract of Land that lyes about the barn 
 shall forever Lye Common betwixt them as it is now staked out forever 
 for Each there benifit for the maintaining of peace and Ounity between 
 them And that also the Long Lane that is now between the said feilds 
 shall forever Lye in Common between them both for passage and feeding : 
 It is also to be understood that the orchards and the two small yards 
 Ajoyning to the small orchards yet Lye in Equall partnership between 
 them And Also it is agreed by both the said partyes that all the Lands 
 that are yet in Joynt partnership between them shall be devided Equally 
 within one year after the date hereof To which Articles of Agreement 
 we doe both firmly bind ourselves our heirs Executors or Administrators 
 Witness our hands and sealls the day and year above written 
 Sined sealed in the presence of 
 John Brown John Viall 
 
 Samuell Mason Noah Floyd 
 
 William Carpenter 
 
 KvtXtitB of Agr^^Jtt^ttt Respecting the devition of the orchards 
 between Mr John Viall and Mr Noah Floyd of Swansey partners in the 
 orchards aforesaid by the Assistance of Mr James Brown Esquer and Mr 
 John Allen Senior this lo of desember 1680 
 
 Imprimis that Mr. John Viall his heirs and Assignes shall have and 
 enjoy forever the Litle orchard next the said Vialls Land or Northeast 
 orchard and all that house standing in said orchard and the yard Ajoyning 
 home to the highway Called the Longe Lane, and all the North part of 
 the Great orchard bounded south by two stakes at which devition the 
 said Mr Viall shall set up and maintain a fence a Crosse said orchard for 
 Ever and is bounded East North and West by the fence as now it stands 
 
 77 
 
and the North fence is to be joyntly maintaned betwixt said Viall and Mr 
 Noah Floyd the said Mr Viall paying to Mr Floyd or his order three 
 pounds as money in Corn or Cattle at or before the last of Martfh next 
 insuing and also the said Viall shall for ever Maintain the fence of his 
 orchard Eastward 
 
 In Consideration whearof the said Mr Noah Floyd shall have and 
 injoy to him and his heirs and Assignes for Ever the south part of the 
 great orchard next ajoyning to the said Floyds Land bounded by the 
 aforesaid stakes and as now it is fenced south, East and West and all the 
 Litle house Next the waggon house and the yard at the East End thereof 
 as it is now fenced. In witnes of Every of the premises wee have here- 
 unto the day and year above written set out hands and sealls 
 Signed sealed and delivered 
 in the presence of us ; viz. — 
 
 John Allen John Viall 
 
 James Brown Noah ffloyd 
 
 Joihn Brown 
 
 (HljFae iHag Ql^rttfi? all persons whome it doth concern that 
 whereas Mr Eliacan Huchenson Marchant and Mr John Viall vintner of 
 Boston in New England did make Joynt purchase of the houses and Lands 
 of Capt Thomas Willett deaseased which Lands are situate in Rehoboth 
 and Swansey in the CoUony of New Plymouth and wear deemed Six hun- 
 dred Acres more or less be it as by the deed bearing date August 25 : 1679 
 may appear with the bounds thereof ; and Mr Noah Floyd appearing on 
 the behalfe of the said Huchenson to make devition of the premises they 
 John Viall and Noah Floyd made thereof: and requested me the sub- 
 scriber to be there Surveighor in and about said Lands : The Arable Lands 
 wear devided according to the tenor and true meaning of two instruments 
 under there hands one bearing date April 3, 1680 the other date is Desem- 
 ber 10, 1680 
 
 I January 20 : 1680 There was then Layd out to Mr John Viall of the 
 Land aforesaid in Swansey one hundred and fifteen Acres, be it more or 
 
 78 
 
less in one entire pece, bounded west by certain Market Saplings on the 
 Brow of the hill on Cock Poynt neck on the west side of the Run till one 
 Comes to the Creek and then by the salt water till one Comes to the Land 
 of William Allen to the South till one comes to Annawomscutt brook to 
 the East takeing in the one halfe of the said brook all along till one 
 Comes near the north East corner and then the whole brook to a birch 
 tree marked south and west and thence by the highway to the brow of 
 the hill on Cock poynt Neck 
 
 2 May 7: 1682 There was Then Layd out to Mr John Viall 127 
 Acres of upland and swamp in Swansey be it more or less bounded south 
 (by the way) by the land of Mr John Allen and west by the homestead 
 of said Viall According to the severall Angles of the fence made in Capt 
 Willetts time till one comes to the North East Corner of the homestead 
 devided by said Articles and then it Exstends west to the Northwest 
 Corner of said homestead and then North East and by North to Reho- 
 both Line and it is then bounded North by said Line till one comes to the 
 great highway and is then bounded by said way till one Comes to the 
 swamps by Adams playn: and thence by said Swamp or brook till one 
 Comes to the swamps by Adams playn: and thence by said Swamp or 
 brook till one comes to the south bounds afforesaid 
 
 3 There was then Also Layd out to said Viall Eaight Acres in Reho- 
 both being 20 Rod wide and is bounded South by the aforesaid 127 Acres 
 and bounded East by a Lyne Exstending North from the highway to a 
 stake and North by mark't trees till one comes to the Browns Land to 
 the west 
 
 May 7: 1682 There was then Layd out to Mr John Viall his halfe 
 part of 180 Acres of upland and Swamps in one intire pece In Rehoboth 
 being bounded to the East by a hig<hway passing through the seaven score 
 Rod in which tract of land This 180 Acres Lyes and is bounded North 
 by Certain Markt trees standing 20 Rod North of the three Rayle fence 
 and bounded west by certain Markt trees in a south and north Range 
 and is bounded South by Lyne which passeth through the pine swamp 
 where the five Rayle fence was to be set by the Town of Rehoboth (the 
 highway here mentioned is that which Lyes on the west side of the Pecks 
 
 79 
 
Land in the seaven score Rod). To the Truth of these severall devitions 
 afferms John Brown senr 
 Swansey November 21 : 1682 
 
 And to the Truth of these severall devitions and the date aforesaid 
 
 Affirms Noah Floyd 
 
 Jt t0 A^tt^li by and between Mr Noah Ffloyd and Mr John Viall 
 both of Swansey in New England that whereas there hath bin some diffi- 
 culty and misunderstanding betwixt us about a devition of Land And that 
 whearas there is 132 acres Lyes Commodiously for Mr Viall next to his 
 home Lands: wee have Joyntly chosen James Brown Esqr & Mr John 
 Allen of the place aforesaid to take so mudh out of sd 132 Acres on the 
 south part thereof and a Cartway of to it as may be Adjudged an acommi- 
 dation for the said Noah Floyd by them and allowing what quantyty of 
 Land for it as they shall think fit out of the said Floyds next Devition 
 which is to be in Answer to the said 132 Acres Except the Devition which 
 takes in ye halfe of the pine swamp contaning 53 Acres & Rods and so 
 Exstending southerly & it is to be understood that this way that is to be 
 Left out at the south end of Mr Vialls Land Adjoyning to the north 
 side of Mr Aliens Lot to the Great 'highway Eastward is to be two rod 
 wide and for publicke use 
 
 Aprill 20 : 1681 Noah Floyde 
 
 -. , Ti witness our hands t u ^r- n 
 
 witnes John Brown John Viall 
 
 ®l|ea? iKag (^tXtxflt all persons whome it doth concern that 
 Whereas Mr Eliacam Huchenson Marchant and Mr John Viall Vintner of 
 Boston in New England did make Joynt purchase of the houses and Lands 
 of Capt Thomas Willet deseased, which Lands are situate in Rehoboth and 
 Swansey in the Collony of New Plymouth and were demed 600 Acres 
 more or Lese be it, as by the deed^ bearing date August 25 : 1679 may 
 appear, with the bounds thereof and Mr Noah Floyd appearing on the 
 behalfe of said Huchenson to make devition of the premises, they John 
 
 80 
 
Viall and Noah floyd made Choyce of and Requested me the subscriber 
 to be their surveighor in and about said Lands, The Arable Lands were 
 devided according to the tenor and true meaning of two instruments 
 under there hands one bearing date Aprill 3: 1680: the other date is 
 Desember 10 1680 
 
 1 Desember 11: 1680 There was then Layd out to Mr Eliacam 
 Huchenson or Assignes of the Lands afforesaid 47 Acres be it more or 
 Lese containing Cock poynt neck and the Litle bushie neck Adjoyning, 
 the whole being bounded west by the salt water North partly by the 
 improved Lands aforesaid partly East by the Land of Mr John Allen 
 and partly North by a highway of 8 Rod wide which way Lyes East and 
 by South two degrees southerly to the great highway and west and by 
 north two degrees Northerly to the water side and on the East by the 
 fence and Markt Saplins on the brow of the hill and so down to the Cove 
 
 2 Item, febuary 12: 1680 Layd out to Eliacam Huchenson or his 
 Assigns all that part of Land Lying and being bounded North by the 
 highway which Lyes East and by south two degrees southerly and west 
 and by North two degrees Northerly and East by the great highway south 
 by the land of William Allen near his house West by the Midle of Anna- 
 womscut brook till it Comes near the North west corner and then leaves 
 out the brook and poynt of upland to a birch tree marked which pece of 
 Land containes 65 Acres And 3 Acres on Adams his playn and the 47 
 Acres before mentioned makes 115 Acres 
 
 May 7. 1682 Layd out to Eliacam Huchenson or his Assignes 7 
 Acres and a halfe on Adams playn bounded south (by ye way) by the 
 land of John Allen East the highway and Exstends North to the inter- 
 section of the way and swamp and west by the swamp and brook 3 Acres 
 of this is the Complement of the 115 Acres aforesaid 
 
 Item. May 7, 1682 Layd out to Eliacam Huchenson or Assignes 
 120 Acres bounded south by Swansey Line and Mr Vialls 8 Acres west by 
 the Land of Mr James Brown and John Brown North by the Lyne of the 
 five Rayle fence passing through the pine Swamp on an East and by 
 south Lyne East by a highway and Mr Aliens and Mr Payns Land 
 
 81 
 
May 7, 1682 there was then Layd out to Eliacam Huchenson or 
 Assignes his halfe part of 180 Acres of upland and Swamp in one intire 
 pece in Rehoboth being bounded to the East by Sartain Markt trees 
 Ranging North and South through the seaven score Rod and is bounded 
 North by Cartain markt trees 20 Rod North of the three Rayle fence and 
 bounded west by the Land of James Brown and John Brown South partly 
 by the said Browns Land and partly by the North bounds of the aforesaid 
 120 Acres 
 
 To the truth of these severall devitions affirms John Brown sur- 
 veior Swansey November 21 : 1682 
 
 And to the truth of these severall devitions Affirms John Viall 
 and the date afforesaid 
 
 And as for the two ten Acre Lot of Meadow at Broad Cove they are 
 thus devided and bounded : viz. — 
 
 Mr John Viall ten Acre Lot is bounded Northerly with Toreys Creek 
 west with upland bounded south with a range of stakes and bounded on 
 the Easterly End with New Meadow River 
 
 And Mr Eliacam Hucthensons ten Acre Lot is bounded on the south 
 partly with the meadow of Joseph Peck and partly with the oake and 
 pine poynt mensioned in the 34 page and bounded East with New meadow 
 River and North with a Range of stakes and bounded west with upland 
 and also a small pece on north side to Toreys Creek As Affirms, John 
 Brown sur. — 
 
 t^atSB there was some tracts of Land which were Left in common 
 amongst the proprietors of poponomscut and parts Adjacent namely 
 that part of land lying between the five Rayle fence of ould time set up 
 by the Towne of Rehoboth by Agreement bearing date June 29: 1653: 
 And the south Lyne of Rehoboth bounded north by said fence and south 
 by said south Line of Rehoboth and West by a seaventy 5 Acrre divition 
 of Land which was Capt Thomas Willett but now of Right in the posses- 
 tion of Mr James Brown and John Brown and East upon ye Meadows 
 Lying on Swansey River Runing up to Bowens bridge. And one 
 
 82 
 
Eaighty Acree Lott of upland Lying in Swansey Num. 13 And also two 
 home Lots number nine and ten in said Swansey 
 
 And whearas the aforesaid comman Lands were formerly devided 
 to severall of the Community and yet no Record thereof hath bin made, 
 now wee the proprietors of the said Lands at a meting at Rehoboth this 
 15 day of Aprill 1684 doe allow of, Rattify and conferm these following 
 devitions to be Just according to true meaning that so a Legall Record 
 thereof may be made 
 
 Imprimis between the said five Rayle fence and Swansey Line the 
 first devition from ye said seaventy five Acres Exstends East to a carten 
 range of marked trees Ranging North and South passing through said 
 tract of Land and through a small part of the pine swamp which sd devi- 
 tion belongs to Mr James Brown and John Brown 
 
 2 From the said Range of marked trees Eastward Lyeth a Cartain 
 tract of land takeing in all the Pine swamp south of the Line of the said 
 fence to a highway to the East of it Adjoyning and at the South East 
 corner of the said swamp it Exstends to the East of a litle pond or velley 
 to a white oak tree marked and thence (by said way) on a south Line to 
 the south bounds of Rehoboth to a marked young tree which devition 
 belonged to Capt Thomas willett as per page 53 
 
 3 One Devition of Land pertaning to Mr John Allen being about 
 Twenty seaven Acres being bounded North by the Lyne of the five Rayle 
 fence and East by the highway which passeth by the Meadows and by a 
 dead tree to the north of the Run and at the south west corner by a Red 
 oake tree and west by the way by the pine Swamp 
 
 4 One Devition of Land which pertaned to Mr Stephen Pain Senr 
 and is bounded North by the aforesaid Devition of Mr John Allen and 
 East by the highway and south by a highway and west by a way 
 
 5 One Devition which pertaned to Mr Stephen Pain snr. bounded 
 south by the south bounds of Rehoboth and East by the Meadows, North 
 by Capt Hunts upland, and the Swamp (in contrivercy as to a watring 
 place,) and west by the highway 
 
 6 One Devition which pertaneth to Capt Peter Hunt Called Hunts 
 neck layd out for ten Acres, and is bounded East by his own Meadow 
 
 83 
 
and South by Mr Paines Land and upon the west the Swamps and North 
 
 7 One Devition which pertaned to Mr Stephen Pain Sner bounded 
 South by the South Line of Rehoboth and East by the highway to the 
 trees formerly marked and west by a highway of Eaight Rod wide which 
 Runs from the head of the home Lotts and North by his own Land 
 
 8 One Devition which pertaned to Nathaniell Peck and Israeli Peck 
 Containing ten Acres is bounded South by the South Line of Rehoboth 
 East by Mr Paines Land and North by Mr Pains Land and west by the 
 way by the second devition of said lands 
 
 9 One devition which pertaned to Mr Stephen Pain Sener bounded 
 South by the South Lyne of Rehoboth and by the Land of Natha: and 
 Israeli Peck and Northerly by the highway and westerly by the way in 
 the aforesaid second devition his Complement was made upin New 
 Meadow Neck 
 
 10 One devition Layd out in the aforesaid home Lotts number Nine 
 & Ten to Thomas Chafey being ten Acres or thereabouts Called Ricees 
 Neck Bounded North by said Chafeys home Lott East the Meadow 
 south by Mr Aliens Mfeadow and west by Mr Aliens Land 
 
 11 The Remaining part of the said home Lots fell by devition to 
 Capt Peter Hunt and Mr John Allen viz 
 
 12 The north part to said Allen and south part to Capt Hunt and 
 now all in possestion of said Mr John Allen 
 
 1 And as for the Common Lot Number 13 it is thus devided 
 Imprimis to Nathaniell and Israel Peck thirty seaven Acrees more or 
 
 less and is bounded west by the highway North by the Land of Thomas 
 Chafey, East by the Land of Tho : Chafey now in the possestion of John 
 Medberry and by the Land of Ensign Smith now in possestion of John 
 Butterworth and by the Land of Phillip Walker now in possestion of 
 Abraham Perren and by the Land of Samuell Newman and South by the 
 Longe Lott 
 
 2 Item, to Mr Samuell Newman twelve Acres and halfe and is 
 bounded East by a highway south the Long Lot west the pecks Land 
 aforesd and north by the Land of John Butterworth and Abra'ham Perren 
 
 3 To John Butterworth and Abraham Perren twelve Acres and halfe 
 
 84 
 
and is bounded East by a highway, south by the land of Samuell New- 
 man, west the said Pecks Land and North the Land of Thomas Chafey 
 now in possetion of Jchn Medberry 
 
 4 To John Medberry in the Right of Thomas Chafey twenty five 
 Acres and is bounded East by the highway, south by the Land of John 
 Butterworth and Abraham Perren west by the Peck's Land and North 
 by the land of Thomas Chafey 
 
 To the truth of these severall devitions afferms 
 John Allen Peter Hunt 
 
 Sam: Newman John Butterworth 
 
 Stephen Pain Abraham Perrin 
 
 Israeli Peck Joseph Chafey 
 
 KvtxdtB Ot K^VUmmt made and concluded by and between 
 James Brown Ser and Capt John Brown both of Swansey in the Collony 
 of New Plymouth concerning the devideing their whole farme of upland 
 and Swamps as it is sittuate in the said Swansey and Rehoboth being one 
 intire peice. To the end that peace and a good understanding may be 
 continued Betwixt them and the heirs and assignes of them for Ever 
 
 Imprimis By Mutual Consent the said James Brown his heires and 
 Assignes is to have and enjoy for ever all that Tract of Land being 
 Partly in Rehoboth but Mostly in Swansey being bounded at the North- 
 west corner at ye water side by a heap of stones, To the south of a Long 
 Run of water or water course to ye north of the Island of Rocks and 
 thence exstends Southward by the Bay or salt River to the bottom of 
 the neck And is bounded Eastterly by the Cove Runing up by the North 
 East branc'h takeing in the Litle Neck (the burying place only Reserved 
 in Common) and from the North east Cove on the East of the Run of 
 water bounded by Land in the Possession of Noah Floyd to the northward 
 of the head of the said Run of water and then it exstends westerly, being 
 bounded by Capt Browns Eaight acres, a black oak and white oake tree 
 standing in the range and Exstends still westerly through the orchard 
 as it is now fenced, A Litle south of great pear tree and thence northerly 
 
 85 
 
on the East side the brook near unto John Browns Spring as the fence 
 now stands then westerly over the water brook up the hill and thence 
 Northerly as the fence now stands to a Litle Run of water and by that 
 run as now fenced westward and then North Easterly again as now 
 fenced and from said fence it Exstends still North Easterly alonge in 
 Rehoboth on the top of the Long hill or Ridge by severall Marked trees 
 till it comes to a great white oak marked by two more white oakes and 
 then exstends westerly by severall marked trees to the aforesaid heap of 
 stones by the water side; the said James Brown his heirs and assignes 
 to have and injoy all the priveledg and appurtenances within the bounds 
 aforesaid for ever 
 
 ^^rnttil^ by mutuall consent the said John Brown his heirs and 
 Assignes is to have Enjoy for Ever all that tract of Land Lying and 
 being partly in Swansey but mostly in Rehoboth being bounded at the 
 Southwest Corner by ye waterside by the aforesaid heap of stones South- 
 ward of the Long Run or watercourse and thence Exstend Eastwardly 
 by the Rang of marked trees to a great white oake Marked and two 
 white oakes standing close by it on the Top of the Long hill or Ridge 
 aforesaid and thence Exstends Southwesterly all along the top of the 
 said hill by marked trees, to the fence near Swansey Line & thence by the 
 fence as it now stands to the Litle run Runing Eastward in Swansey and 
 then Eastwardly by the fence and Run and then Southwardly on the west 
 side the brook as the fence now stands and then Exstends Eastwardly 
 from the top of the hill by the fence to the East Side the brook and then 
 by the fence Southwardly to the south of the great pare tree and then 
 Eastwardly through the orchard by the fence, thence still Eastwardly by 
 the fence of the Eaight Acres and the white oake and black oak Tree till 
 it Comes to the barn field in the possession of Noah Floyd thence It 
 exstends Northerly by the fence and rang of Saplins to the North East 
 corner of the Eaight Acres, thence it Exstends north north East to a black 
 oak tree marked two sides and thence west and by North by the fence 
 through the pond to the North East Corner of the said John Brown's 
 great field and thence North and by East by Marked trees to a stake in 
 the range of the five Rayle fence and thence East and by south by the 
 
 86 
 
Range of the said fence to a Corner tree marked, and thence Northerly 
 by Land in the possession of Noah Floyd as the trees are marked till it 
 Extends twenty Rods to the North of the Seaven score Rod or the three 
 Rayle fence to a stake marked and thence it exstends west and by North 
 two degrees Northwardly by a range of Marked trees to the salt water 
 or bay on the North side of the Cove and thence is bounded on the salt 
 water on the west side till it Comes to the aforesaid heap of stones at Mr 
 Browns North west Corner, the said John Brown his heirs and Assignes 
 to have and Enjoy all the priviledges and appurtenances within the bounds 
 aforesaid for ever 
 
 (EI|trbly by Mutuall Consent ye aforesaid James Brown his heirs 
 and Assignes is to have and Enjoy for ever all that tract of Land being 
 partly in Swansey but mostly in Rehoboth being bounded on the south by 
 the barn field now in the possestion of Noah Floyd & East by the land 
 of John Viall till it comes to Rehoboth bounds and then exstends East- 
 wards to a Marked tree in the Swamp in the Line of Rehoboth and Swan- 
 sey and thence Exstends North by Marked trees Taking in A Litle of the 
 pine Swamp till it Comes to the Range of the five Rayl fence and then 
 Exstends West and by North to John Browns Land to the stake afore- 
 said and thence it Exstends South and by west to the North East Corner 
 of John Browns great field and thence East wardly till it coms to a 
 marked tree to the North East of Halls pasture and thence on a straight 
 Line to John Browns Eaight Acres the said James Brown his heirs and 
 Assignes to have and Enjoy all the priviledges and appurtenances 
 within the bounds aforesaid 
 
 3R^0UrtI|lg it is agreed and concluded by the said James Brown and 
 John Brown that from time to time and at all times, nessesary ways by 
 gates or Bars shall be Allowed to each of them 
 
 In witness whearof the said James Brown & John Brown have put 
 to their hands and seals this second day of febuary one thousand six 
 hundred Eaighty four 
 Sined Sealed in the presence of us 
 
 Nathaniell Brown James Brown 
 
 Sarah Jenckes John Brown 
 
 87 
 
Alt ArrOUttt of the devition of the upland and Meadow which 
 belongeth to James Brown Esquier and Capt John Brown as it Lyeth at 
 Nayot and Moscachuck In Swansey it is thus devided at 
 
 Nayot 
 
 1 Layd out and devided to John Brown one halfe of the upland and 
 Swamps bounded Easterly by the land of Mr John Saffin Northerly by the 
 Meadow and Creek and Southerly the Meadow & it exstends west to the 
 west of Jethrowes Cellar and bounded at the Meadow Side by a marked 
 saplin and thence on a North poynt by a fly compas by marked saplins to 
 Moscadhuck Creek which runeth up North (a litle west of said Creek) 
 
 2 Layd out and devided to the said James Brown the other halfe 
 of upland being bounded on the east by the said Range of saplins and on 
 the north by the Creek, west by the bay and bounded South by the bay 
 and Meadow 
 
 See page 69 
 
 3 Layd out and devided to John Brown one parcell of Meadow 
 bounded South with the bay and East by the Meadow of Samll Newman 
 North by his own upland and west by a range of stakes 
 
 4 Layd out and devided to Mr James Brown one parcell of Meadow 
 bounded south with the bay and East with the said Range of stakes 
 North with the upland of John Brown and west by a Range of stakes 
 by the well or dining place 
 
 5 Layd out and devided to John Brown one parcell of Meadow 
 bounded south by the bay and East by said Range of stakes North by his 
 own upland and bounded west by a Marked saplin and Range of stakes 
 down to the Creek or bite in the ]\Ieadow 
 
 6 Layd out and devided to Mr James Brown one parcell of Meadow 
 bounded south by the bay : East by the said Range of stake and Marked 
 Saplin North partly by the upland of John Brown but mostly by his own 
 and bounded west with his own upland 
 
 The Meadow and upland at Moscachuck is thus devided 
 
 7 Layd out and devided to Mr James Brown all that upland and 
 Meadow bounded east by the Land of John Safiin as now fenced and at 
 the north East Corner by a marked birch saplin and bounded North by 
 
 83 
 
a Range of Marked sapHns Ranging west and by North till it Comes 
 Near the hole of Meadow and then by Marked saplins arching Southward 
 to the Meadow and then bounded by the Creek which Runeth to the 
 hole of Meadow bounded west by the Creek and south by the Creek till 
 it Comes to Toms spring and then it goeth over the Creek and takeeth 
 in all the Meadow and Land abutting upon the Land of John Saffin To 
 the south 
 
 8 Layd out and devided to John Brown all that upland and Meadow 
 bounded at the South East Corner by the said Marked birch bounded 
 south by a marked saplin Ranging west and by North till it Comes near 
 the hole of Meadow and then by Marked saplins arching southwards till 
 it comes to the Meadow then bounded southerly by the Creek which Run- 
 eth up to the side hole of Meadow and then bounded west by the Creek 
 to the head thereof and bounded North by the Long Lot and bounded 
 East by the Land of John Saffin and also layd out to the said John Brown 
 all that pece of Meadow Lying on Nayot side being bounded South by 
 his own upland west by Mr Browns Land North by the Creek up to 
 Toms spring and East by his own Land 
 
 These severall devitions of upland and Meadow by mutuall Consent 
 as here devided to be houlden and quietly Enjoyed by the said James 
 Brown and John Brown their heirs and Assignes for ever and Also it is 
 by the said partyes Concluded and Agreed that from time to time and at 
 all times for ever hereafter that Convenient and Nessessary wayes 
 through said Land by gates or bars to Each party their heirs and Assignes 
 shall be alowed In witnes of the premises the said James Brown and 
 John Brown have hereunto set their hands and seals this 25 of July 1685 
 Sined and sealled 
 
 m the presence of us witnesses viz James Brown 
 
 Samuell Mason John Brown 
 
 John Fitch 
 
 ^tXt fiTnUodll % Slftttmttn^ part of the severall devitions of 
 Land belonging to the Communyty of Proprietors of the Land of popa- 
 
 89 
 
iiomscut and parts Ajacent, The Land already Entred in page 49 and to 
 page 63 being hereby allowed and Confermed to be good and Authentick 
 
 Imprimis ffrom Rehoboth Line at the head of the home Lots from 
 an ould tree formerly marked standing in the field now in the occupation 
 of Daniell Sheperson is a highway of Eaight Rod wide westerly from 
 said tree which said way Runeth South thirteen degrees west to a white 
 oake tree on the South Side of the pine swamp and thence it Lyeth south 
 four degrees thirty minets west to the north west corner of Joseph 
 Chafeyes home Lot it being well marked next the home Lots then the 
 way Runs south about three degrees west till it Comes as far southerly 
 as the great white oake tree commonly called Capt Hunts tree the way 
 being Eaight Rod between said tree and this Course and then the way 
 Exstendeth itselfe down to a Lot formerly Capt Standiges Lot south 
 about 12° west by severall ould and new marks on the west side of the 
 way especially 
 
 The severall Home Lots Lying on the East side and abutting on this 
 highway are bounded as ffolloeth 
 
 The ffirst Lot origeonally pertaned to Thomas Prince the north halfe 
 whearof now belongs to Nathaniell and Benjamin Pain (Rehoboth) and 
 is bounded on the north with Rehoboth Line, bounded west with the said 
 highway, at the south west with a stake and is bounded down by severall 
 marks to the Meadow on the south side of this north halfe and at the 
 south east Corner with a stake the small trench at the meadow this north 
 halfe being about ten Acres 
 
 The south part of this Lot of Princes from the bounds aforesaid 
 togeather with three house Lots contaning about twenty Acres each 
 which did origeonally belong to Mr William Bradford, Tho. Clark and 
 Capt Thomas Willett but now belongs to Mr John Allen being bounded 
 on the north by the bounds aforesaid bounded on the west with said high- 
 way, bounded at the South west Corner with a stake marked & thence 
 by severall marks on an East 13° south Course to the south East Corner 
 and there bounded with a stake & heap of stones & bounded on the East 
 with a highway which Runeth up as it is now fenced to Rehoboth Line 
 
 The next house Lot origionally was John Winslows being about 
 
 90 
 
Twenty Acres but now belongs to John Pain and is bounded on the East 
 with the highway and bounded on the north with the former bounds and 
 bounded on the west with the highway at the head of the home Lots, and 
 bounded at the south west Corner with a stake and stones about it & 
 Trench and bounded on the south with severall marks from the said way 
 on an East 13° South Course to the south East Corner and there bounded 
 with a stake trench and stones 
 
 The next house Lot about twenty Acres was origeonally John Adams 
 but now belongs to Israeli Peck and the heirs of Nathaniell Peck and is 
 bounded on the north with the bounds of the former Lot (viz) at the 
 north East of this Lot with a stake stone, & trench and bounded at the 
 north west corner with a stake stone and trench and on the west with a 
 highway and bounded at the south west Corner with a stake trench and 
 stone, bounded on the south with severall markes Course is East 13° south 
 to the south East Corner there bounded with a stake and trench and 
 bounded East with a highway Next unto this Lot at the south East 
 Corner Lyeth one Acre of Land be it more or Les sould by John Pain 
 to Israeli Peck bounded south north and west as it is now fenced and 
 bounded north by the line of the aforesaid Lot 
 
 The Next house Lot of about thirty Acres was first Josia'h Winslows 
 and Lyeth on the same course or poynt as the former Lots and is bounded 
 north East with the foresaid Acre of Land bounded north with the Pecks 
 Lot bounded at the northwest Corner with a stake trench and stone 
 bounded west with the highway bounded at the southwest Corner with a 
 stake trench and stone bounded south with a highway of 4 rod wide next 
 the said way at the head of the home Lots and Exstendsth down to 
 Thomas Barnes'es to a white oke about 6 rod is the way on this place, 
 thence to a black oke nere the bridge by Joseph Chafey's here about 9 rod 
 wide thene the way exstendeth about East north East to the water side 
 by severall markes about 5 rod wide bounded East by the former highway 
 this Lot pertains to Tho: Barnes and John Pain there is also a part of 
 this Lot Lying between the highway salt water and Joseph Chafeys 
 meadow up to the bridge 
 
 91 
 
The next Lot origeonally Resolved Whites being about 30 Acres but 
 now belongeth to Joseph Chaffey is bounded East with his own Meadow 
 North from the bridge by the highway and at the north west corner 
 with a great tree marked bounded west with the highway bounded at the 
 South west corner at a stake trench and stones and thence by severall 
 marks East 13° south Course, to the South East Corner by the said 
 Meadow 
 
 The two next Lots pertaned origeonally to Exsperience Michel and 
 Mr Cushman the East part whearof called Rices neck as it is fenced 
 pertaneth to Joseph Chafey as by former Rec'd. and the west part of the 
 said two Lots now pertaneth to Mr John Allen and is bounded at the 
 north East Corner with a stake and a trench by the fence bounded at the 
 north by the aforesaid Lot bounded at the north corner with a stake, 
 trench and stones, and bounded at the south west corner with a stake, 
 trench, and stones and bounded on the south side with a range of marks 
 on an East 13° south Course to the salt water 
 
 The next Lot Capt Standiges origeonally about 20 Acres but now 
 belongeth to John Medbury and John Allen Junier the west part whearof 
 belongeth to John Medbury and is thus bounded, on the west with the 
 highway at the north west corner with a stake trench and stones at 
 the South west Corner with a stake trench and stones bounded on the 
 South by a range of marks on an East 13° south course to the fence of 
 said John Allen and bounded east by said fence and bounded on the north 
 East up to the Litle run by the way and common and from the said Litle 
 Run the way is by said Medbury's fence 2 rod wide up to Mr Aliens 
 Land and the same width is the way through Mr Aliens Land on the 
 brow of the hill next ye swamp up to the highway by Thomas Barnes, 
 There remaines also a small pece of Land to said Medbury on the east 
 side the way ag^iinst his house bounded northerly with Mr Aliens Land 
 Easterly Mr Allen dich southerly the Litle run 
 
 The remaning part of this Lot belongeth to John Allen Junier being 
 bounded west with the land of John Medbury south with the Land of 
 the heirs of John Dixsey and East and north with a highway as it now 
 Lyes unfenced up to Medbury's Land to the Run, from ye gate at the 
 Land of the heirs of John Dixsey 
 
 92 
 
^nt ffolUiplIi % (Bxmt Hots 
 
 One great Lot Laid out for 80 Acre origeonally pertaned to Thomas 
 Clark and now belongeth to the heirs of John Dixsey and is bounded to 
 the salt water Easterly and Northerly by the Latid of John Allen Junier 
 and the Land of John Medbury bounded at the north west corner with 
 a stake trench and stones bounded west with the higliway and bounded 
 ^t the south west corner with a stake 8 rode East 13° south from a tree 
 marked 13 and bounded on the south by severall markes on an East 13° 
 South Course down to the salt water 
 
 The next Great Lot origeonally pertaned to Mr Tho: Cushman but 
 now belongeth to Mr Andrew Willet and is bounded on the north with 
 the former Lot and at the North west corner with a stake 8 rod from the 
 tree marked 13 bounded west with the highway bounded at the southwest 
 Corner with a stake and bounded on the south with the Longe Lot with 
 severall Marks on an East 14° south Course to the south East Corner 
 to a white oake tree marked and bounded on the Ea'st with a Range of 
 Marked trees from said white oke tree Ra'ngeing north I5d-30m East to 
 a way out of this Lot to the salt water 
 
 The next Lot origeonally Mr Cushmans but now Capt Anthony 
 Lowe's bounded north with ye way belonging to Mr Willets and bounded 
 west with Mr Willets lott and bounded south with the Longe Line and 
 bounded East with the salt water there is a highway from ye former 
 gate to & through this lot to our former highway according as it is now 
 Layd out and improved 
 
 One Great Lot formerly Resolved Whites & now belongeth to Joseph 
 Chaff ey & is bounded at the South East Corner with a Tree marked 13 
 bounded on the south by a Range of Trees marked on a west 13d north 
 Course bounded on the west with a highway bounded at the north west 
 Corner with a stake Trench and stones and from said stake bounded on 
 the North by Markes Ranging East 13° south to a white oake tree marked 
 Called Capt Hunts Tree & bounded on the East with a highway at the 
 head of the home Lotts 
 
 One Great Lot formerly John Winslows but now of Late purchased 
 of Stephen Pain senr; by William Allen and it is bounded East with a 
 
 93 
 
highway Eaight Rod wide, south with the Long- Lot & salt water west 
 with the sah water and North with Land Pertaining to John Viall and 
 Noah Floyd 
 
 One Great Lot Called the Longe Lot being bounded East with a Lot 
 formerly to Tho : Cushman but now to Anthony Low bounded north with 
 the Lots numbered 19:12 and 9 bounded west the salt water bounded 
 south with ye Lot number 1 1 and by ye Longe Line this Lot is numbered 
 to one third part whereof belongs to Wm Allen heirs being ye west part, 
 the other two thirds to Anthony Low and is bounded betwixt them with 
 a walnut stake set by Anthony Low and John Brown October 11 : 1688 
 
 One Great Lott formerly Josiah Winslows now belonging to Thomas 
 Barns is bounded at the south East Corner a' white oake tree Called Capt 
 Hunt Corner and bounded south with Joseph Chafeys great Lot bounded 
 at the south west Corner with a stake trench and stones bounded west with 
 a highway, bounded at the north west corner with a stake, trench and 
 stones ; bounded on the north with a highway 8 rod wide ; sicid Lott is 
 bounded at the north East Corner with a stake, trench and stones and 
 bounded on the East with a highway 
 
 One Great Lott fformerly Josiah Winslow now belonging to John 
 Pain is bounded at the south East Corner with a stake, trench and stones, 
 bounded south with a highway of 8 rod wide staked out, bounded at the 
 southwest Corner with a stake trench and stones bounded v.'est with a 
 highway 8 rod wide bounded at the north west Corner with a v/alnut tree, 
 thence by severall marks East 13° south to North East Corner & there 
 bounded with a stake, trench and stones bounded East with a highway 
 8 rod wide 
 
 One Great Lot fformerly John Adams now belonging to Israeli Peck 
 Peck and the heirs of Nathaniell Peck bounded at the south west Corner 
 with a wallnut tree, then East 13° south to the south East corner, then 
 bounded with a stake trench and stones, bounded East with a high way 
 bounded at the north East corner with a tree marked and thence by sev- 
 erall marks west 13° north to the west highway in the pine Swamp, and 
 bounded west with the said highway 
 
 94 
 
One Great Lot fformerly William Bradfords now belonging to Israeli 
 Peck and the heirs of Nathaniell Peck and to Joseph Kent and is bounded 
 at the South East Corner with a tree marked, bounded East with a bigh- 
 way at the head of the home Lots bounded at the north East Corner with 
 the Entersection of the said highway and Rehoboth Lyne, bounded on the 
 North with Rehoboth Line and bounded on the west with the highway of 
 8 rod wide which Runeth from Rehoboth Lyne down to and through the 
 Longe Lot 
 
 One Great Lot formerly John Adams Lying on the west side the 
 highway by the scooll house, which Lot the most and East part thereof 
 now belongs to Mr John Allen and his part is bounded at the north East 
 Corner with a young saplin marked and bounded north by a range of 
 marks west 13° North to a stake and bounded on the East with said 
 highway, bounded at the South East Corner with a stake trench and stone 
 bounded south with a highway 8 rod wide, on a west 13° north Course 
 to the Maine Cove, but Mr Aliens Land Exstendeth not to the Cove b'ut 
 to a stake at the south west Corner with a trench by it 
 
 These severall Lots have bin Carefully serched out together with the 
 highways there to belonging and stated by us whow were by the Commu- 
 nity chosen a Committee for that end May 2^ : 1687 
 
 John Allen ^ 
 
 John Brown V Committe 
 
 Noah Floyd J 
 
 the Community of Proprietors doe acknowledge the great Care 
 of the Committe in serching out and stating the severall divitions and 
 highways before Entred and we doe to our utmost power Conferme the 
 same a's witnes our hands 
 
 Anthony Low Israeli Peck 
 
 Tho: Barnes Joseph Chafey 
 
 J^arU0 Mr James Brown and Capt Joihn Brown both of Swansey 
 in the County of Bristoll on the 25 of July 1685 made Devition of their 
 Lands and Meadowes which they held formerly in Joynt Partnership 
 
 95 
 
betwixt them at Nayot in said Swansey Exsepting the Creek thach beds 
 and sedge beds Lying on the north part of the said Mr James Browns 
 upland and the Northerly beach of Nayot Lying on the Southerly and 
 westerly side of Moscachuck Creek in said Swansey with the Thach and 
 Thach beds to apertaning but held and Improved the same in Joynt 
 partnership And the said Mr James Brown Sometime after vested his 
 sone Mr James Brown Jnr withall his Rights in said Nayot And Then 
 the said John Brown and James Brown Junior held and improved the 
 said Beach Thach beds Creek thach sedge and its Apurtenances in 
 partnership undevided till the 15th day of September 1708 and then Thus 
 devided it To say that the said James Brown Jnr his heirs and Assignes 
 shall hould and forever Enjoy all that Thach Sedge and Soyll lying 
 between Moscachuck Creek and his own upland till it Comes to the 
 Southermost Wading place to said beach at the Southermost End of Mr 
 Thomas Aliens Southermost Neck 
 
 And that the said John Brown his heirs and Assines shall hould and 
 forever In joy all the Remaning beach and Thach sedge and soyll Lying 
 to the Northward of said wading place between Moscachuck Creek and 
 the bay and a Convenient direct way to his farm at Nayot from and to 
 the same as witnes their hands this 11 of October 1708 
 In the presence of us witnesses 
 
 Samuell Brown John Brown 
 
 Lydia Balkcome James Brown Jr 
 
 ®0 all OII|n0ttatt PiPOpb to whom this present deed of sale shall 
 Come. 
 
 William Ingraham of Swanzey in the County of Bristoll in the prov- 
 ince of the Massa'chusetts Bay in New England Cooper and Mary his 
 now wife, send Greeting 
 
 Know yee that the said William Ingraham for and in consideration 
 of the sume of thirty pounds Current mony of New England to him in 
 hand paid at and before the Ensealing and delivery of these presents 
 By Thomas Guinn Marriner and Benjamin Pemberton Tinplate worker, 
 
 96 
 
both of Boston in the province afforesaid the Receipt whereof the said 
 William Ingraham doth hereby Acknowledge and himselfe therewith 
 fully sattisfied and contented and thereof and of Every part thereof doth 
 hereby Exonerate, and discharge the sd. Thomas Guin and Benjamin 
 Pemberton and their heirs, executors and Administrators and every of 
 them forever by these presents hath freely and absolutely Given granted 
 Barganed sould Enfeofed and Confermed and Doth by these presents, 
 give grant, bargen sell, Enfeof and conferm unto the said Thomas Guin 
 and Benjamin Pemberton their heirs and Assignes forever the whole of 
 an Island situate in the Township of Swanzey aforesaid being Salt Marsh 
 and known by the name of Ingraham Island which said Island the above 
 said William Ingraham formerly purchased of his father Richard Ingra- 
 ham desesed With all and singular the Timber wood under wood, stone, 
 Mines, menneralls waters feedings gras proffits Commodity's Immunitys 
 and appurtenances whatsoever to the same belonging or in a'ny wise 
 apertaning unto the said Thomas Guin & Benjamin Pemberton them and 
 their heirs and Assignes forever. To have and to Hould all the above 
 said Island with the Revertion and revertion Remainder and Remainders 
 To them the sd. Thomas Guin and Benjamin Pemberton their heirs and 
 Assignes forever And the William Ingraham doth hereby Covenant 
 promis and graunt to and with the said Thomas Guin and Benjamin Pem- 
 berton their heirs and Assigns that at the time of this bargen and sale 
 and untill the delivery of these presents he the said William Ingraham 
 is the true and LawfuU owner of all the above said premises and is Law- 
 fully seized of and in the same & that he hath in himself good Right and 
 Lawfull Authority to give, graunt, bargen, sell Conveigh and Assure the 
 same unto the said Thomas Guin and Benjamin Pemberton their heirs 
 and Assignes forever as a good perfect and absolute estate of Inheritance 
 in fee simple according to the free Tenor of their Majestyes Mannor of 
 East Greenwich in the County of Kent within the Realm of England in 
 free and common soecage and not in Capetie and Knights servis But 
 without any manner of Condition, Revertion, title, dower, or Limmeta- 
 tion or Limmetation of useges so as to alter, d^nge, defeat or make void 
 the same And that the said Thomas Guin and Benjamin Pemberton their 
 
 97 
 
heirs and Assignes shall and may by force and vertue of these presents 
 from time to time and at all times hereafter Lawfully peaceably and 
 quietly hould, use, occupye posses and enjoy all the above said Demised 
 premises without any Let sute Trouble deniall, Literruption or Contra- 
 diction of him the said Wiliam Ingraham his heirs or Assignes And 
 thereof free and Clear and Clearly acquited and discharged of and from 
 all and all maner of former and other gifts, graunts, Bargens, sales, 
 leases Mortgages, Joyntures, dowers. Judgments, Intayles, Executions, 
 Exstents and of and from all other troubles or Incumbrances, whatso- 
 ever, had miade or done or suffered to be done by him the said William 
 Ingraham his heirs or assignes In Witness whearof the said William 
 Ingraham and Mary his wife have hereunto set their hands and sealls 
 the seaventeenth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand six 
 hundred ninety and Three and in the fifth year of their Majesties Reign 
 sealed and delivered in the presence of William Ingraham 
 
 John Allen The mark (III) of 
 
 Richard Smith Mary Ingraham 
 
 Wm Ingraham Appeared and Mary his wife ye 17 of May 1693 
 before me the subscriber one of the Councell & Justice of ye Peace and 
 acknowledged this Instrument to be their act and deed 
 
 John Walley 
 
 January the Third 1698-9 Then Agreed by Israeli Peck and 
 Nathaniell Peck the sone of Nathaniell Peck deseeced for the deviding of 
 their Eight}^ Acre Lot on Addames his plain, viz ; That the said Lot 
 being devided this day by Capt John Brown into Two Equall parts and 
 the deviding Lyne being well marked by severall markt trees, the south 
 part to belonge to the said Israeli Peck his heirs and Assignes forever 
 
 And the north part is to belonge to the said Nathaniell Peck his 
 heirs and Assignes forever And it is further Agreed by and between 
 the said partyes that the said Israeli Peck his heirs and Assignes shall 
 forever have and Enjoy all that Thirty seaven Acres Lot Lying near 
 unto the house of Thomas Allen which Lot was part of the Common 
 Lot 
 
 98 
 
And in consideration thereof the said Nathaniell Peck his heirs and 
 Assig-nes shall forever have and Enjoy all that forty Acres Lott belonging 
 to the said Pecks Runing through the pine swamp which Lot was 
 origeonally Mr Bradfords and also all that five Acre Lot Adjoyning to 
 the Land of Nathaniell Pain And this our Agreement we Request the 
 said Capt Brown to Record in the booke of Records belonging to the 
 Community of proprietors of the Lands of Popanomscut and parts 
 Adjacent, In witness whearof wee have hereunto Set our hands the day 
 and year above written 
 Sined in the presence of us witnesses 
 
 Daniell Allen Jonathan Viall Israeli Peck 
 
 Samuell Peck Nathaniell Peck 
 
 I And Jan : the 26 : and 28 dayes i6g8 then devided by Israeli Peck 
 and Nathaniell Peck their Remaining Land and Meadowes in part- 
 nership, viz ; one Lot of Land Lying near unto a place Called Rumstick 
 the Lot Lying on the west side the way that Leadeth down the midst 
 of the neck said Lot is bounded on the East with said way, on the north 
 with ye Land of John Saffin Esqr. on the west with salt water on the 
 south with the Land of sd Saffin and said lot being devided by a range 
 of Mrkt Saplins from said w^ay to the salt water, the north side of 
 said lot belongs to Israeli Peck his heirs and Assignes foiever And 
 the south side or halfe part belongs to Nathaniell Peck his heirs and 
 Assignes forever 
 
 2ly One Lot of Meadow Lying at Rumstick being bounded at the 
 north with the fence as now fenced on the East with the Meadow of 
 Daniell Allen to south the salt water on the west the Meadow of Mr. 
 Samuell Low, This Lot of Meadow is devided by a range of stakes from 
 the upland to the beach Southerly the East part is to belong and apper- 
 tain to Israeli Peck his heirs and Assignes for Ever, And the west part 
 of said lot is to belong and appertain unto Nathaniell Peck his heirs 
 and Assignes for ever 
 
 99 
 
3ly One Lot of Meadow Lying at Rumstick Chachapeceset neck 
 bounded west with the fence, south the Meadow of Daniell Allen, East 
 the salt water north the meadow of John Saffin Esqr. said Lot being 
 devided by a range of stakes, to a salt pond in the Meadow, Easterly 
 The South part belongs to Nathaniell Peck his heirs and Assignes for- 
 ever And the north part belongs to Israeli Peck his heirs and Assignes 
 forever 
 
 4ly One Lot of jNIeadow Lying at a place known by the name of 
 Scamscammuck bounded South with the Meadow of Daniell Allen to 
 the west with Certain Marked trees and Saplins to north the spring to 
 the East the Creek ; This lot is devided as it is now fenced and be a 
 marked walnut saplin & a stake from the upland to said Creek easterly 
 The, north part of said Lot belongs to Israeli Peck his heirs and Assignes 
 for ever. And the south part of said Lot belongeth to Nathaniell Peck 
 his hiers and Assignes for ever. 
 
 5ly One Lot that Lyeth a little more northerly bounded west the 
 upland north the upland East marked trees South a Litle Creek; this 
 Lot is devided by a Range of stakes from the upland to the Creek south- 
 erly the west part of sd. Lot belongeth to Israeli Peck his heirs and 
 Assignes for Ever. And the East part of said Lot belongeth to Nathaniell 
 Peck his heirs and Assignes for Ever 
 
 61y The Lot of INIeadow lying at a place known and called by 
 the name of Longe beach bounded on the north as it is now fenced, 
 East by said fence, South to the beach to the west the Meadow of 
 Deacon Newman, this lot is devided by a range of stakes from the upland 
 to the beach southerly the East part of said Lot is to belonge to Israeli 
 Peck his heirs and Assignes forever And the west part of said lot is 
 to belonge to Nathaniell Peck his heirs and Assignes forever 
 
 7ly The house or home Lot devided by a range of Marked Trees 
 and Saplins and stakes from the highway at the East to the highway 
 at the west, the south part of this Lot belongeth to Israeli Peck his 
 heirs and Assignes forever And the north part of said Lot belongeth 
 to Nathaniel Peck and his heirs and Assignes for ever In witness whear- 
 
of the said Israeli Peck and Nathaneill Peck have hereunto all the sev- 
 
 eralls set to their hands Jan : 28 1698 
 
 Witness 
 
 Bamfield Capron Israeli Peck 
 
 Daniell Allen Nathaniell Peck 
 
 The Lands of Nathaniell & Israeli Peck; in the seavenscore Rod 
 in Wachamokt neck in Rehoboth 
 
 One forty Acre Lot be it more or Les bounded northerly with the 
 Line of the sevenscore Rod, bounded west with a highway passing to the 
 east end of the pine swamp south with a highway betwixt said Lot and 
 Land Laid out to Mr. John Allen next to the Line of the five Rayl fence 
 bounded East with a highway betwixt said Lot and Land Laid out to 
 Capt Peter Hunt in said Seaven score Rod 
 
 In Come Plyence to the Warrent for the Meting of the Community 
 of Febes neck In swansey we the said Community met on the thirtyeth 
 day of august 1710 and Chose Benjamin Viall to be our Clarke to keep 
 the Booke of the Community aforesaid we allso Chose Capt Samuell Low 
 and Samuell Brown to see him Sworne and to deliver him the Booke 
 Benjamin Viall personally appearing before Daniell Allen 
 
 me one of his majestyes Justics of the John pain 
 
 peace for the County of Bristoll this 29th Israeli Peck 
 
 of November 17 10 and took his oath to Nathaniel Peck 
 
 the discharge of the above office of a Cleark Joseph Chafe 
 
 Whereunto he is Chosen Jonathan Viall 
 
 Nathaniel Paine Samuell Low 
 
 Samuell Brown 
 Nathaniel Pain 
 
 At a SlamfuU marn^Jr mh full m^^ting of the Proprietors of Phebes 
 Neck in Swansey on Aprel the ninth one thousen Seaven Hundred 
 and elavene It was then agreed by the Maore Part of said Comunity 
 that the highway that Runs to the west side of hides hole on a west 
 poynt four Rods wide and from thence South downe towards the Beach 
 
 lOI 
 
Eaighteen Chaines the same breadth aforesaid and from thence to the 
 Pecks meadow At the Longe Beach We the Proprietors Aforesaid do 
 give our consent that it shall be maid a drift wave by hanging of two 
 gates for the Banifit of Capt Samuell Low and son to Remain for ever 
 In witness whereof we have hereunto sett our Hands the day and 3^ear 
 above written 
 
 Samuell Lowe Ebenezer Allen 
 
 Daniell Allen Zachariah Bicknell 
 
 Simon Davis Nathaniell Peck 
 
 John Allen John Chafe 
 
 Thomas Turner James Smith 
 
 Benjamin Viall Joseph Chafife 
 
 Israeli Peck Jonathan Viall 
 
 Josiah Turner Ebeneser Tiffene 
 
 Samuell Humphry 
 
 l3l}|pr^aH Capt Samuell Low Mr James Addams Mr. William Corbe 
 sen and Mr. Obadiah Bettes all of Swansey Held Certain Lots of Land 
 Which did formerly Belong to Mr John Allen Sen. and the Pecks Which 
 Lots of Land Lyes at Febes Neck in Swansey But ware at a los to 
 find the former Bound Between Said Lots of Land, But on January 
 the seacond one thousand seaven hundred and fiveteene they Came to 
 this Agreement that the Line Between said Lots of Land should Begin 
 north at A stake and stones and so run South to the end of said lots 
 this North Bounds Between them is the Northeast Corner of Pecks Lot 
 and the Northwest Corner of Aliens Lot 
 
 Wher as Mr. James Addams and Mr. Wilham Corbe Both of 
 Swansey held certain Lands on Febes Neck in said Swansey But ware 
 at a Loss to find the former Bounds Between them but on January the 
 2, 171 5 they Came to this agreement that the Bounds Betweene said 
 Lots should Begin two Rods north of a black oke tree and from the 
 black oke tree Southerly to the end of Mr Corbes Lot Mr. Addams on 
 the west side Mr. Corbe on the east side 
 
JItt Olomplg^nrp to the Warrente for the Meting of the Community 
 of B- Proprietors of febes Neck in Barrington on October the thirteth 
 one thousand and seaven hundred and Eightteene It was then voted 
 at said meeting to choose three men as a Committy viz Lieu. Nathaniell 
 Peck, Mr. Samuell Brown and Benjamin Viall to Lay out an open 
 highway through Mr. Zacheriah Bicknels Lane, the said highway Be- 
 ginning at Mr Bicknels South Gate till it Comes to the Land that was 
 formerly Israeli Hardings whare there is an open highway to anser To 
 this highway was freely Given By Mr Bicknell at said meeting to Remain 
 as an open highway for ever, the said highway being two Rods wid 
 
 At a l:ir0pnPtnrB ilprttng Legally Warned and met to-Gether on 
 Febes neck In Barrington on March the seaventh on thousand seaven 
 hundred and Nineteene-twenty to see if the proprietors of said Neck 
 Could agree to make Dissposell of any parte of the high wayes Lieut 
 Nathaniell Peck Being then Chosen Moderator of said Meeting for the 
 work of said day 
 
 March the seaventh one thousand seaven hundred and Nineteene- 
 twenty then att a Proprietors Meeting Legally warned on Febes Neck 
 In Barrington it was voted to Exchang the rodway as it now runs 
 through Mr Samuell Torreys Lott for a road way on the north end of 
 his Lott; Begining at a white oake tree that stands by a little pond and 
 by the highway within four Rods of Captain Lows home Lott stone 
 ditch wall so runing a direct line till it ends in the roadway that runs 
 across the north end of Mr. James Adam^s long lott 
 
 That lieut Nathaniell Peck and his uncle Israeli Peck shall have 
 liberty to shut up and have the full Improvement of the highway that 
 is Between their land from Rehoboth line untill it Comes to the south 
 of Nathaniell Peck Junior home lotts until the Major part of the Pro- 
 prietors of Phebes Neck shall by their vote Disanule this vote 
 
 We the subscribers who are underwritten and named do protest 
 against selling or letting out any of the highways on Phebes neck In 
 
•Swansey alis Barrington In the County of Bristol allia's popunomscut 
 and parts ajaccnt on said Neck March the seaventhday anno domi one 
 thousand and seaven hundred and nineteen 20 
 
 John Baker Saniuell Barns 
 
 Mathew Allen James Brown 
 
 Thomas Hill • Samuell Brown 
 
 Benjamin Brown Daniell Brown 
 
 Joseph Brown 
 
 March the 22 1720-21 then Agreed by Nathaniell Peck the son of 
 Mr. Israeli Peck and Samuell Barns for the deviding of their thirty 
 Acre Lot which lot pertained to Thomas Barnes and John Pane viz 
 that the said lot being devided this day by Nathaniell Peck and Samuell 
 Barnes into two parts and the deviding Lyne being well Mearked by 
 severall mark treese Begining at a white oke tree standing in the Range 
 of the highway next to the river on the easterly side of the Neck thence 
 it extends to an old whit oke tree neere the Barne that belongs to 
 Samuell Barnes thence it exstends to a stake and stones to the highway 
 which stake and stones in Ranging with the marke treese aforesaid the 
 north part from this Range of mark treese and stake aforesaid to Belong 
 to the said Nathaniell Peck his heirs and Assignes for ever and the 
 south part to belong to the said Samuell Barnes his heirs and As- 
 signes for ever and this our agreement we request Benjamin Viall 
 to Record in the Booke of Records Belonging to the Community of 
 Proprietors of the Lands of Popanemscut and parts Ajacent In witnes 
 \vhear of we have hereunto set our hands the day and year above writ- 
 ten. 
 Sined in the presence of us witneses Nathaniell Peck 
 
 Israeli Peck Samuell Barnes 
 
 Benjamin Viall 
 
 A iiiuitimt uf (Eprlatlt trartS of Land Lying in Partnership Between 
 Mr Jabes Brown, Benjamin Brown and Isack Brown all of the town of 
 
 104 
 
Barrington in the County of Bristoll in New England viz, the one halfe 
 of it Belonging to said Jabes Brown and the other halfe of it belonging 
 to said Benjamin Brown and Isaac Brown the first of sd. tracts of Land 
 Lying in the town of Barrington adjoyning to Rehoboth Line Bounded 
 Northerly to said town Line westerly to the Land of Daniell Brown East- 
 erly and southerly to the Land of Benjamin Viall and is Divided as fol- 
 loeth Begining at the corner of a Ditch next to said Daniell Browns 
 Land about a Rod Northerly of a small pond Thence Runing with said 
 Ditch East and by south about seaven Degrees to the south till it comes 
 to said Viall Land the sd Jabes Browns Land Lying on the south side 
 of sd Line and the said Benjamin Browns and Isaack Browns Land 
 is on the Northerly side of said Divition, all in at the same time we 
 the sd Jabes Brown, Benjamin Brown and Isaac Brown Divided a 
 Certaine tract of Land lying in the Town of Rehoboth containing about 
 one hundred and twenty acres Bounded southerly to the Line Between 
 Rehoboth and Barrington; Easterly to the Land of sd Benjamin Viall 
 Northerly Partly to Daniell Browns Land and Partly to Samuell Hills 
 Land Bounded westerly to sd Danll Browns Land, the Divisionell line 
 Begining at a stake standing in the line Betw'n sd Rehoboth and Bar- 
 rington about six Rods to the westward of where formerly Capt Willet 
 made a Bridge, thence North about four Degrees to the east Rainging 
 with severall Markt trees to an old whit oake; mark, and still on the 
 same line till it comes to a stake markt in the line Betwen this Land 
 and Daniell Browns land, the land that Lyes on the Easterly side of said 
 line Being about sixty acres to be and belonge to the sd. Jabes Brown 
 his heirs and assignes for ever and the land that lyes on the westerly 
 side of sd. Divisionell line Being about sixty acres, to be and belong to 
 the sd. Benjamin Brown and Isaac Brown their heirs and assigns for- 
 ever and we the sd Jabes Brown, Benjamin Brown and Isaac Brown 
 Do acknowledge ourselves fully satisfied and Contented with sd Divisions 
 and that it be and remaine Betweene us and our heirs and assigns for- 
 ever. 
 
 In Testamony hereof We have hereunto set our hands and seals 
 this eight Day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand seven 
 
 105 
 
hundred and twenty five and in the Twelvoth year of his Majesties Reign 
 George King of England anil signed and sealed in presence of us 
 Hesekiah Brown Benjamin Brown 
 
 Danll Carpenter Isaac Brown 
 
 Jabes Brown 
 
 iKlUnU all men by llirsr JJlTSCUta thai we John Chaftee & Joseph 
 Chaffee both of Barrington in the County of Bristol in the province of 
 the Massachusetts Bay in New England the Heirs of Joseph Chaffee 
 Deceased, who has in his last will and testament given unto us the 
 sd John Chaffee & Joseph Chaftee his Land and meadows Lying in sd 
 town 
 
 These presents witnesseth that we John Chaffee and Joseph Chaffee 
 have freely and mutually consented to and agreed upon a division of 
 said Lands and meadows which we have Layd out and bounded in 
 severall parcells, that is to say, the first Division to John Chaftee of 
 upland & meadow butted and bounded as folloeth the north East Corner 
 bounding upon the highway & stake & heaps of stones from thence to 
 a stake and stone thence Runing to a walnut tree : from thence to a Red 
 oak marked on two sides ; from thence to the highw^ay & heape of stones : 
 w-est by the highwa}- ; the South Corner begining with an heap of stones, 
 so Runing to a Red oak tree, from thence to a black oak standing in the 
 wall : then Runing to the highway East on the highway to the first men- 
 tioned bounds. On the lower side of the way begining at a stake & 
 heap of Stones, thonce to a Red oak so Runing to a Cedar -Stake being 
 the North east Corner; Easterly on meadow of Joseph Chaft'ee by a 
 Range of Stakes Southerly on land of Samuell Allen as the fence now 
 stands Westerly on the highway of two Rods wide to the first mentioned 
 boiuids also the bounds of a piece of salt marsh belonging to the sd 
 division as followeth viz; Northerly by land of Samll Barnes, Westerly 
 on the Creek, Easterly on the River, Southerly on Joseph Chaffee 
 Senr & Junr all the Land and meadow^ w^ithin these severall bounds 
 above mentioned belongoth to John Chaft'ee & his heirs and assigns for- 
 ever be the same more or less 
 
 io6 
 
A second Division unto the sd. John Chaffee, Know yee: that this 
 Second Division is butted and bounded as followeth ; northerly on land 
 of Nathll Peck ; Westerly on the highway, Southerly on Land of Joseph 
 Chaffee as the fence now stands; Easterly on the highway all the Land 
 Lying within these mentioned bound belongeth unto John Chaffee his 
 heirs and assigns for ever, be it more or less 
 
 Know ye that the first Division of Land and meadow belonging unto 
 Joseph Chaffe is as followeth : Butted & bounded Easterly on the Creek, 
 Southerly on a piece of meadow of Samll Allen, westerly on Samll 
 Aliens Land; as also westerly on Land of sd John Chaffe by a Range 
 of stakes to a Cedar Stake which is the north west Corner in the meadow : 
 from thence westerly to a Red oak so Runing to the highway, then on 
 the highway westerly & northerly Also the bounds following are of a 
 piece of Land belonging to sd Division which are as followeth : bounded 
 Easterly by the highway, northerly the highway, westerly on the high- 
 way, southerly on Land of John Chaffee from a heap of Stones to a 
 Red oak marked on two Sides, thence to a walnut tree from thence to 
 a stake & stone, from thence to a stake and stones at the Easterly Cor- 
 ner all the upland and meadow Lying within those Severall bounds 
 abovementioned belong to Joseph Chaffee his heirs & assigns for Ever, 
 be the Same more or Less- further. Know ye the second Division of 
 Joseph Chaffee is as followeth, bounded west on the highway. South 
 on Land of Mathew Allen, East on the highway, north on Land of John 
 Chaffee as the fence now stands All the Land Contained in these bounds 
 belongeth unto the sd. Joseph Chaffe and his heirs & assigns for ever. 
 be the Same more or Less. And we do by these presents acquit all our 
 claim. Right title and interest in & to the same in each & Every Division 
 belonging to each of us as they are above bounded for ourselves our heirs 
 Executors administrators & assigns for ever & we the sd John Chaffe & 
 Joseph Chaffe do promise for ourselves & our heirs Executors administra- 
 tors & assigns, never to Disturb or molest Each other in the Quiet & peac- 
 able possession & improvement of our Divisions. In witness whereof we 
 have hereunto set our hands and seals this twenty sixth day of march 
 one thousand seven hundred twenty & nine & in the Second year of the 
 
 107 
 
Reign of our Soveraign Lord George by the grace of God, of Great 
 
 Brittain &c 
 
 Signed Sealed & Delivered in the presence of 
 
 James Bicknell John Chaffe 
 
 Recompence Tiffany Joseph Chafife 
 
 A ltmaui« of rrrtam ^m^B Betwen Benjamin Brown of Reho- 
 and Isaac Brown of the Town of Barrington in the County of Bristoll 
 in the province of the Massachusets bay in Newengland viz Two Tracts 
 of Land being in Eaquall Partnership the one of said Tracts of 
 Land Containing Ten acres and sixty six Rods Lyeing partly in the 
 Town of Rehoboth and partly in said Barrington, Bounded westerly 
 the land of Daniell Brown, Southerly the land of Jabes Brown, Easterly 
 the land of Benjamin Viall and partly the land of sd Jabes Brown 
 Northerly the other peace of land hereafter mentioned the Divisionall 
 Line that is agreed on to part sd. Tracts of Land Begins at a stake 
 standing in a Ditch in the line of said Daniell Browns land Twenty 
 seven Rods to the North of the south west Corner of said Tract of land 
 thence east and by south about seven Degrees to the south till it come to 
 the Land of Mr. Viall. The sd Land that Lyes on the southerly side 
 of sd line to be and belong to the sd Benjamin Brown his heirs and 
 assigns for ever being five acres and thirty three Rods and the land lying 
 on the Nbrtherly side of said line being five acres and thirty three Rods 
 to be and belong to the sd. Isacc Brown his heirs and assigns for ever, 
 the other of sd tract of land lyeing within the sd Town of Rehoboth on 
 the North end of the abovesaid land. Bounded Easterly the land of Jabes 
 Brown, westerly and Northerly the Land of Daniell Brown being fourty 
 Two acres and three quarters Lyeing one hundred and nineteene Rods 
 long and the sd. Isaac Brown is to have and to hold to him his heirs 
 and assigns for ever. Twenty one acres and sixty Rords the south end 
 of sd tract of land Being fifty six rods Northerly and southerly Runing 
 one end from a stake standing on the west side of sd land, in the line 
 of said Daniell Browns Land thence East and by South till it comes to 
 
 io8 
 
sd Jabes Browns Land And the sd Benjamin Brown is to have and 
 to hold to him his heirs and assigns for Ever the Northerly end of sd 
 tract of land Being twenty one acres and sixty Rods, Runing sixty three 
 Rods Northerly and southerly and for the conformation of the above 
 sd Divition we the sd Benjamin Brown and Isaac Brown hath here- 
 unto set our hands and seales this sevententh Day of December Anno 
 Domini 1725 and in the twelfth year of his Majesties Reign King of 
 Great Brittaine and signed sealed in Presence 
 
 Daniell Brown Benjamin Brown 
 
 Daniell Carpenter Isaac Brown 
 
 At a prapmtxttB Mmm Legally warned and assembled on 
 Phebes Neck so called in Barrington the first day of Aprel 1730 to see if 
 the proprietors of said neck would agree to make disposal of Part of a 
 Road or way in said Phebes Neck in Barrington, Mr Samuel Allen 
 being Chosen moderator of said meeting, it being put to vot whether 
 the proprietors would dispose of said way voted in the affermitive, it 
 was then put to vote whether the proprietors would give the way be- 
 gining at Samuel Barns south west corner of his hom lot thence Runing 
 northward to Rehoboth line to Doer Hesekiah Chafifee him his heirs and 
 assignes for ever as a bounty and encorregment for him to settle amongst 
 us, it was voted in the Afermitive The Road or way now Disposed of 
 Begins at Samuell Barns south west Corner Runing northward at the 
 head of the home lots belonging to Nathaniell Peck, Deacon Nathaniell 
 Peck and Joseph Allen to Rehoboth line being an eight Rod way 
 
 Voted that Deacon Nathaniel Peck, Mr Benjamin Viall, Mr 
 Samuel Allen be a Committe to receive a Bond of Docter Hesekiah 
 Chaffe for and in the behalfe of the proprietors 
 
 At a SlamfuU Martt^Ji Mtttin^ of the Proprietors of Phebes Neck 
 In warren and Parts ajacent: Held at the Meeting House on Phebes 
 Neck in said Warren: On the thirteenth Day of March 1750-51 to 
 Chuse a Proprietors Qark 
 
 109 
 
Matthew Allin Esqr. was Chosen Moderator for said Meeting, and 
 the said Mathew Allin was Chosen Clark of the said Proprietors to keep 
 the Book of Record of the said Propriety and Mr. Nathaniell Peck and 
 Mr James Brown was Chosen to see that the said Matthew Allin Takes 
 his Oath to the said office of a Clark to the said Proprietors and to go 
 with him to see that he receives the said Book or makes Demand of it 
 of Mr Nathaniel Viall who is the Executor of Mr Benjamin Viall 
 Decesd — who was the Late Clark of ye sd Proprietors 
 
 In the Colony of Rhode Island : Matthew Allin Bristol ss. 
 
 Qark to the said Proprietors 
 
 Warren March 13th 1750-51 
 Matthew Allin Esqr. Parsonally came before me one of his Majes- 
 ties Justices of the peace for the County of Bristol and took his Oath 
 to the office of a Clarke of the Proprietors of Phebes Neck and parts 
 ajacent 
 In presence of 
 
 Nathaniel Peck James Smith 
 
 James Brown Quorum Unus 
 
 Pursuant to the within vote of the Proprietors March 20th 1750-51 
 I demanded the Proprietors Book of Records of Nathaniell Viall in pres- 
 ence of Mr Nathanel Peck & Mr James Brown and the said Viall 
 Refused to Deliver to me the said Book Mathew Allin 
 
 Bristol Ss 
 
 [S] To Samuel Brown Esqr. one of the Proprietors of the Pur- 
 chase Lands Commonly Caled Sawams Allias Sawamsett and parts 
 adjacent 
 
 Whereas Application hath bin made to me the subscriber one of 
 his Majesties Justices of the Peace for the County of Bristol In the 
 province of Massachusetts bay by Samuel Brown Esqr Joseph Brown 
 Hesekiah Brown, Charles Brown and Capt Benjamin Brown, being Pro- 
 prietors in the purchase Lands aflforsd Desiring a Proprietors meeting 
 
 no 
 
might be Caled on munday the first day of Aprill Next to meete To- 
 gether at the Dwelling house of Nathaniel Vial in Rehoboth in the 
 County of Bristoll where the land Lyeth at Ten of the Clock in the 
 forenoon on sd Day, then and there to Chose a Proprietors Clerk in 
 the Rome or stead of Mr Benjamin Vial late Deceased, who was their 
 former Proprietors Clerk 
 
 These are therefore In his majesties Name to Require you to Noti- 
 fie the sd Proprietors with the time and place of sd meeting and what 
 is to be acted at sd meeting (vis) to Chose a Proprietors Clerk, which 
 Notification to be in writing posted up in some Public place or places 
 in the Town or Towns where the Land of the sd Purchase Lyeth at 
 least fourteen dayes before the day appointed for sd meeting, for which 
 this shall be your sufficient warrant, you are to make return of this 
 warrant with your Doings thereon to the sd Proprietors at ye sd meeting. 
 
 Given under my hand and seal in Rehoboth afforsd the Twenty 
 third Day of febuary in the Twenty fourth year of his majestie's King 
 George the Seconds Reigne, AnnoQue Dominis 1750 
 
 Danll Carpenter 
 
 Bristoll Ss 
 
 Rehoboth Aprill ye first Day 175 1 
 Persuant to the within written warrant to me Directed I have caused 
 a Notification to be posted up in some Public place in Rehoboth Swansey 
 and Warren (where the Proprietors Cheifly Dwell), in which Notifica- 
 tion the articles in the warrant are Inserted at Lest fourteen Days before 
 the Day appointed for sd meeting 
 
 per me Samuel Brown 
 
 Persuant to the sd warrant the Proprietors of the Lands and pur- 
 chase Sawams alias Sawamsett and parts Adjacent Assembled and met 
 together at the Dwelling house of Nathaniel Viall in Rehoboth on the 
 first Day of Aprill Anno Domini 175 1 being a Lawfull meeting of sd 
 Proprietors and by a majority of votes Chose Capt Joseph Wheaton 
 moderator for sd and at the same time the sJ Proprietors Chose Nathaniel 
 
 III 
 
Vial Proprietors Clerk. The sd Nathaniel Vial being Present at the same 
 Time accepted the sd Choice 
 
 Joseph Wheaton moderator 
 
 Bristoll ss. Rehoboth Aprill ye first 1751 
 Then ]\Ir Nathaniel Viall of Rehoboth Appeared Personaly and was 
 Duly Sworn to the office of Clerk of the Proprietors of the Purchase 
 Lands Commonly Caled Sawams alias Sawamsett and parts ajacent 
 I say made oath before me Danll Carpeter 
 
 Justice of the Peace 
 
 Province of the Massachusetts Bay 
 Bristol Ss 
 
 [S] To Mr Nathaniel Vial of Rehoboth Clerk of the Proprietors 
 of the Purchased Lands Commonly Caled Sawams alias Sawamsett, and 
 parts ajacent Lyeing in Rehoboth Swansey and Warren 
 
 Whereas Application hath binn made to me the subscriber one ot 
 his Majesties Justices of the peace for the sd County of Bristoll in the 
 Province of the Massachusetts bay by Capt Daniel Hunt, Peter Brown, 
 Charles Brown, Daniel Brown & Hesekiah Brown, sonne of the Pro- 
 prietors of the Lands afifor'sd Desiring a Pproprietors meeting may be 
 Caled and warned to meete at the Dwelling house of Nathaniel Vial in 
 Rehoboth on munday the thirteth Day of this Instant Aprill at the Ten 
 of the Clock in the forenoon on sd Day to act on the following articles 
 if the said Proprietors shall think Proper 
 
 1st to Chose a moderator for sd meeting 
 
 2ly To take some proper measure Relating to the Land Left by 
 sd Proprietors for Highwaies and are not stated for that use whether 
 they will proceed to bound out and state sd wayes or Renew the bounds 
 of such Lands ; more especially that strip of Land of Eight Rods wide 
 Left for a high-way from Daniel Alius and Peleg Richmonds : Runing 
 westerly to the maine Cove, (so caled,) 
 
 3ly to Chose Committe to act in said Proprietors Behalfe in Prose- 
 
cuting any affair or method that shall be agreed upon by sd Proprietors 
 Relating to such Lands Left for sd ways 
 
 4ly to know the sd Proprietors minds whether they will have an 
 Alphabetical Table made to their Book of Records 
 
 These are therefore for his majesties Name to Require you to 
 Notifie the sd Proprietors of sd meeting by notifications posted up in 
 writing in some publick place in sd Rehoboth, Swansey and Warren 
 and Insert therein the above mentioned articles with the Time and 
 Place of meeting fourteen Days Before the Time appointed for sd meet- 
 ing for which this shall be our sufficient warrant 
 
 Hereof fail not and make Return of this warrant with your Doings 
 thereon to sd Proprietors at sd meeting 
 
 Given under my hands and seal in Rehoboth the fourteenth Day 
 of April in the Twenty sixth year of his majesties Reigne Anno Dominis 
 
 1753 
 
 Danl : Carpenter 
 
 Bristol Ss. Rehoboth April ye 30th 1753 
 
 Persuant to the within warrant I have Notified the Proprietors within 
 mentioned to meete together at Time and place within Directed by 
 posting up Notifications in Rehoboth, Swansey and Warren in pub- 
 lick places in sd Towns fourteen Days before the Time appointed for 
 sd meeting Inserting in said Notification the articles in sd warrant as 
 well as Time and place of meeting 
 
 per me Nathaniel Viall 
 
 Proprietors Clerk 
 The Warrant and return are truly entred per me 
 
 Nathaniel Viall 
 
 Proprietors Clerk 
 
 At a ICaUlfuU m? Pttttg of % PropmtOrB of the Lands Com- 
 monly Caled Sawams alias Sawamsett and parts adjacent Lyeing in Reho- 
 both, Swansey and Warren being met at the Dwelling house of Nathaniel 
 Vial in Rehoboth on munday ye 30th day of April Anno Domini 1753 
 
 113 
 
Proprietors Present & voting at sd meeting are as followeth; Daniel 
 AHn, Joseph Brown Nathaniel Vial, Hesekiah Brown, Nathaniel Peck, 
 of Rehoboth, Charles Brown, Peter Brown, Daniel Brown, John Brown 
 & Daniel Hunt 
 
 At the same time Capt Daniel Hunt was chosen moderator for sd 
 meeting. And also at the same time the sd Proprietors Taking into 
 consideration that there are Divers Pices and strips of Land Lyeing within 
 the Bounds of their Propriety that were Left when the origonal Lotts 
 ware Laid oute, some of them of eight Rods in width and some Nar- 
 rower, and altho the sd Proprietors Do not Think it Nessessary that the 
 whool of such Lands should be stated for Highways or Privateways But 
 so much of said Lands as are or shall be Judged Needfull and Nesses- 
 sary for Highways and Privateways The sd Proprietors Do hereby mane- 
 fest their willingness and free consent that such ways should be Laid 
 out and stated by the selectmen of the Towns wherein the Lands Lye 
 or any other authority proper to do the same 
 
 At the same time it was voted and agreed upon by sd Proprietors 
 that there be an Alphabettical Table made to their Book of Records 
 
 To Solomon Townsend Jr Esqr one of his Majesties Justice of 
 the peace for the County of BristoU in the Colony of Rhode Island We 
 the subscribers Proprietors of the Land Commonly Called Sawams alias 
 Sawamset And Parts Adjacent Lying in Barrington Warren, Bristol, 
 Rehoboth & Swansey Humbly Request you to grant out your warrant 
 Directed to the Proprietors Clark or one of the Proprietors for the Calling 
 a Proprietors Meeting of the above said Proprietors on Tuesday The 
 Thirtyeth Day of August Next, at the Dwelling House of Mr Henry 
 Bowen Inholder in said Barrington At three of the Clock in the afternoon 
 on said Day To Act on the following Articles if they think Proper 
 
 I To Chuse Moderator to carry on sd Meeting 
 
 2ly To Chuse Proprietors Clark in the Roome of Mr Nathaniel 
 Viall who Refuses to serve any Longer 
 
 3ly To Chuse a Committe to Receive the Book & Papers in the 
 
 114 
 
Office of the Present Clarke and Deliver the same to the New Clarke 
 and Examin the Book to see if thair Has been any Leaves Cutt out of 
 said Book and Report Accordingly to the Proprietors that thair Report 
 be Recorded and the Committe to Give a Receipt for the Book & Papers 
 4ly To know the Proprietors minds wheather thay will give up 
 the highways laid out for the use of the sd propriety and their Lots to 
 the several Towns whair they Lay to and for the use of said towns for 
 Highways or privateways as they shall think best 
 
 5ly To Know who shall be deemed Proprietors for the future, 
 and to Dispose of Any Lands that Belongs to sd Proprietors 
 
 And to Act upon & Do any Other Business that may Legally come 
 before them 
 
 James Brown Joshua Bicknell 
 
 Samuel Allen Nathaniel Viall 
 
 Thomas Allen Benjamin Viall 
 
 Solomon Peck Samuel Viall 
 
 Bristol ss To James Brown Esqr in the Town of Barrington in the 
 County of Bristol, one of the Proprietors of the Pro- 
 priety within Mentioned : In Complyance with the within 
 Request you are hereby in his Majesties Name Required 
 to Notify the within mentioned Proprietors to Assemble 
 and meet together at the within said time & Place for 
 
 the Purpose within Mentioned. Given under my Hand and Seal at said 
 
 Barrington this first Day of August in the fourteenth year of his present 
 
 Majesties Reign 
 
 A. D. 1774 Soln: Townsend Junior Just Pace 
 
 Served the above by seting up Notifications in the Towns of Bristol 
 Warren Barrington, Rehoboth & Swansey 
 
 Attest James Brown a Proprietor 
 
 At a ProprwtOra Me^tm^ Lawfully warned and conven'd at the 
 house of Mr. Henry Bowen of Barrington Inholder 
 
 1x5 
 
August the thirty eth Day A. D. 1774 
 
 James Brown Esqr was Chosen Moderator 
 
 Thomas AUin was Chosen Clark to sd Propriety And sworn into 
 said Office by Solomon Townsend Junior one of his Majesties Justices 
 of the Peace for the County of Bristol in the Colony of Rhode Island 
 & Providence Plantations, In New England 
 
 Voted that Col Samuel Allen, Solomon Peck, and Josiah Humphry 
 Esqrs Be a Committe to Receive the Book & Papers of Mr Nathaniel 
 Viall the former Clark and Deliver the same to Thomas Allin the Present 
 Clark 
 
 And to search and Examin the Book to see if thair has been any 
 Leaves Defaced or Cutt out of said Book and Make Report of the 
 Same to the Proprietors that their Report May be Recorded if the 
 Proprietors think fitt the said Committe to Give a Recept for the Book 
 and ye Papers if thair is Any in ye said Office 
 
 Voted That it is the Oppinion of this Propriety that the Highways 
 that hath already been voted as Common highways was Laid out for 
 the Benefit of the towns whare they ware Laid And that we Have no 
 Right to Dispose of them as Proprietors but look on them as towns 
 ways: voted and Passed nem con 
 
 Voted that this Meeting be Adjorned to the first Monday in Novem- 
 ber Next at four of the Clock P. M. at the house of Mr Henry Bowen 
 in Barrington aforesaid 
 
 At a Proprietors Meeting Held By Adjornment this seventh Day 
 of November A. D. 1774 at the House of Henry Bowen when Mr. Josiah 
 Humphry was Chosen Moderator in the Roome of James Brown Esqr. 
 who Could not attend 
 
 Voted that for the futre the Owners of the Land that Lieth in 
 the Limits of this Propriety to be Deemed Proprietors and to vote and 
 act as such in as full and Ample a manner as the former Proprietors 
 Did in thair Proportions (or sheares) 
 
 116 
 
Barrington November ye 7 1774 
 We the subscribers Being Appointed a Committe By the Proprietors 
 of Sawams aUs Sawamset to receive the Book and Papers of Mr Nathanel 
 Viall and Dehvered the same to Mr Thomas Allin, and to Sarch the 
 Book to see if thair had been any Leaves Defaced or Cutt out; We do 
 Report as follows; 
 
 That we have Searched the Book and find that thair hath been no 
 Leaves Cutt out or Defaced in any wise or Missing, and we further 
 report that we have Delivered the Book to Mr Thomas Allin the Present 
 Clarke and took a Receipt for the Same and found no papers in said 
 office, and it is our Opinion that Mr Nathaniel Viall the former Clarke 
 hath been very Careful of the Book 
 
 Solomon Peck 
 
 Josiah Humphry Committe 
 
 Samuell Allen 
 
 Voted that the foregoing Report be received and Recorded in the 
 Proprietors Book of Records Voted that this Meeting be Disolved 
 and it was Dissolved Accordingly, witness 
 
 Thomas Allin 
 
 Proprietors Qarke 
 
 At a Ulomn ile^tUt^ Held by Adjournment on the Twentyeth Day 
 of June A. D. 1776 
 
 This Meeting taking into Consideration that Part of the Warrant 
 Relating to Highways and as this Town has passed A vote that such High- 
 ways as Could be spared or such Part thair of as was not wanted for 
 traveling should be sold and the money Lodged in Bank to Maintain 
 a free school 
 
 The town Council being appointed to Measure & Dispose of the 
 same to such Persons as shall Incline to Purchase and they having 
 surved and bounded out sd Land to Severall Persons and agreed with 
 them for the Price but through the Neglect of the said town Council 
 the Persons so agreed with after being at a grate cost to fense said land 
 
 117 
 
could not obtain any Deeds of the same although sd Council did appoint 
 a Day to Give Deeds to ye Severall Persons agreed with : But Contrary 
 to the Express Vote of this town did Refuse so to do : and as this town 
 is of the oppinion That thay Ought to fulfill such Contracts when Made 
 on the Faith & credit of the town by Persons Impowered so to do by 
 ye vote of said town: Thairfore it is Voted that James Brown Esqr. 
 Joshua Bicknell Esqr. Josiah Humphry thay or the Major part of them 
 be a Committe with full Power and Athority to sell and Dispose of sd 
 lands and to Give Deed of the same which shall be Good and valid in 
 law as though sined by sd town Council, and to pay ye Money arising 
 from the sale of said land into the Town Treasury for the benefit of a 
 free schoole: and as sundri Persons have signed a Complaint against 
 those Persons who have agreed with said Council for sd land thairfore 
 it is voted that this town will defend said Persons In the Prossession of 
 said land untill this Committe shall have sufficient time to give Deeds of 
 said Land & take the Pay for the same, and if those persons or either 
 of them shall Refuse to Purchase said Land at ye Price the Committe 
 shall sett, thay shall Lay open the same within six Months from thair 
 Refusal to Purchase sd Land: Voted that This vote be Emediately Put 
 on ye town Record and also on the Proprietors Book of Record Keept 
 by Thomas Allin Proprietors Clarke and that said Record shall be good 
 and Valid in all cases Whatever 
 
 Voted and Pased Nem Con., 
 
 Per Thos Allin P'tors Clk 
 
 To Solomon Townsend Jr. Esqr. one of the Justices of the County 
 of Bristol in the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations 
 
 We the Subscribers Proprietors of the Land Commonly Called 
 Sawams alis Sawamset snd Part adjacent Lying in Barrington, Warren, 
 Bristol, Rehoboth and Swansey Humbly Request you to Grant out your 
 Warrent Directed to the Proprietors Clark or one of the Proprietors for 
 the Calling a Proprietors Meeting of the above said Proprietors on 
 Wensday the fifteenth day of March A. D. 1786. At the Dwelling 
 
 118 
 
House of Mr Benjamin Viall of Rehoboth at two O'clock P. M. to 
 Act on the following Business if they think Proper 
 
 First to Chuse a Moderator to Carry on said Meeting 
 Secndly To know the Proprietors Minds Whether thay will give up 
 thair Rites to the highways & strips of land left by the Proprietors for 
 the Highways and Privete ways if it should be wanted for such: and 
 Common Lots to the severall towns whare the Land lies : or take some 
 Method to secure the same to themselves or Dispose of or Rent them 
 for the benefit of the Proprietors as thay shall think best and do all Other 
 Business that may Come Legally before said meeting 
 
 Nathaniel Vial Isaack Brown 
 
 Benjamin Viall William Hunt 
 
 Jesse Brown James Brown 
 
 Bristol ss To Thomas Allin of Barrington Esqr, Clark of the 
 within Propriety In Complyance to the Request of the 
 subscribers to the within Petition You are hereby in 
 the Name of the Governor & Company of the State of 
 Rhode Island, Requested to Notify the Proprietors to the 
 within mentioned Land to Assemble at the House of 
 Mr Benjamin Viall in Rehoboth on Wensday the fifteenth Day of March 
 Next at Two O'clock P. M. to transact the Business within discribed 
 and all other matters that may Legally Come before said Meeting. Wit- 
 ness my hand and seal at said Barrington this 15th day of February 
 A. D. 1786 and in the Independence of America the tenth 
 
 Solo Townsend Junr Jus o Peace 
 Served the above by seting up Notifications in the Towns whare 
 the Proprietors aforesaid Dwells; attest 
 
 Thomas Allin 
 
 Prots Clark 
 
 At a Proprietors Meeting Lawfully warned and Held at the Dwell- 
 ing house of Mr Benjamin Viall in Rehoboth March ye 15 A. D. 1786 
 
 119 
 
Capt Matthew Allin was Chosen Moderator for said Meeting and 
 then the Meeting was Dissolved without acting on the warrant 
 Witness ; Thomas Allin Pr. Clark 
 
 To Solomon Townsend Esqr. one of the Justices of the Peace for 
 the County of Bristol in the State of Rhode Island 
 
 We the subscribers, Proprietors of the lands Commonly Called 
 Sawams alis Sawamsit and parts a j assent lying in Barrington Warren 
 Bristol, Rehoboth & Swansey, Humbly request you to Grant your War- 
 rent to one of said Proprietors for the calling a proprietors Meeting 
 of the said proprietors on Thursday the sixteenth day of March Next 
 at one O'clock P. M. at the house of Elknah Humphry Esqr. in Bar- 
 rington to act on the following Business if thay should think fitt: First 
 to Chuse a Moderator for said Meeting: Secondly to know the Pro- 
 prietors minds wheather thay will take Some measure to secure thair 
 title and Intrust in the land left by the Proprietors when the Origenall 
 lots ware laid out : for Common land or Highways and hath not been 
 Stated for such 
 
 And Do all other Business that may come Leagaly before said 
 Meeting 
 
 Thomas Allin Solomon Peck Jr 
 
 Solomon Peck Allin Viall 
 
 Nathanel Heath Jacob Chandler 
 
 Elknah Humphry Esra Kent Jr 
 
 John Humphry Oliver Brown 
 
 Ebenazer Peck John R. Richmond 
 
 Bristol Ss, To Ebenezer Peck of Barrington in the County of 
 Bristol Gentm one of the Proprietors of the land com- 
 monly called Sawams alias Sawamset & Lying in Bar- 
 rington, Warren, Bristol, Rehoboth and Swansey 
 Greeting 
 
 Whereas Request is this day made to me the sub- 
 scriber one of the Justices Assignd to keep the peace within the County 
 
'^ 
 
 
 -w c-'.-^ 
 
 
 •'-■.... 
 
 r • ' •, 
 
 
 ' .7 ,r^- ,-.'■■ . .- . c^'-.^.. /. . 
 
 ' ^/^ 
 
 > ^ 
 
 
 
 i 
 
 — v7> ■ -'•■ ^ . ,\-; . /. 
 
 .v.>^<^.<. 
 
 .''•-//lu. 
 
 - /C . ^ ^- <> 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 ■*^'. """'L-' -v V- 
 
 , 
 
 / ^-"^ 
 
 ' 
 
 
 
 .v.-...;'>v . .-..-v^-^ -.•7>-- '•' 
 
 ... . <^^ ^* * . - 
 
 . ''.-^--^V 
 
 '.I rV, • . . 
 
 
 - 
 
 • - ' 
 
 --> 
 
 A 
 
 
 
 i' 
 
 /^^::v-i./.A^ -'•— - 
 
 Vi...v.«^ 
 
 ', .»"'*'* 
 
 ^c .-^ ,f^ 
 
 V 
 
 
 i,- ■ X' ^ .'.-» .'^ . i v 
 
 •f:'.- '. . • . V. 
 
 .,/c r''. 
 
 '■C^. C . . V -. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ^ *- 1 
 
 , -i 
 
 > 
 
 / ' • 
 
 
 
 — - , Jv 
 
 ~-,y. -y ■ ■^•- 
 
 . 1. . "^ / ' i-."* 
 
 - ' V . . • < < * • 1 
 
 * >. '^.^ ^ / . , t. 
 
 
 _ ., ft.- »^^... .•^■•- '' ;i:^' •■'*■ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ^.,, /< - ■ r'-^-'"''*-'^' '"'' '^ 
 
 '.• -'- '- . 
 
 /:;^,.^ .. 
 
 .. /,. . -^l.- 
 
 ;^-/^;> 
 
 1 
 
 
 ^^':'?-^> 
 
 
 
 .. s 
 
 i 
 
 , c ^- ••.'«''*"•• -^ 
 
 ..aV •'■»'- 
 
 * t i - ■ «■ '. / 
 
 ' ,-»,.. ^:„, .-, 
 
 .• y 
 
 ' ^ 
 
 .»... ,,v .-n /- *- 
 
 
 r / * ^ *.* 
 
 - -^.^/....y , 
 
 
 ,'.7 ^ i.r- ,>-.--''-^-' ^.v-^^ 
 
 >^ ■-. \.. 
 
 '--'--•••- 
 
 ■*■' ' - • 
 
 y. 
 
 
 
 f 
 
 ^V ,,.'., .'.. 
 
 
 
 - c.^.^^ ....■^. .-.-^ -- 
 
 ? t--^/.,-/- 
 
 <r ;. V <. 
 
 t. -/i /.^ 
 
 
 
 ^. — ,., •.\»*-»l ^.. .^l*^ .-^-'^ 
 
 .- • i^ - . , V V ■< 
 
 \~ -^'. , - 
 
 ■ , •■ 
 
 
 
 -, I -^-^ c ■ 
 
 ' .-V 
 
 
 
 
 '■■ 
 
 ^'^^ i-t^t^ ^-^ I? ^ ' .'►j * 
 
 
 ^ . ^ » ^ . 
 
 /.-■- ... - 
 
 
 
 '' 
 
 • / 
 
 A 
 
 /; ,..v <f " ,< 
 
 ^' , . . . 
 
 
 •. 'x^ . .-r,,--r.,-. i->- ;,/^/-''. 
 
 ' ' , t > • » i' I ^ 
 
 . <«: 7'<.' 
 
 
 
 
 ,,... , 'n..v,-/-*>-' /'-r-j^Alx.^ 
 
 ffy~ >>■». <-i , 
 
 <^c ,. 
 
 C.X>-^ '-- '2 
 
 .» . - V •• -^ ^ 
 
 
 
 .If « 
 
 ..-,^:'.,-. ^- 
 
 y 
 
 : ' 
 
 
 .r...:,.v^J.> 
 
 ^- _ < . 4- V f V 
 
 ■'''' » . . ' 
 
 
 r/..x-/ ^.•'?.^-< ^:v.,./ .., : 
 
 "* 
 
 - . ... 
 
 
 
 
 ... . ^/ - . 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 , . J A^ i-'''' '->. i*> <• V -^>'- ' '^ '' 
 
 V . » 1 ' I . .' 
 
 X ;t .- 
 
 
 
 
 c 
 
 
 
 
 
 / 
 
 
 
 \ *• "* ' I 
 
 
 ' 
 
 •: 
 
 
 
 /^ • • • 
 
 
 
 j . 
 
 
 . , i /■ .' 1 ■'^>" 
 
 :i^ \. 
 
 \- . . t 
 
 
 i'^ 
 
 ,'Li , / ii'^- -^ /'-' ^f^ ~ ■' ^ ' ' 
 
 . 1"=^ J ^ •> V 
 
 /x , ,. - * 
 
 
 ' 1 
 
 ! 
 
 
 " . -t "^^ 
 
 . ' V ■ 
 
 
 -■■ ; 1 
 
 ; 
 
 
 
 / - ^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 '■ 
 
 <:'.y 
 
 / ^ 
 
 
 
 
 ' 
 
 <-^ V, 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 , j_^^ I. , ^w . ". . "^NVt^ l' 
 
 ?■ . , • ^^ ■ ' 
 
 ' ' 
 
 
 
 
 ^■'■'•■^r t.'v...... ^ .--^f/"^:. 
 
 
 _^ ■ 
 
 
 
 PHOTOGRAPH OF LAST PAGE OF SOWAMS RECORDS, 1797, WITH AUTOGRAPHS 
 OP THE MODERATOR AND CLERK 
 
of Bristol afored by Thomas Allin Solomon Peck, Nathl Heath, Elknah 
 Humphry, John Humphry, Ebenezer Peck, Solomon Peck Jr. Allin Viall, 
 Jacob Chandler, Ezra Kent Jr., Oliver Brown & John R. Richmond, 
 Requesting a Warrent for Calling a Meeting of the Proprietors of the 
 land afores'd on Thursday the sixteenth day of March next at the house 
 of Elknah Humphry in said Barrington at one O'clock afternoon: 
 
 To Chuse a Moderator for sd Meeting and to Know the minds of 
 the Proprietors wheather thay will take some Measure to Secure thair 
 title & Intrust in said Lands left by the Proprietors when the Original 
 lots ware laid out for common lands or highways & hath not been 
 Stated for such and to do all other Business that may come legally 
 before sd meeting 
 
 Therefore you are hereby Requested in the Name of the Govr & 
 
 Compy of the State of Rhode Island &c to Notify & warn the Proprietors 
 
 to the land aforesd To Assemble at time & place aforesd for the purpose 
 
 Aforesd Given under my hand and seal at Barrington aforesd This 
 
 Twenty Eighth Day of Feby in the 21st year of Independance A. D. 
 
 1797 
 
 Solo Townsend J. Pacis 
 
 This Warrant Duly Served as the Law directs 
 
 Ebenezer Peck 
 Witness Thomas Allin Ps Clk 
 
 At a Proprietors Meeting Lawfully Warned and held at the House 
 of Elknah Humphry Esqr. in Barrington on Thursday the Sixteenth 
 day of March A. D. 1797 
 
 Solomon Townsend Esqr was Chosen Moderator for sd meeting 
 
 Voted that the following Remonstrance be presented to the town 
 of Rehoboth at thair April Meeting 
 
 To the members of the town of Rehoboth in town meeting Legally 
 Assembled on the first Monday in April A. D. 1797 Respectfully sheweth 
 we the Proprietors of the Land Commonly Called Sawams alis Sawam- 
 set and parts ajasent lying in Bristol, Warren, Swansey, Rehoboth & 
 Barrington, that at a proprietors meeting held at Barrington on the i6th 
 
of March A. D. 1797 for a Review of our Proprietorship in the land 
 afore sd and Observing Certain Incurstions on the common lands belong- 
 ing to this proprierty and within the bound of our sd Proprietorship 
 
 We the Proprietors most Humbly remonstrate against any Incur- 
 tions that are or may be made on any land belonging to said Propriety 
 and we further Remonstrate against any Proceeding had and obtained 
 against our Right & Priviledges as Proprietors and sole owriers of all 
 the Common Land that hath not been Disposed of by us in a Lawfull 
 way Relying on the Honor of the town of Rehoboth that thay will not 
 suffer thair Committe to Interfear with what belongs to us 
 
 Voted that Mr Thomas AUin & Leut Ebenezer Peck be a Committe 
 
 to Present this Memorial & Remonstrance to the Moderator of sd town 
 
 Meeting and that the Proprietors Clark Record the same in our book of 
 
 record 
 
 March i6th 1797 
 
 Solo Townsend Modr 
 
 Witness Thomas AUin Clark 
 
 This Meeting Adjourned to the third Wensday in April Next at 
 four o'clock P. M 
 Witness ; Thomas Allin Pror Qk 
 
7i 
 M 
 
 > 2 
 
 "■ o 
 
 > H 
 ^ =^ 
 
 S 
 
 01 ^ 
 
 o 
 
 £ CO 
 
 ' S 
 
 2 S 
 
 ^ 2 
 
 tfl M 
 
 "^ s 
 
 o > 
 
 °- 2 
 
 S. > 
 
 O M 
 
CHAPTER III 
 
 THE SOWAMS PROPRIE- 
 TARY 
 
AAP OF 
 
 LOO 
 
 ABOUT 
 
 ^S W. Bl 
 . ROSS, 
 
 3 ENCE. 
 JARY, |< 
 
Thla map Includes thnt portion of Pokanoket be 
 the ftouth, and the Pawtucket or Providence Kivcr on 
 
 SOWAMS included the three necka of land known by the'lndlan* by the names Chachacuat. Popanomscut and Wan 
 namoliett a« far north as the Indian territory known as Seekoak. The water bounds of Sowama were the eastern brtnch 
 
 Warren) on the eaat, Sowama or Narragansctt Bay on the south, ant 
 
 MAP OF 
 
 INDIAN LOCALITIES 
 
 ABOUT 
 
 NARRAGANSETT and 
 
 MOUNT HOPE BAYS 
 
 BY THOMAS W. BICKNELL 
 IDrown loy E -VV. RO SS , Civil Engineer. 
 PROVID ENCE. R.I 
 FEBRUARY, 1908 
 
 Sculei 
 
 of the Sow 
 
 » Bay an'* Provl- 
 
0l^^0 HE first settlers at Plymouth were granted three large tracts 
 y «^ I of land for themselves and their associates by letters Patent 
 fl I I from King James, — one at Patuxet or Plymouth, another 
 ^^^^f at Kennebec, Maine, and the third at Pokanoket or Sowam- 
 set. As the chief men had invested funds in the enterprise 
 to a considerable amount proportionate to their means, and had, up to 
 1638, been assigned only a small quantity of the land at and near 
 Plymouth included in the patent, it was decided by the Court after hear- 
 ing and debating the matter, that the leaders in the immigration who 
 had disbursed large sums of money, namely Mr. Bradford, Mr. Prince, 
 Captain Standish and the rest of the partners should make choice of 
 two or three places for their use and ownership, and it was agreed "that 
 there shall be no more Plantations erected until the Purchasers (or old 
 comers) have made their choice." This privilege was not promptly 
 used, for we find under date of 1652, that the General Court considered 
 the matter, confirming the acts of the year 1638, and requiring "the old 
 comers or Purchasers to take up their particular proportions of land 
 within the precincts of the three former specified places," within four- 
 teen months next ensuing. This legislation led the early colonial part- 
 ners to prompt action in the selection and purchase of the lands at 
 Sowams. The original agreement is as follows : 
 
 " The first original agreement of the proprietors under their hands 
 upon the Grant of the Court concerning each one's part in the lands 
 at Sawomes and Mattapoysett Dated ye 7th month, 1652 
 
 " The names of those who by order of Court and agreement of 
 purchasers at Plymouth to make purchase and division of the Lands as 
 are at Sawomes and Mattapoysett the seaventh month 1652 who are 
 to have their several Pts or moyeties and satisfie the purchase and all 
 other charges arriseing thereupon according to their several proportions 
 
 " Their names are as folloeth : 
 
 125 
 
" Mr. William Bradford one moyety 
 
 Mr. Thomas Prince one half pt 
 
 Mr. Edward Winslow All his portion 
 
 Mr. John Adams his whole whole portion 
 
 Mr. Cushman his whole pte 
 
 Mr. John Winslow all his pte 
 
 Thomas Clarke his half pte 
 
 Experience Mitchell his half pte 
 
 Mr. Thomas Willett his pte 
 
 Mr. Myles Standish's half pte 
 
 " Wee whose names are above expressed doe here by engage our- 
 selves to make good whatever charges shall arise in the further prosecu- 
 tion of the premises above mentioned it being brought in upon account, 
 witness our hands ye day and year above written 
 
 " William Bradford John Winslow 
 
 Thomas Prince Experience Mitchell 
 
 Thomas Willett Knelm Winslow 
 
 Edward Winslow Resolved White 
 
 Thomas Cushman Peregrine White 
 
 Thomas Clarke Myles Standish " 
 
 In 1653, we find that Sowams was purchased of Massassoit and 
 the Plantation formed into a Proprietary under the name of " Sowams 
 and Parts Adjacent." Sowams or Barrington had been known to the 
 settlers from 1620, through their frequent visits to Massassoit, their con- 
 stant friend and benefactor. From its beautiful location on Narragansett 
 (or Sowams) Bay and Pawtucket River, its intersection by several 
 streams, the fertility of the soil and the large quantity of salt and fresh 
 meadows, with plenty of timber for building and fuel, it was called " The 
 Garden of the Colony." 
 
 The social, civil and business relations of the Pilgrims made their 
 society a pure Commonwealth. With the exception of the ownership 
 of house and garden by the individual settlers, all things were for com- 
 mon possession and protection. At first one acre was allowed to each 
 
 126 
 
for present use, then two, afterwards sixteen, and at the end of ten 
 years from the landing at Plymouth, many of the settlers possessed 
 large tracts of land. As their numbers and possessions increased, other 
 plantations or settlements grew up around Plymouth, each with its 
 church as the centre of population, as at Duxbury, Marshfield, and 
 Scituate. The lands in that section were held by occupancy or by grant 
 from the Plymouth Court, the title being sometimes confirmed by royal 
 patent. With reference to Indian purchases, the Court ordered that no 
 title to land should be valid unless confirmed by it. In order to secure 
 larger areas of land, of which they soon became greedy, several per- 
 sons united in the purchase of a large tract of the Indians and, on appli- 
 cation to the Court, the purchase was confirmed and a charter issued to 
 the purchasers under the title of a Propriety, the owners of which were 
 styled proprietors. After settlement had been made on the propriety in 
 sufficient numbers to justify the formation of a township, an act of 
 incorporation was granted, by which the propriety was erected into a 
 town, all unsold lands remaining in the hands of and under the control 
 of the proprietors. 
 
 As we have seen, Massassoit had already made a formal transfer 
 of all his territorial possessions and allegiance to King James in 1621. 
 In order to secure a more valid and personal title, the "old comers " 
 sought and secured of the great Sachem, a deed of such land as they 
 had been urged to take up by the Plymouth Court. Their selections 
 included the territory of Barrington and parts of the present towns of 
 East Providence, Seekonk, and Swansea, bearing the Indian name of 
 Sowams, and certain meadow rights, salt and fresh in the territory of 
 Mount Hope or Consumpsit Neck, now Warren and Bristol. In this deed 
 he earnestly urged the proprietors to insert the clause, " never to draw 
 away from his people to the Christian religion," for he, with consistent 
 faith, believed that the Great Spirit would preserve his race, only as they 
 remained loyal to their heathen worship, while the Pilgrims with a 
 better knowledge and a purer faith sought to establish Christianity as 
 the basis of their civilization, with the feeling that the latter was depend- 
 ent on the former for its perpetuity and progress. 
 
 127 
 
The following is a copy of the deed from Massassoit and Alexander 
 to Thomas Prince and others, dated March 20, 1653, and is the basis 
 of all real estate titles in Barrington. 
 
 From Osamequin and Wamsetto his son, dated 29th March 1653 
 
 "(30 all PfO]ll0 to whome these presents shall come Osame- 
 quin and Wamsetto his eldest Sone Sendeth greeting KNOW YEE that 
 we the said Osamequin and Wamsetto for & in Consideration of thirty- 
 five pounds sterling to us the said Osamequin and Wamsetto, in hand 
 paid By Thomas Prince Gent; Thomas Willett Gent; Miles Standish 
 Gent; Josiah Winslow Gent; for And in the behalf e of themselues and 
 divers others of the Inhabitants of Plimouth Jurisdiction, whose names 
 are hereafter specified with which said summe we the said Osamequin 
 and Wamsetto doo Acknowledge ourselues fully satisfyed, contented and 
 payd HAUE freely and absolutely bargained and Sold Enfeoffed and 
 Confirmed and by these presents Doo Bargaine Sell Enfeoffe and Con- 
 firm from us the said Osamequin and Wamsetto and our Euery of our 
 haiers unto Thomas Prince Thomas Willett Miles Standish Josiah Wins- 
 low Agents for themselues and William Bradford Senr Gent; Thomas 
 Clark, John Winslow Thomas Cushman William White John Adams 
 and Experience Mitchell to them and Euery of them their and Euery 
 of their haiers and assigns forever 
 
 " All those Severall parcels and Necks of upland Swamps and 
 Meadows Eyeing and being on the South Syde of Sinkhunck Els Reho- 
 both Bounds and is bounded from a Little Brooke of water called by 
 the Indians Mosskituash Westerly and so ranging by a dead Swamp 
 Eastward and so by markt trees as Osamequin and Wamsetto directed 
 unto the great River with all the meadow in and about ye sides of both 
 the branches of the great River with all the Creeks and Brooks that 
 are in or upon any of the said meadows as also all the marsh meadow 
 Lying and being with out the Bounds before mentioned in or about 
 the neck called by the Indians Chachacust Also all the meadow of any 
 
 128 
 

 
 ^^ .... 
 
 INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ANCIENT CONGREGATIONAL MEET- 
 ING-HOUSE, HARRINGTON, RHODE ISLAND 
 
 Erected in 1737 near site of present meeting-iiouse 
 
kind Lying and being in or about Popasquash neck as also the meadow 
 Lyeing from Kickomuet on both sides or any way Joyning to it on the 
 bay on Each Side 
 
 "To HAUE AND TO HOLD all the aforesaid upland Swamps 
 Marshes Creeks and Rivers withe all their appurtinances unto the afore- 
 said Thomas Prince Thomas Willett Miles Standish Josia Winslow 
 and the rest of the partners aforesaid to theme And Every of them their 
 and Every of their haiers Executors And Assignees for Ever And the 
 said Osamequin and Wamsetto his Sone Covenant promise and grant that 
 whensoeuer the Indians shall Remoue from the Neck that then and from 
 thenceforth the aforesaid Thomas Prince Thomas Willett Miles Stand- 
 ish Josiah Winslow shall enter upon the same by the same Agreement 
 as their Proper Rights And Interest to them and to their haiers for Ever 
 
 " To and for the true performance of all and Every one of the 
 aforesaid severall Perticulars wee the said Osamequin and Wamsetto 
 Bind us and Every of us our and every of our haiers Executors and 
 Administrators and Assignes ffirmly by these presents 
 
 " In witness whereof wee haue hereunto sett our hands and Seales 
 this twentieth day of March anno Domini 1653 
 
 " Signed Sealed and Delivered 
 
 in ye presence of us The marke of us 
 
 John Browne Osamequin & a (Seale) 
 
 James Browne Wamsetto M & (Seale)" 
 
 Richard Garrett 
 
 ®ijf first busUt^SB of the Sowams Land Company was the division 
 of the grant into lots and the assignment to share-holders by lot, of a 
 particular portion of the upland and meadows, the meadows being the 
 salt and fresh grass lands on the borders of the bays, rivers, and smaller 
 streams, where these natural grasses grew abundantly, without cultiva- 
 tion. In the Sowams Plantation, each of the original lots of upland 
 contained eighty acres, and a whole share entitled the purchaser to one 
 hundred and sixty acres of land. The meadow land was divided into 
 lots of ten acres each for each shareholder. Sometimes the share of 
 
 129 
 
upland and meadow lands was laid out in two localities, in order that 
 an equal quality as well as quantity might be assigned to each. 
 
 " (ill|p HpronJl a^rrrm^nt of the Proprietors about the devition of 
 the lands at Sawomes, March ii, 1653 It is agreed and concluded by 
 the company of partners yt are interested at Sawomes that there shall 
 be twenty lots of Land Layed fourth each lot containing eighty acres 
 in as convenient a form as may be and for the deviding of it as we are 
 agreed yt to every half share put in a lot and the whole shares shall 
 put in two Lots and whomever shall be the first draw shall have the 
 first choice of his lot comes south and so the second and third and the 
 rest successively and these lots to be drawn as soone as may be after 
 it is soe devided provided that every whole share shall have twenty 
 acres alowed them either at the heads of their Lotts or in such other 
 places as shall be thought meet 
 
 "And as touching the meadows it is agreed that all our meadows 
 shall be laid out into ten acre shares as the former, having respect to 
 Quantity and Quality and that the whole shares shall chuse three Lots 
 on the Neck at one end, and shall have other three lots apoynted by 
 the half shares on the other side Sowames River lyeing also at one 
 end and together in lew of that which was formally allotted equally 
 to half shares and whole shares and the persons that are made choice 
 of to make these devitions above said are Capt Myles Standish Mr 
 Brown Capt Willett and Mr. Thomas Clark or any three of these And 
 we whose names are under written doe bind ourselves to stand to what 
 they shall doe in the premises abovesaid 
 
 William Bradford Resolved White 
 
 John Brown Thomas Clark 
 
 Thomas Prince Myles Standish 
 
 Thomas Willett John Winslow 
 
 Josiah Winslow 
 " Knelm Winslow with the consent of John Adams and for his use " 
 
 Besides the " home lots " and the " meadow lots " there were other 
 lands styled " Pastors " and " Teachers' lots," from the income of which 
 
 130 
 
money was obtained to aid in the support of the minister and teacher 
 of the plantation or township. 
 
 Thus our forefathers recognized religion and education as founda- 
 tion principles of the town and provided that both agencies should have 
 a permanent place in the establishment of our free institutions. A Godly 
 ministry and a free school were the grand agents which will stand as 
 the monuments to the far-sighted wisdom of these early pioneers of 
 Sowams. 
 
 Whittier interpreted the thought of our Pilgrim sires in 
 
 " OUR STATE " : 
 
 " For well she keeps her ancient stock, 
 The stubborn strength of Plymouth Rock; 
 And still maintains with milder laws, 
 And clearer light, the Good Old Cause. 
 
 " Nor heeds the sceptic's puny hands 
 While near her school the church-spire stands; 
 Nor fears the blinded bigot's rule. 
 While near her church-spire stands the school." 
 
 As good settlers made good neighbors, the purchasers of Sowams 
 lands were especially careful to select the best for this civil plantation 
 and to ensure the preservation of the high quality of future inhabitants, 
 the following agreement was entered into by the proprietors. It will 
 be noticed that unanimous consent and not majority rule prevailed in 
 that early day as to the admission of new inhabitants to the settlement. 
 
 **Att agrp^tttPttt under ye hands of ten of the Proprietors in order 
 to the settlement of the Lands aforesaid " 
 
 Dated December 25 ; 1660 
 
 "Wee whose names are here under written the proprietors of those 
 Lands called and know by the name of Sawomes Lands doe unanimously 
 and Joyntly binde our selves and covenant to perform these peticulr 
 
 " I That none of us shall at anytime Let or sell any of the said 
 
 131 
 
Lands to any stranger that is not already a proprietor with us without 
 the Joynt Consent of us all subscribed under our hands vidt, neither 
 upland nor meadow 
 
 "2 That Henry Smith of Rehoboth be the man to measure all 
 Lands yt to be measured out and Appertaining unto any of us and that 
 some two or thre of our selves are to be preasant with him to see it done 
 "3 That Thomas Willett by way of exchange is to have thirty 
 Acres of upland measured out adjoyning unto the land of his formerly 
 measured out by William Carpenter having the Towne fence on the 
 North side and the Land of John Brown on the South Side and Mr 
 Willet doth Leave the home Lot formerly Lay'd out for Elder Cushman 
 in consideration of the same being of the quantity of thirty acres to 
 Lye common amongst us " 
 
 John Brown Peter Hunt 
 
 Thomas Willett Henry Smith 
 
 Stephen Paine Philip Walker 
 
 Joseph Peck Thomas Chafey 
 
 John Allen Samuel Newman 
 
 W^ (^rtgutal JropmtcrB of ^omautB 
 
 Princes Hill, the crowning glory of Barrington rural scenery, bears 
 and must ever honor the name of Thomas Prince, the first among the 
 purchasers of Sowams of Massassoit in 1653. Governor Prince (Prence 
 in old Mss. ) was one of the most honored founders of Plymouth Colony. 
 Born about the year 1600, in Gloucestershire, England, and joining 
 the Leyden Company, he arrived at Plymouth in the ship, Fortune, with 
 Robert Cushman and thirty-four others in 162 1. In 1624, he married 
 Patience, the daughter of Elder William Brewster, by whom they 'had 
 six children. In 1635, he married 2nd, Mary Collier, who gave him 
 four daughters. He married third, Mrs. Mary Freemen, daughter of 
 Constant Southworth. He was active in all the affairs of the Colony, 
 civil, religious and military, and was early chosen one of the Governor's 
 
 133 
 
m ;^ 
 
assistants. In 1634, he was chosen Governor. In 1635, he removed to 
 Duxbury, thereby disqualifying himself for the office of Governor. In 
 1638, the Colony so much desired his services that they suspended the 
 rule of residence in Plymouth and elected him again Governor. From 
 1657, he remained Governor by sixteen annual elections until his death 
 in 1673. In 1665, he returned to Plymouth to live in the house the 
 Colony had built expressly for the Governor. His administration was 
 noted for legislation of great severity to the Quakers ; for serious dis- 
 putes with the Indians; for his zealous and incessant efforts to estab- 
 lish a system of common school education. He was intolerant and over- 
 bearing in religious affairs and procured the removal of John Brown 
 and others from the government on account of their liberal views, in 
 advance of their age. 
 
 His personal appearance was noble, dignified and commanding. The 
 church records say, "He had a countenance full of Majesty." 
 
 It is most fitting that the name of Governor Prince should be held 
 in perpetual remembrance, in the very geographical centre of the town, 
 by the hill and pond at its base, which bear his name. No nobler monu- 
 ment could be erected to the first name among the purchasers of beau- 
 tiful Sowams. 
 
 ®I|nma5 WMUn 
 
 The name of worthy Thomas Willett is the second on the list 
 of purchasers of Sowams. Mr. Willett was of English birth, a mer- 
 chant by business, and became acquainted with the Pilgrims at Ley- 
 den while travelling on business. On account of their mutual " good 
 liking," he came to Plymouth in 1629, then a youth of nineteen. Such 
 was the sobriety, fidelity, and business ability of young Willett that the 
 Colony sent him in 1630, to superintend their trading houses in Maine, 
 where he remained six years, returning to Plymouth in 1636 to marry 
 Mary Brown, daughter of John Brown, then one of the Assistants in 
 the government. 
 
 In 1647, Mr. Willett was elected to succeed Myles Standish as Cap- 
 tain at Plymouth. 
 
 133 
 
In 1 65 1, he was elected an Assistant and continued in that office 
 by annual election until 1665, a period of fourteen years, when he was 
 compelled to resign an office which he had filled with great usefulness to 
 the Colony and signal honor to himself. He was called, in 1664, to aid 
 Col. Nichols in the surrender of New York to the English by the Dutch, 
 as Capt. Willett was not only an able diplomat but a thorough master 
 of the Dutch language and customs. So popular was he with both the 
 English and the Dutch of Manhattan that he was chosen first Mayor of 
 New York in 1665, and was re-elected in 1666. Captain Willett removed 
 to Wannamoisett about 1662, where he, with his family, resided until 
 his death in 1674, near the residence of his father-in-law, Hon. 
 John Brown. His landed estates were very large in Plymouth, Taun- 
 ton, Rehoboth, Wannamoisett, Sowams, Attleboro, the Narragansett 
 country, and other places. He was well acquainted with the Indians 
 and was a leader in negotiations with their chiefs, and was probably the 
 leading factor in the purchase of Sowams. He took a lively interest 
 in religious affairs of the Colony and was a cofounder with Rev. John 
 Myles of the town of Swansea and of the First Baptist church in Mas- 
 sachusetts, not far from his own home. His ancient house at Wanna- 
 moisett (now Riverside, R. I.) was a landmark of great historic interest 
 until its destruction by fire in 1892. A photograph of the ancient chim- 
 ney, built of the small Dutch bricks, stood as a monument to Capt. Willett 
 until it was rebuilt in a new house on the same spot by Col. H. Anthony 
 Dyer, about 1900. 
 
 Thirteen children were born to Capt. Thomas and Mary (Brown) 
 Willett. She died in 1669. Capt. Willett married 2nd, in 1671, Mrs. 
 Joanna Prudden, widow of Rev. Peter Prudden, who died in 1679. 
 
 Captain Willett and his two wives were buried at Little Neck Burial 
 Ground, near Riverside, within his beloved Wannamoisett. His tomb- 
 stone bears this inscription : 
 
 " Who was the first Mayor of New York, 
 And twice did sustain the place." 
 
 134 
 
Myles Standish, Gent, is the third name on the deed of Sowams. 
 His is a name that thrills the nerves and quickens the blood, a name to 
 conjure with. Standish was of noble blood, born in Lancashire, Eng- 
 land, about 1584. He served in the Netherlands as a soldier and officer 
 in the army of Queen Elizabeth, in command of the Earl of Leicester. 
 He took up his residence among the Pilgrims at Leyden but never joined 
 their church. Gov. Bradford in his catalogue of Mayflower pas- 
 sengers names "Captain Myles Standish and Rose, his wife." Rose died 
 among the first, in that awful winter of 162 1. By a 2d wife, Barbara, 
 who probably came in the Ann, 1623, he became the father of six children, 
 Alexander, Myles, Josiah, Charles, Sarah, and John, who have left a 
 large descent. Standish was elected captain of the military arm of the 
 Colony in 1621, by the first democratic majority vote ever cast for an 
 officer in the Colony. He went out as the agent of the Colony to Eng- 
 land in 1625, and was in London, "When the pride of this queen of 
 cities was laid in the dust," by the plague. Being an accurate surveyor, 
 he was generally on all committees for laying new towns, in all of 
 which he had landed interests. He was always military commander 
 and one of the Council of War ; sometimes, deputy Governor and Treas- 
 urer. Though a man of small stature, he met enemies of all sorts, " with- 
 out fear and with a manly heart." His intrepid spirit, and quick and 
 fiery temper, compelled him to deeds from which most men would shrink. 
 He asked only eight men to subdue all the Indians of Massachusetts. 
 Alone, he wrested from the wretched Morton the loaded rifle, whose 
 contents were meant for his life, and often met in deadly conflicts those 
 whose prowess excited him to almost superhuman acts. " How this 
 fierce and terrible soldier, never cherishing any strong impressions of 
 religion, should have formed an attachment so lasting, and bound him- 
 self to the pious and holy members of Robinson's Church; by every tie 
 except that which bound them to each other; and how he should have 
 fought their battles, cheerfully shared their toils, their hardships, and 
 their poverty, their councils in peace and their dangers in war, is one 
 of those anomalies in human nature which may perhaps find its parallel 
 
 135 
 
in the love which was cherished by the Roman soldier for the early 
 Christians," says Francis Baylies. 
 
 Myles Standish was the father and founder of the town of Dux- 
 bury, named from the seat of his family, which as late as 1707, was the 
 residence of Sir Thomas Standish. He died Oct. 3, 1656, age 72. A 
 granite monument of colossal height is erected in Duxbury as a measure 
 and declaration of his fame. Longfellow's poem, "The Courtship of 
 Myles Standish," will contribute to his earthly immortality. His Bar- 
 rington estate was at Nayatt which will some day bear some monument 
 to his memory as a Proprietor of Sowams. 
 
 ^bmar!^ liutalnm 
 
 Edward Winslow, founder, diplomat, statesman, historian, came in 
 the Mayflower, in 1620. He was the son of Edward Winslow, and was 
 born at Worcestershire, England, in 1594. Travelling in the Nether- 
 lands, he was sympathetically drawn to the Pilgrims at Leyden, embraced 
 their principles and joined Robinson's Church. He married Elizabeth 
 Barker at Leyden, 1618, and brought her with him to Plymouth, where 
 she died in the winter of 162 1. He then married Mrs. Susanna White, 
 whose husband also had died the same winter. This marriage, which 
 took place. May 12th, 1621, was the first in the Colony and also the 
 first in New England. It was a singular honor that fell to Mrs. Winslow 
 that she should have been the mother of the first white child born in 
 New England, Peregrine White, one of the first widows, the first bride 
 the wife of a distinguished Governor of her own Colony, and the mother 
 of a son, Josiah Winslow, who was the first governor in New England, 
 born on its soil. He added to this high office, the high and solitary honor 
 of being the commander in chief of the forces of the Confederated 
 Colonies in Philip's war. 
 
 In 1623 Mr. Winslow went to England as agent of the Colony and 
 published the first narrative of their transactions in New England. In 
 1624, he returned to Plymouth bringing the first neat cattle imported 
 into the Colonies. 
 
 136 
 
JOSIAH WINSLOW, GOVERNOR 
 A Sowams Proprietor 
 
In 1633, he was elected Governor; again in 1636 and again in 1644. 
 In 1643, he was elected one of the first commissioners of Plymouth 
 Colony in the Confederation. His relation with the Indians was always 
 cordial and conciliatory. His visits to Massassoit are narrated in 
 another chapter. He was the founder of Marshfield, and his large estate 
 called Careswell may be still in the possession of his descendants. Gov- 
 ernor Winslow was a born diplomat, — ^wise, virtuous, courteous, adroit, 
 sincere, faithful. He was a strong pillar in the Pilgrim State. He died 
 at sea, May 8, 1655. His sons, John and Knelm, were copartners with 
 their father in the Sowams propriety. 
 
 Josiah Winslow, son of Edward and Susanna (White) Winslow, 
 was born in New England, 1629, and died in Marshfield in 1689, having 
 attained the highest honors of Colonial times. He was for several years 
 Deputy to the Plymouth Court from Marshfield. In 1657, he was 
 elected Assistant and in 1659, chief military commander for the Colony. 
 He was a valued Commissioner for many years and Governor from 
 the death of Governor Prince in 1673 to 1680. 
 
 As Governor and General in Chief, he commanded the Confederated 
 forces and directed the campaign in Philip's war. In this contest, 
 the supremacy of the white race had been settled before his death, and 
 in it " Governor Winslow had been a principal and triumphant actor. 
 In his native colony he had stood upon the uppermost height of society. 
 Civic honors awaited him in his earliest youth ; he reached every eleva- 
 tion which could be attained, and there was nothing left for ambition 
 to covet, for all had been gained." 
 
 Mr. Winslow married Penelope, daughter of Herbert Pelham, in 
 165 1 ; Elizabeth was born in 1664, Edward, 1667, and Isaac, 1670. 
 
 JitUiam Iraiforb 
 
 To Rhode Islanders, and more especially to the citizens of Bristol 
 County, the name of William Bradford is more familiar than either of 
 
 137 
 
the Plymouth Governors, for the reason that the Bradford family was 
 transplanted to Bristol in the early days of the Colony and still retains 
 its honored and honorable name in that town, 
 
 William Bradford was born in Austerfield, Yorkshire, England, in 
 1589. His patrimony was large, but his station was that of a yeoman 
 and he was taught agriculture. He was a close Bible student in youth 
 and became a devoted Pilgrim and follower of John Robinson. Going 
 to Holland, he learned the art of silk dyeing and engaged in commerce. 
 He was a leader in the migration to America and came in the May- 
 flower, 1620, with his wife, Dorothy May, leaving behind his son, John, 
 who came later. His wife was drowned in Provincetown Harbor, before 
 the landing at Plymouth. He married, in 1623, Alice Southworth, 
 widow of Edward Southworth, to whom were born four children, 
 William, Mary, Benjamin and Joseph. Mrs. Alice Bradford is said 
 to have been " a lady of extraordinary capacity and worth." On the 
 death of the first Governor Carver, in 162 1, Mr. Bradford was elected 
 Governor unanimously, and was continued in office by annual election 
 for thirty-seven years (with the exception of two years of Governor 
 Prince and one of Edward Winslow) until his death in 1657, at the 
 age of 69 years. He managed the affairs of Plymouth Colony with 
 consummate skill, prudence and ability. His Indian policy was mild but 
 energetic. When the Narragansetts sent a bundle of arrows wrapped 
 in the skin of a serpent, he answered the challenge by sending back 
 the skin filled with powder and bullets. The Indians were taught to 
 believe that the dreadful plague was buried under the storehouse at 
 Flymouth. 
 
 Governor Bradford was a scholar in the Greek, Latin, and Hebrew 
 languages, and spoke Dutch and French with ease. He was well read 
 in history, philosophy and theology. The Bradford history of Plymouth 
 Colony is authority. Governor Bradford, a great man of his own time, 
 would have been a commanding figure in any age, and to his wisdom 
 and sagacity, his firmness and gentleness, and withal a refined Christian 
 character may be credited the peaceful and progressive years of the 
 infant Colony. His relations with Massassoit were always cordial and 
 
 138 
 
helpful and the two governments, the savage and Pilgrim, lived in 
 neighborly amity and mutual advantage, for nearly 40 years under the 
 same personal heads, Bradford and Massassoit. His last words were, 
 " God has given me a pledge of my happiness in another world, and 
 the first fruits of eternal glory." Alice Bradford, widow of the Governor, 
 died March 26, 1670, aged 80 years. 
 
 John Adams, another of the Sowams propriety, came in the ship 
 Fortune, 1621, with Governor Prince, and married Eleanor Newton, 
 who came in the Ann, in 1623. Their children were James, John, and 
 Susanna. His sons married and settled in Marshfield, Mass. 
 
 ®Ipmas (Hualiman 
 
 Elder Thomas Cushman, successor to Brewster as ruling elder of 
 the Colony, was the son of Robert Cushman, and came to Plymouth in 
 1622. He married Mary Allerton, 1636, daughter of Isaac Allerton, 
 and had eight children. A son, Thomas, b. 1637, married in 1664, Ruth 
 Howland, daughter of John Howland, from whom a number of Bar- 
 rington families have descended. The following inscription is on the 
 Cushman monument on Burial Hill: 
 
 " Here lieth buried the body of that precious servant of God, Mr. 
 Thomas Cushman, who after he had served his generation according 
 to the will of God, and particularly the Church of Plymouth for many 
 years in the office of ruling elder, fell asleep in Jesus, Dec. loth, 1691, 
 and in the 84th year of his age." 
 
 aftUtam WI|tt0 
 
 WilHam White, son probably of Bishop White, of England, was 
 married in Leyden, 1612, to Anna, sister of Samuel Fuller, (always called 
 Susanna). His wife and son Resolved, b. 1615, came in the Mayflower. 
 Their son, Peregrine, born on board the Mayflower in Provincetown 
 
 139 
 
Harbor, was the first white child born in New England. William White 
 died of the dreadful distemper that reduced the Mayflower Pilgrims 
 nearly one-half, that first sorrowful winter. Mrs. White married Ed- 
 ward Winslow, May, 1621, and, as stated elsewhere, the first mother 
 and widow became the first bride in New England, and the children, 
 Resolved and Peregrine, became a part of the Edward Winslow family. 
 In the Sowams purchase. Resolved and Peregrine became proprietors 
 in their father's right, as will be seen in the Records. 
 
 Qlliomaa dlark 
 
 Thomas Clark came in the Ann, 1623, and married Susanna Ring 
 before 1634. He was a Deputy from Plymouth, 165 1 and 1655, attended 
 the royal commissioners to New York in 1665, and was the owner of 
 a half share in Sowams. Mr. Clark died in 1697, aged 98 years. It has 
 long been supposed that Mr. Clark was mate of the Mayflower, but this 
 is not historically established. 
 
 The persons already named and noted are all of the original pro- 
 prietors in the first agreement made the seventh month, 1652, and include 
 all the names of the grantees in the Grand Deed of 1653. In the second 
 agreement, under date of March 11, 1653, the name of John Brown 
 appears, as it also does with James Brown and Richard Garrett, as wit- 
 nesses to the signatures of Osamequin and Wamsetto to the Grand Deed, 
 March twentieth, 1653. Between the date of purchase, 1653, and Decem- 
 ber 25, 1660, the original proprietors had divided and had sold, in whole 
 or in part, their Sowams lands to the following persons : John Brown, 
 Thomas Willett, Stephen Paine, Joseph Peck, John Allen, Peter Hunt, 
 Henry Smith, Philip Walker, Thomas Chaffee, and Samuel Newman. 
 Of these ten proprietors, one, Thomas Willett, was named as a grantee 
 in the Grand Deed. John Brown is named in the second agreement 
 before the purchase and hence may be included in the original proprietors. 
 
 To those familiar with Rehoboth history, the ten names are well 
 known, for John Brown and Edward Winslow, as agents, purchased 
 (Seaconck) Rehoboth of Osamequin in 1641. The names of Mr. Henry 
 
 140 
 
Smith, Mr. Joseph Peck, Mr. Stephen Paine, and Rev. Samuel Newman, 
 also appear among the grantees of the Rehoboth Patent, in 1641 ; in 1643, 
 we find the names of Peter Hunt and John Allen ; in 1655, that of Phillip 
 Walker, and Thomas Willett appear, while the name of Thomas Chaffee 
 belongs of right to Sowams. With the exception of Winslow and Chaffee, 
 all the others were founders, and large land owners in Rehoboth. Bliss' 
 History of Rehoboth and the Proprietors' Records locate their lands, 
 their homes, and give their history as related to the life of this ancient 
 town. 
 
 John Brown and Thomas Willett, his son-in-law, lived at Wanna- 
 moisett, a large tract of land purchased by Mr. Brown, in 1645. Th^ 
 career of Mr. Brown was of great moment to Plymouth Colony. He 
 became associated with the Pilgrims at Leyden and came to America 
 prior to 1634, for he was elected a freeman that year, and in 1636 an 
 Assistant in the General Court, an office held by annual election for 
 seventeen years. His son, James, was admitted a freeman in 1636. 
 Mr. Brown was a grand pioneer in the settlement of most of the towns 
 west of Plymouth. He was a purchaser of Taunton, 1637, and removed 
 there about 1640. In 1641, he was one of the Rehoboth purchasers, 
 and the largest land owner, to the value of £600. 
 
 In December, 1645, Mr. Brown removed to Wannamoisett, and 
 his son, in 1647, and his son-in-law, Willett, later. He was an influential 
 citizen of Rehoboth, and was a cofounder with Myles and Willett, of 
 Swansea. Mr. Brown was a commissioner from Plymouth Colony in 
 the New England Confederacy for twelve years, from 1643. He was 
 a wise and faithful magistrate, liberal in religious views, objecting to the 
 law that compelled taxation of the people to support the Gospel. 
 
 Mr. Brown died at Wannamoisett, (Swansea), within the limits of 
 Sowams, April 10, 1662, and is probably buried in the family burial 
 ground at Little Neck. (See Bicknell's History of Barrington). 
 
 From 1660, the ownership and management of the Sowams pro- 
 priety was in the hands of the proprietors of Rehoboth and Wanna- 
 moisett. John Brown, of Wannamoisett, was proprietors' clerk. Henry 
 Smith, of Rehoboth, was surveyor to run lines, set bounds and describe 
 
 141 
 
the several lay-outs of lots, roads, meadows, etc. Chachapacassett Neck 
 was laid out and allotted to Samuel Newman and partners, Nathaniel 
 Paine and partners, John Allen, Nathaniel Peck, Israel Peck, James 
 Brown, Lieut. Peter Hunt, John Saffin and John Brown. John Saffin 
 lived in Boston at this time. All the others lived in Rehoboth except 
 John and James Brown, who dwelt at Wannamoisett. 
 
 In 1679, the home lots at Popanomscutt, or Phebe's Neck, were 
 drawn by Lieut. Peter Hunt, Stephen Paine, John Saffin of Boston, 
 Thomas Chaffee, Samuel Newman and partners, James Brown, and John 
 Brown, Capt. Willett's heirs and Israel Peck and partners, all residents 
 of Rdhoboth, except Chaffee, who lived in Sowams. 
 
 The great lots on Popanomscutt fell in order to Lieut. Peter Hunt, 
 Thomas Chaffee, John Allen, Nathaniel Peck, Samuel Newman, Stephen 
 Paine, John Saffin, James and John Brown. The same Rehoboth owner- 
 ship existed as to great lots as to home lots. John Allen, of Rehoboth, 
 owned the land from Barrington bridge to Scamscammuck Spring. Rev. 
 Samuel Newman, Nathaniel and Israel Peck, of Rehoboth, owned the 
 land from Hides Hole, or Chachapacassett, towards Nayatt. John and 
 James Brown, of Wannamoisett, owned the whole of Nayatt Point. 
 William Allen, of Prudence Island, owned the lands from Mouscochuck 
 to Annawomscutt Creeks. 
 
 A detailed description of all the uplands, fresh and salt meadows, 
 etc., their bounds, subdivisions, owners, etc., will be found in the Sowams 
 Records. 
 
 duUij JPottttH t0 Olrmtb Btth of ^nmnmB 
 
 This deed contains two important divisions. I. The Deed of 
 " Sowams." II. The Deed of Parts Adjacent. Let the student read 
 the description of the lands conveyed with these two properties distinctly 
 in mind. 
 
 First. The deed of Sowams includes "all the severall parcells and 
 necks of upland, Swamps, and Meadows, on the South side of Sink- 
 hunch, Etc., Rehoboth bounds," between the Sowams and Patuxet 
 Rivers, with an Indian reservation on Chachacust (or New Meadow) 
 
 143 
 
Neck, to belong to the proprietors, " when soever the Indians shall remove 
 from the Neck." The bounds are given in the Grand Deed and the 
 description of Sowams is found between the words " All those severall," 
 etc., and the words " The neck called by the Indians Chachacust." This 
 part of the deed quitclaims all the territory, upland, swamp and meadows. 
 " The Parts Adjacent " include all the meadows, salt or fresh, " being 
 in or about Popasquash Neck as also the meadow lyeing from Kicko- 
 muet on both sides or any way Joyning to it on the bay on each side." 
 
 This part of the deed conveys no uplands or swamps ; only salt and 
 fresh meadows. Let the reader now refer to the description of the layout 
 and bounds of "The Parts Adjacent," under "Devition of Salt and 
 Fresh Meadows," in the Book of Records, and it will be found that the 
 bounds on the land side in each case is " so far up as the moable land 
 lyeth as stated in the Grand Deed of Saile." 
 
 Salt and fresh meadows, in the absence of cultivated English grasses, 
 were a valuable asset to the early and the later settlers, even to the pres- 
 ent time. Rehoboth had taken possession of the salt meadows at " The 
 Tongue," at Chachapacassett and Nayatt, and the meadows on the 
 Kickemuit and about Consumpsit Neck, although at a distance, were 
 necessary for the support of neat cattle and horses in the new settlement 
 at Sowams. 
 
 // cannot be too strongly stated that the Grand Deed of Massassoit 
 of 1652* did not convey one solitary foot of upland above the bounds of 
 salt and fresh meadows, in that section known as " Parts Adjacent," 
 vis: Kickemuit and Popasquash Neck and the bays on both sides. Mount 
 Hope or Consumpsit Neck was an Indian Reservation and could not be 
 sold, until its forfeiture as conquered territory, and in the Grand Deed 
 of the Mt. Hope Lands to John Walley, Nathaniel Byfield, Stephen 
 Burton and Nathaniel Oliver. Sept. 14, 1680, the following reservation 
 is made, " excepting only and reserving the Lands formerly granted to 
 the inhabitants of Swansey, according to the lines already run at the 
 north end or entrance of said Neck, ******* a^d the 
 Meadows formerly purchased of the Indians ;"**** 
 
 '' The lands formerly granted to Swansey," referred to, was the upper 
 
 143 
 
end of Mount Hope Neck, now Warren, deeded to Swansea by Totomom- 
 mucke in 1673. 
 
 "The Meadows formerly purchased of the Indians," were the salt 
 and fresh meadows already mentioned as "Parts Adjacent." 
 
 Another significant pointer is this : All the proprietors save one, John 
 Saffin, of Boston, later of Bristol, resided in Barrington, Rehoboth or 
 ancient Swansea. In proof of this statement, reference is made to Bliss's 
 History of Rehoboth and Bicknell's History of Barrington. 
 
 The fourth pointer is the fact that highways were laid out on Popa- 
 nomscutt or Phebes Neck and home lots, pastors' lots, teachers' lots were 
 laid out in the early history of Sowams. 
 
 The fifth pointer is that Sowams was called Swansea : " The Court 
 doe alow and approve that the township granted unto Captaine Willett 
 and others his naighbours (Sowams) att Wannamoisett and places 
 adjacent, Shall henceforth be called and Knowne by the name of Swan- 
 sey." (Plymouth 5 March 1667-8 Prence Govr) 
 
 In 1673, Swansea established a school " for the teaching of Cram- 
 mer Rhetoric and Arithmetic And the tongues of Latin Greek and 
 Hebrew Also to read English and to Write," and Rev. John Myles was 
 the first schoolmaster. The location of the children and the schools tell 
 where the people lived. The schools were opened at Wannamoisett, on 
 New Meadow Neck, on Kickamuit Neck, at Bartrums and at Matta- 
 poisett. 
 
 The First Baptist Meeting House was built on Nockum Hill, mid- 
 way between Wannamoisett, and Myles Bridge and Garrison on New 
 Meadow Neck, and the second was built on New Meadow Neck on Tyler's 
 Point, which, says Tustin, was called " The Place of Trade." Reho- 
 both began its settlement at what is now Rumford, in 1643. Wanna- 
 moisett followed with Hon. John Brown and Captain Thomas Willett; 
 then the coming of Rev. John Myles and the Baptists at and about Myles' 
 home and Garrison at Barneysville ; and from thence the whole of the 
 two peninsulas of Sowams became peopled. A study of the Sowams 
 Records and the histories of Rehoboth, Swansea and Barrington with 
 these points of view will enable the student to reach a just conclusion 
 as to the location of Sowams which will be discussed in the next chapter. 
 
 144 
 
^^ <^ t>^ e/XyC.y^^'^-^ 
 
 ^^^:;^^,^^^>^-M«^^%. 
 
 ,r^^ 
 
 irt-ur?2^ 
 
 ^^t^^^^^^fllo/^i^rvT^ 
 
 ^ay?7Kli ^rnj7i- 
 
 <s?v-j;^^ 
 
 S2<*^»x 
 
 '^'-Vyi(i''}r]4'fi/(,^ 
 
 
 H 
 
 AUTOGRAPHS OF SOME SOWAMS PROPRIETORS AND OTHERS 
 
i&xmiama l^ropmtatB and Wf&nxa of l&Btaxh 
 
 William Bradford 
 Edward Winslow 
 Thomas Cushman 
 Thomas Clarke 
 Thomas Willett 
 Myles Standish 
 Resolved White 
 John Brown 
 Joseph Peck 
 Peter Hunt 
 Philip Walker 
 Samuel Newman 
 Nicholas Peck 
 John Saffin 
 James Brown 
 Anthony Low 
 Joseph Chaffee 
 Jonathan Bosworth 
 Samuel Walker 
 Daniel Smith 
 Noah Floyd 
 Joshua Smith 
 Robert Millard 
 Eliakim Hutchinson 
 John Butterworth 
 John Paine 
 John Dixey 
 Thomas Barnes 
 William Ingraham 
 Thomas Guinn 
 Jonathan Viall 
 Daniel Allen 
 
 Benjamin Viall 
 Samuel Brown 
 Thomas Turner 
 Samuel Humphrey 
 James Smith 
 Ebenezer Allen 
 William Cobb 
 Nathaniel Peck, Jr 
 Matthew Allin 
 Benjamin Brown 
 Daniel Brown 
 Jabez Brown 
 Joseph Chaffee 
 James Bicknell 
 Hezekiah Chaffee 
 Joseph Wheaton 
 Daniel Hunt 
 Solomon Peck 
 Samuel Viall 
 Solomon Townsend 
 Henry Bowen 
 Jesse Brown 
 Elkanah Humphrey 
 Ebenezer Peck 
 Allen Viall 
 Ezra Kent, Jr. 
 John R. Richmond 
 Thomas Prince 
 John Adams 
 John Winslow 
 Experience Mitchell 
 William White 
 
 Knelm Winslow 
 Peregrine White 
 Stephen Paine 
 John Allen 
 Henry Smith 
 Thomas Chaffee 
 Josiah Winslow 
 Richard Brown 
 Nathaniel Paine 
 Israel Peck 
 Nathaniel Chaffee 
 Stephen Paine, Jr. 
 Nathaniel Peck 
 Abraham Perren 
 John Viall 
 William Allin 
 Samuel Peck 
 Richard Whitaker 
 John Medbury 
 Benjamin Paine 
 John Allen, Jun. 
 Andrew Willett 
 Joseph Kent 
 Richard Ingraham 
 Ben j amin Pemberton 
 Bamfield Capron 
 Deacon Newman 
 Samuel Low 
 Simon Davis 
 Josiah Turner 
 John Chaffee 
 Ebenezer Tiffany 
 
 145 
 
Zachariah Bicknell Samuel Allen Josiah Humphrey 
 ObadiahBettis( Pettis?) Recompense Tiffany William Hunt 
 
 John Baker Charles Brown Nathaniel Heath 
 
 Thomas Hill Peter Brown John Humphrey 
 
 Samuel Barnes Thomas Allin Solomon Peck, Jr. 
 
 Joseph Brown Joshua Bicknell Jacob Chandler 
 
 Isaac Brown Nathaniel Viall Oliver Brown 
 
 Of the one hundred and seventeen proprietors, whose names appear 
 in the Sowams Records, only one lived outside the bounds of Barrington, 
 Rehoboth and Swansea. That was John Saffin, of Boston, son-in-law of 
 Capt. Thomas Willett. He was later a citizen of Bristol, R. I. Most 
 were residents of what is now Barrington and East Providence. Warren 
 had not a single proprietor. 
 
 (§f&tnB of % ^Dtuama Sroprntar^ 
 
 As has been seen, the proprietors were, with one exception, residents 
 of Sowams or Swansea, and Rehoboth, the territory now occupied by 
 Barrington, East Providence, Seekonk, Rehoboth, and old Swansea. 
 The officers, however, all lived west of the Sowams River, in what is 
 now Barrington, East Providence and Seekonk. 
 
 The first proprietors' Clerk was Hon. John Brown, who lived at 
 Wannamoisett, now East Providence. His successors, until 1710, are 
 not a matter of record. 
 
 Aug. 30, 1710, Benjamin Viall, of Wannamoisett, was clerk. 
 
 April I, 1730, Samuel Allen, of Barrington, was moderator. 
 
 March 13, 1750- 1, Matthew Allin, of Barrington, was both moderator 
 and clerk. 
 
 April I, 1 75 1, Capt. Joseph Wheaton, of Rehoboth, was moderator, 
 and Nathaniel Viall, of Wannamoisett, was clerk. 
 
 April 30, 1753, Capt. Daniel Hunt, of Rehoboth, (now East Provi- 
 dence), was moderator, and Nathaniel Viall, clerk. 
 
 May 30, 1774, Thomas Allin was clerk and held the office until the 
 
 146 
 
^^ 
 
 yTLaTLnMiJ .^:'TV^^t^'^i__^ ^i^'-^^'^'i iC^*^— 
 
 AUTOGRAPH SIGNATURES OP A NUMBER OF THE SOWAMS 
 PROPRIETORS AND OTHERS 
 
 i*« 
 
last record in the book over his signature, March i6, 1797. His resi- 
 dence still stands at West Barrington. 
 
 Solomon Townsend, town clerk of Barrington, was the moderator 
 of the last recorded meeting of the proprietors, which was held at the 
 house of Judge Elkanah Humphrey, of Barrington. This house stood 
 at the corner, on the middle highway, about loo rods south of the resi- 
 dence of Fed. S. Peck, Esq. 
 
 A photograph of the last page of Mss., containing the record of 
 the last meeting of the Sowams Proprietors, will be found on another page. 
 
 147 
 
CHAPTER IV 
 
 SOWAMS 
 
PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE COMMITTEE OF TWENTY CITIZENS OF 
 
 HARRINGTON, ON THE HARRINGTON CENTENNIAL, JUNE, 1870, 
 
 INCLUDING THE POET, HEZEKIAH BUTTERWORTH 
 
&nmam0 
 
 0^ 
 
 OVERNOR Bradford wrote that after the first interview 
 with Massassoit at Plymouth, March, 162 1, that the Sachem 
 " returned to his place, called Sowams, some 40 miles from 
 this place." All authorities agree that the chief's home was 
 at Sowams. A careful measurement between Plymouth, 
 by way of the fording place at the Weirs, on the Taunton River, and 
 the Pawtucket River or Sowams Bay on the west, makes the distance from 
 Plymouth to Ancient Sowams exactly forty miles. 
 
 As the Indian names, Sowams and Pokanoket are used interchange- 
 ably in the older records and the patents of 1620 and 1629, some con- 
 fusion has arisen as to the territorial value of the two names. It is 
 now generally conceded that Sowams was a well-known Indian village 
 or section of a larger territory known as Pokanoket, although in the 
 first official map of the towns of the Colony of Rhode Island and Provi- 
 dence Plantations, made in 1721, fifty years after Philip's war and the 
 extinction of the Wampanoags as a tribe, the term "Sowamsett alias 
 Pokanoket," is used and located in Barrington as will be seen with refer- 
 ence to a photographic reproduction of a part of this valuable map, 
 which the reader is asked to study. 
 
 Prior to 1644, a difference existed between the Massachusetts and 
 Plymouth colonies as to the colonial jurisdiction of Seekonk, each claim- 
 ing it. The Plymouth people showed the commissioners the Plymouth 
 Patent, " By which it appeareth that a countrey or place called Poccan- 
 ekuck (Als) Sewamsett is granted unto them. The commissioners not 
 conceiving that the clause (als) Sewamsett as there expressed should 
 streaten their limmits and improving an opportunitie of the Narrohi- 
 gansett. Deputies now present do find Secunck clearely within the lim- 
 mits so graunted to New Plymouth." The English of which was that 
 in the minds of these officials Pokanoket was a larger territory than 
 Sowams, and that it included the Seekonk purchase. According to this 
 
 151 
 
decision it also covered the North Purchase (Attleboro and Cumberland) 
 made later by Thomas Willett. On the other hand, Pokanoket included 
 Consumpsit Neck (Bristol) according to the commissioners who consid- 
 ered the boundary line between Massachusetts and Rhode Island in 1741 
 (June 30). They say: "The place where the Indians called Philip 
 lived near Bristol, was called Paucanoket, and another place near Swan- 
 sey was called Sowams or Sowamsett." The truth of the matter probably 
 is that Sowams stood relatively to Pokanoket as Barringfton does to 
 Bristol County, with the addition of the towns of East Providence, R. I., 
 and Seekonk, Mass. A careful study of what follows will enable us 
 to understand what and where Sowams was. 
 
 The first patent granted to the Plymouth Planters, viz., John Carver, 
 Will Bradford, Edw. Winslow and others, by King James, in 1620, the 
 eighteenth year of his reign, all that part of New England in America 
 that lies between the Cohasset River on the North, the Narragansett 
 River on the South, the Atlantic Ocean on the East "and extending up 
 into the mainland towards the West from the mouth of said River called 
 Narragansett River to the utmost limits and bownds of a countrey or 
 place in New England called Pokenacutt als Puckenakick als Sawaamset 
 westward and another like strait line extending itselfe directly from the 
 mouth of the said River called Coahassett als Conahasset towards the 
 West so far up into the maine land westward as the utmost limits of 
 the said place or countrey commonly called Pokenacutt als Puckenakick 
 als Sawaamset doe extend together." 
 
 The second patent g^ven by Charles First, dated Jan. 13, 1629, affirms 
 the patent of 1620, the patent reading " to the utmost limitts and bounds 
 of a country or place in New Englande called Pokenacutt alias Sowam- 
 sett westward," etc. 
 
 Both patents agfree in the declaration that " Pokenacutt alias Sowam- 
 sett," was situated on " Narragansett River " or Bay, and that it occu- 
 pied the tract in the northwestern section of the Plymouth patent with 
 the western boundary line up the middle of Narragansett River intersect- 
 ing the northern boundary line extending westward from the middle of 
 the Cohasset River. In other words, Pokenacutt alias Sowamsett, was 
 
 152 
 
the western and northwestern section of Plymouth Colony and was 
 bounded on the west by " Narragansett River " or Bay, and on the north 
 by Massachusetts Bay Colony territory. 
 
 The original patent declared Sowaamset (Sowams) to be located on 
 Narragansett Bay and that it was the western and northwestern bound 
 of Plymouth. It was the most natural thing that the Bay on the west 
 of Sowams should take the name of the country on its shores. This 
 fact appears in the deed of Shawomet, (Warwick), to Randall Holden, 
 John Greene, Samuel Gorton and others, from Miantonomi, under date 
 of January 12, 1642. 
 
 " Know all men ; that I, Myantonomy, Cheefe Sachem of the Nan- 
 heggansett, have sould unto the persons heare named, one parsell of 
 lands with all the rights and privileges thereoff whatsoever, lying uppon 
 the west syde of that part of the sea called Sowhomes Bay, from Copas- 
 sanatuxett, over against a little island in the sayd Bay, being the North 
 bounds, and the outmost point of that neck of land called Shawhomett, 
 being the South bounds, ffrom the sea shore of each boundary upon a 
 straight lyne westward twentie miles." Miantonomi, chief of the Narra- 
 gansetts, is authority for the statement that that part of Narragansett 
 Bay, north of Prudence Island to Pomham Rock in Providence River, 
 was called Sowams Bay. 
 
 With Sowams Bay extending to Prudence and to the south end of 
 Warwick Neck, it is evident that the Sowams River flowed into Sowams 
 Bay. As the Narragansett country gave the name to the Bay that washed 
 its eastern shores, so Sowams gave its name to the River that flowed 
 along its eastern boundary and the Bay that formed its southern and 
 western limits. The historian of the Memoirs of Plymouth Colony, 
 Francis Baylies, a native of Dighton, Mass., one of the most thorough 
 students of local history of the last century, locates Sowams in ancient 
 Swansea, near the present town of Warren. 
 
 A claim was made by Gen. Guy M. Fessenden that Warren was a 
 part of ancient Sowams and that Massassoit lived on the site of that 
 village. Following his opinion, later writers without study have fallen 
 into the same grave mistake. Four reasons have led up to this error. 
 
 153 
 
The first and most important is that the deed of Massassoit to Governor 
 Bradford and others dated March, 1653, describing the limits and bounds 
 of Sowams was not known to the writers. Another is that the Sowams 
 Records, locating and describing the lands of the Sowams Purchase, have 
 not been known to the public, having never seen the light until their 
 publication in this volume, and to which reference is made. Another 
 reason exists in the fact that for twenty-four years (1746- 1770) Har- 
 rington and Warren were one town, under the name of Warren, hence 
 events and local references to Barrington would be known as in Warren. 
 Perhaps the most convincing argument which excludes Warren from 
 consideration as having any claim to Sowams, and not being included 
 in the Massassoit deed of 1653, is found in a most important document 
 which has had slight public consideration. It seems that the territory 
 now known as Warren was owned by an Indian named Totomommucke, 
 and others, prior to 1673. (See Plymouth Records, vol. ix, pp. 16, 17, 
 28, 29). On May 8th, 1673, Totomommucke and his associates sold to 
 the town of Swansea all that tract of land lying between the main part 
 of Mount Hope Neck on the south, Sowams River on the west, the old 
 lines of Swansea on the north, and easterly by some line within what 
 was once known as Shawomet. The controversy between Plymouth 
 Colony and Swansea, which continued for about two years, related to 
 the right of sale of certain Indian lands at Shawomet to help in paying 
 the gjeat cost of Philip's war, Swansea, claiming, and maintaining her 
 claim, that the Colonial Treasurer, Constant Southworth, had sold a part 
 of the territory, which the town had bought of Totomommucke. The 
 papers here printed show conclusively that Warren was a part of the 
 Totomommucke purchase. 
 
 IN RE LANDS NOW WARREN 
 
 The following from Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. VII, pp. 16, 17 
 and 28, 29, sets at rest the debate whether Warren was included in the 
 Sowams Purchase. 
 
 154 
 
" There haueing bine som controversy between the coUonie and the 
 towne of Swansey respecting a sale of lands made by Mr. Constant 
 Southworth, Treasurer, to Josiah Winslow, Esq, Walter Briggs, John 
 Williams, Capt Fuller, and others, called the Showamett Purchase, the 
 town of Swansey aforesaid claiming a considerable pte of those lands 
 soe sold by vertue of a deed obtained of Totomomucke and others 
 bearing date of the eight of May, 1673, it is agreed between the Generall 
 Court, held by adjournment July the first, 1679, in behalfe of the collonie 
 of New Plymouth, on the one pte, and Mr Samuel Luther, agent for 
 the town of Swansey and on theire behalfe on the other pte, as a full 
 and final issue of the aboue mensioned difiFerence, that the collonie of 
 New Plymouth aforesaid shall and heerby doe agree and graunt to and 
 with the towne of Swansey, that they shall haue and for euer enjoy 
 those lands that lye to the southward of theire old line vntill it comes 
 within twenty rodds of Kekamuett Springe, which is the enterance of 
 Mount Hope Necke, and what distance it is by measure from the 
 station to direct a line quite ouer or crosse the necke, or take- 
 ing twenty rodds att the head of the said spring northerly, and those 
 stations to make or direct the line crosse the necke, the collonie makeing 
 theire choise which of those lands shall stand, all the lands lyeing on 
 the northerly syde of the line, and soe home to Swanseys former bounds, 
 to be and for euer belonge unto the towne of Swansey ; and in considera- 
 tion thereof, the said towne of Swansey shall and heerby and doe quitt 
 claime to the rest of the lands of Mount Hope on the southerly syde of the 
 above mensioned line, and doe resigne up unto the collonie or purchasers 
 of Showamett lands the deeds aboue mensioned obtained of Totoma- 
 mucke, &c, and quitt claime vnto all the lands therin contained or men- 
 sioned In witnesse wherof, the Secretary, in the behalfe of the collonie, 
 and Samuel Luther, agent for the towne of Swansey, in theire behalfe, 
 haue heervnto subscribed 
 
 NATHANIELL MORTON, Secretary 
 The marke of (X) SAMUELL LUTHER 
 
 Agent for the towne of Swansey 
 Plymouth, the fift of July, 1679 
 
 155 
 
Nouember the first, 1679 
 
 " This Court doth order and appoint John Richmond, Mr. Nicholas 
 Pecke, and William Carpenter, to run the line between the countryes 
 land att Mount Hope and the town of Swansey, and incase of failer of 
 any of the three, that then Encrease Robenson be improued in his stead, 
 and that the record of Court heerwith sent, respecting that matter 
 aboue said, to be the rule by which they are to proceed therin ; the psons 
 aboue appointed are to meet about the expedition on Wednesday, the 25th 
 of this instant Nouember 
 
 " The proceedings and actings of this committee, in running of the 
 said line, is as followeth : — 
 
 " The line of the old fence two degrees and an halfe, to the north of 
 the west; then we measured from the mouth of Keekamuett Springe 
 twenty rodds three degrees to the eastward of the north, and the fence 
 att the head of the said springe, and sett upp a white oake stake stand- 
 ing, at the extent of each 20 rodds, and raised vpp a heap of stones about 
 each stake 
 
 " When we found the range a crosse the necke to be a point and a 
 halfe to the northward of the west, and the line run by bound trees, 
 vntill it comes to the west syde of the said necke, to a smale red oake 
 bowe, where wee raised an heape of stones, and marked both the avoue 
 sail stakes and the bowe with S on the north syde, and C on the south 
 syde 
 
 " This was pformed on the day prefixed by the Court, as was by 
 them ordered, by vs, which was appointed therin 
 
 " These may signify that wee, Nathaniel Pecke, John Richmond, and 
 Encrease Robinson, did run the line aboue mensioned according to Court 
 order, and Mr Willam Ingram, Mr. Hugh Cole, and Obadiah Bowin, 
 appointed by the towne of Swansey, did joyne with vs in runing the said 
 line 
 
 " The bill of charges of the committee first aboue mensioned Wee 
 were out three days, and our expenses was in all fifteen shillings in 
 money " 
 
 The deed of Totommomucke and the adjustment of the land dif- 
 
 156 
 
ference with the Colony transferred to Swansea that portion of Mount 
 Hope Neck, now known as Warren. We have considered the evidence 
 of the patents of Plymouth Colony as related to Sowams, showing it to 
 be in the northwestern part of the Colonial grant. Miantonomi testifies 
 that the Bay that washed its western shores was called Sowams, 
 (Sowhomes). Consumpsit Neck, alias Mount Hope Neck, nine and 
 one-half miles long, was, according to Gov. Winslow, made a per- 
 manent Indian reservation. Seekonk, alias Rehoboth, was sold by 
 Massassoit in 1641 to John Brown, Edward Winslow and others, and 
 as we have seen, the territory of Warren was sold in 1673 to the town 
 of Swansea. There remains only the territory which was assigned to 
 the first comers by the Plymouth Court by patent dated March 2, 1640- 1, 
 given to William Bradford, his heirs, associates and assigns, and described 
 as follows : 
 
 " The third place from Sowamsett River to Patucquett River, with 
 Consumpsit Neck, wch is the chief habitacon of the Indians and reserved 
 for them to dwell upon extending into the land eight miles through the 
 whole breadth thereof, together with such other small parcells of lands 
 as they or any of them are psonally possessed of or interested in by 
 virtue of any former titles or grants whatsoever." 
 
 This territory was called by Capt. Myles Standish "The garden of 
 the Plymouth Patent and the flour of the garden." Gov. Bradford wrote 
 that " Squanto commends Pokanoket, (including Sowams), for the rich- 
 est soil and much open ground for English grain," &c. 
 
 In Morton's " New England Memorial " the writer states that after 
 Massassoit had concluded the terms of the league with the Plymouth 
 settlers in March, 162 1, " he returned to his place called Sowams, about 
 forty miles distant from Plymouth." 
 
 A foot note to this statement adds : " Massassoit resided at Sowams 
 or Sowamsett, at the confluence of two rivers in Rehoboth, or Swansea, 
 though occasionally at Mont Haup or Mount Hope, the principal resi- 
 dence of his son, Philip." 
 
 In Hubbard's History of New England it is stated : " Massassoit 
 
 157 
 
they brought down to the English at Plymouth, though his place was at 
 forty miles distance, called Sowams, his country called Pokanoket." 
 
 In Winslow's account of his second journey to Sowams, 1623, he 
 says : " News came to Plymouth, that Massasowat was like to die, and 
 that at the same time there was a Dutch ship driven so high on the 
 shore by stress of weather, right before his dwelling, that till the tides 
 increased, she could not be got off." When he reached Sowams the 
 Dutch ship had gone, and he found Massassoit sick. 
 
 A note in Belknap's Am. Biog., Vol. 11, p. 221, referring to the 
 name " Puckanokick," states that this was a general name for the northern 
 shore of Narragansett Bay, between Providence and Taunton, compre- 
 hending the present territory of Bristol, Warren, and Barrington, R. I., 
 and Swansea in Massachusetts. Its northern extent is unknown. "The 
 principal seats of Massassoit were at Sowams and Kickemuit. The for- 
 mer, Sowams, is a neck of land formed by the confluence of the Bar- 
 rington and Palmer's Rivers. The latter, Kickemuit, is Mount Hope." 
 
 In Winthrop's Journal, page 72, it appears that the Governor received 
 letters from Plymouth, " signifying that there had been a broil between 
 their men at Sowamset and the Narragansett Indians, who set upon the 
 English house there to have taken Ousamequin, the sagamore of Packa- 
 nocott, who was fled thither to relieve the three English which were 
 in the house, had sent home with all haste for more men and other pro- 
 visions, upon intelligence that Canonicus with a great army, was coming 
 against them." 
 
 " Powder was wanted and Winthrop sent twenty seven pounds ; the 
 messenger returned with a letter from the Governor (of Plymouth) that 
 the Indians were retired from Sowams to fight with the Pequins (Pe- 
 quots), which was probable." 
 
 Under date of May i, 1632, we find the following in the same jour- 
 nal: Winthrop and assistants in session at Boston: "While they were 
 thus sitting together, an Indian brings a letter from Captain Standish, 
 then at Sowams, to the effect that the Dutchmen (which lay for loading 
 at Anygansett or Narragansett) had lately informed him that many 
 Pequins who were professed enemies to the Anygansetts, had been 
 
 158 
 
there divers days and had advised us to be watchful, etc., giving other 
 reasons, etc." 
 
 Thomas Dudley, Deputy, made complaint against Governor Win- 
 throp as follows, in 1623 ; asking, " By what authority he lent twenty 
 eight pounds of powder <; to those at Plimouth, the Governor answered, 
 it was his own powder, and upon their urgent request, their own powder 
 proving naught when they were to send to the rest of their men at 
 Sowamsett." 
 
 The above references establish these facts: That Sowams was on 
 or near Narragansett Bay; that it was the residence of Massassoit, the 
 great chief of the Wampanoags ; that there was a trading post at Sowams 
 where the Dutch supplied the Indians with the commerce of the earlier 
 times ; that Governor Winthrop sent aid to Massassoit and that Standish 
 also visited Sowams with military aid to the Indians there against the 
 Narragansetts. That the words Sowams and Pokanoket were some- 
 times used interchangeably is not strange, as at the period referred to, 
 from 1620 to 1640, the Indian names of places had not been definitely 
 localized by the whites at Plymouth or Boston, as intercourse between 
 them had been very limited. Belknap and Morton, however, or their 
 editors, state that Massassoit resided at Sowams or Sowampsett, " at the 
 confluence of the two rivers in Rehoboth or Swansea," or on a neck of 
 land formed by the confluence of the Barring^on and Palmer's Rivers." 
 
 These authors locate Sowams on the eastern peninsula of Barring- 
 ton, known as New Meadow Neck, having a branch of Sowams River 
 on the east. 
 
 With the above historic references before us, we are now prepared 
 to examine the records as to what Sowams was and where Massassoit 
 had his residence, as all authorities agree that he lived at Sowams. 
 
 In 1641, Mr. John Brown and Mr. Edward Winslow, both of whom 
 had made intimate acquaintance with Massassoit, purchased of the chief 
 a tract of land eight miles square, known to the Indians as Sinkhunck, 
 but named by the whites Rehoboth. Prior to this purchase we find in 
 the Plymouth records (vol. 2, p. 5) under the date of December, 1640, the 
 following entry: 
 
 159 
 
" The third place from Sovvamsett River to Patuckquett River, with 
 Consumpsit Neck wch is the cheefe habitacon of the Indians and reserved 
 for them to dwell upon, extending into the land eight miles through the 
 whole breadth thereof was made choice of by the purchasers or old comers 
 according to the order of the court passed March 3, 1639." The 
 "Sowamsett River" referred to is the river separating Barrington from 
 Warren and the " Patuckquett " is Providence River from Narragansett 
 Bay to the city of Pawtucket. Mr. Brown and his associates at once 
 began the settlement of their purchase of Seekonk which they named 
 Rehoboth, and in 1645 it was voted at a meeting of the townsmen '' that 
 a fence shall be made from sea to sea (Sowamsett River to Patuckquett 
 River) between the Indian lands." This fence was the south line of the 
 Rehoboth purchase. 
 
 It is evident from the above record that Sowams was not included 
 in the Seekonk purchase of 1641, as a fence was built along the southern 
 boundary of the town to separate its lands from those of the Indians 
 on the South. As Consumpsit Neck (Bristol Neck) was an Indian 
 reservation and known by that name, it is clear that it was not a part 
 of Sowams. Kickemuit, the Indian village, and the section of the ter- 
 ritory along the Kickemuit River are not claimed as within the Sowams 
 limit. It must then be accepted that Sowams was a part of the territory 
 lying between Seekonk on the north, and the Narragansett Bay and Con- 
 sumpsit or Mount Hope Neck on the south and east. Let us now exam- 
 ine testimony that is clear and positive as to its real location. 
 
 In the deed of jMassassoit and Philip dated March 20, 1653, the 
 Indians united in a transfer of lands, entitled " Sowams and Parts Adja- 
 cent," to Thomas Prince, Thomas Willett, Miles Standish, Josiah 
 Winslow and their associates for the consideration of thirty-five pounds, 
 and described as follows : *' All those several parcells and Necks of 
 upland, Swamps and meadows. Lying and being on the South Syde of 
 Sinkhunck els Rehoboth Bounds and is bounded by a little brook of 
 water called by the Indians Mosskituash westerly and so Ranging by a 
 dead swamp eastward unto the great River with all the Creeks and 
 Brooks that are in or upon any of the said meadows, as also all the 
 
 160 
 
marsh meadows lying and Being without the Bounds before mentioned, 
 in or about the neck called by the Indians Chachacust. Also all the 
 meadows lyeing and being in or about Popasquash Neck, as also all the 
 meadows Lyeing from Kickomuet on both sides or any way joyning to 
 it on the bay on each side." This was the Sowams Purchase. 
 
 To understand the limits of this territory called Sowams, it may 
 be stated that " Mosskituash " was the name of the brook near River- 
 side in East Providence, that flows into Bullock's Cove ; " the dead 
 swamp" was the woodland east and north of the old Willett estate, 
 in ancient Wannamoisett ; "the great river" (Sowams) with both 
 branches was Palmers and Barrington Rivers, uniting at the south 
 end of New Meadow Neck; Chachacust was New Meadow Neck; 
 Popasquash was the name of the neck of land in Bristol, west of Bristol 
 Harbor. The Indian deed is vital testimony in that it fixes Sowams as 
 the territory on the south side of Seekonk and between the Sowamsett or 
 Great River on the east and Patuckq^uett River on the west. 
 
 " The parts adjacent," which are not bounded, are the salt and 
 fresh meadows on Popasquash Neck and on both sides of the Kickemuit 
 River. It was not until after King Philip's War that the whites attempted 
 to occupy or come into the ownership of the Indian possessions at Mount 
 Hope. In this deed, reference is made to " the neck called by the Indians 
 Chachacust," which was deeded conditionally to the whites, as it is 
 stated " that whensoever the Indians shall remove from the Neck, that 
 then and thenceforth the aforesaid Thomas Prince and others shall enter 
 upon the same by the same graunt, as their proper rights and interest 
 to them and their haiers forever." In other words, New Meadow Neck 
 or Chachacust was then the residence of a portion of the tribe. 
 
 In 1653, the year of the purchase of Sowams by Willett, Prince 
 and others, the town of Rehoboth agreed to build " a sufficient 
 fence to keep horses and cattle from Rangeing into the Neck of land 
 called the New Meadow Neck and maintaine the same." With the 
 Indian settlement on New Meadow Neck, it was very important for the 
 peace of both whites and Indians that a sufficient fence should stand 
 between their lands. 
 
 161 
 
Another piece of evidence fits the case at this point. Rehoboth 
 wanted certain salt meadows in the upper part of Harrington River and 
 applied to Plymouth Court for the same. The Court voted Dec. 7, 1647 : 
 
 " Whereas the inhabitants of Rehoboth desire liberty to make use 
 of a quantity of marsh land lying on the west side of Sowames River 
 wh they called New Meadows, containing about one hundred accars 
 untell there should bee a plantation at Sowames, leave was granted unto 
 them so to make use of it, but no further ppriety to belong unto them, 
 but untell a plantation should be settled at Sowams and for the avoyding 
 of all differences or contentions amongst them about the same, it is 
 left unto the discretion of Mr. Browne for him to dispose of amongst 
 them, as hee should see them stand in need." 
 
 " And for such pieces of marsh lying within the fence upon the 
 necke of the land wh the Indians possessed of and doe inhabite, which 
 does not belong to the township of Rehoboth, Mr. Brown is allowed 
 to make use of the same for himself, without molestation from the 
 inhabitants at Sowames, and then to require no further ppriety therein." 
 
 This record is in the handwriting of Nathaniel Morton, Secretary 
 of Plymouth Colony, who in 1668 tells us that the residence of Massas- 
 soit was at Sowams, at the confluence of two rivers in Rehoboth or 
 Swansea. The liberty given Mr. Brown to use marsh lands lying within 
 the fence upon the neck, can by no interpretation be made to apply to 
 any other section of Sowams than New Meadow Neck, where an Indian 
 village then stood, as it is distinctly stated, " which the Indians are 
 possessed of and do inhabite, which doth not belong to the township 
 of Rehoboth." This record also declares that Mr. Brown could use 
 these lands only until a plantation was made at Sowams of which these 
 lands were a part. 
 
 Rev. John Callender in his Historical Discourse adds his testimony 
 as to Sowams. An ecclesiastical synod at Boston tried John Clarke 
 and his associates for heresy. Mr. Callender says, " Whereupon, many 
 of the other side determined to remove, for peace sake, and to enjoy 
 the freedom of their consciences. And Mr. John Qarke who made the 
 proposal, was requested with some others, to seek out a place, and 
 
 162 
 
thereupon by reason of the suffocating heat of the summer before, he 
 went North, to be somewhat cooler, but the winter following proving 
 as cold, they were forced in the spring to make towards the South. 
 So having sought the Lord for their directions they agreed, that while 
 their vessel was passing about a large and dangerous Cape, (Cape Cod), 
 they would cross over by land, having Long Island and Deleware Bay 
 in their eye for the place of residence. At Providence, Mr. R. Williams 
 lovingly entertained them, and being consulted about their design, readily 
 presented two places before them in the N'arragansett Bay, the one 
 on the mainland called So-wames (the Neck since called Phebe's Neck 
 in Barrington) and Aquetneck now Rhode Island. (Mr, John Clarke's 
 Narrative). And inasmuch as they were determined to go out of every 
 other jurisdiction, Mr. Williams and Mr. Clarke attended with two other 
 persons, went to Plymouth to inquire how the case stood ; they were 
 lovingly received and answered that Sowames was the garden of their 
 Patent. But they were advised to settle at Aquetneck, and promised to 
 be looked upon as free and to be treated and assisted as loving neighbors." 
 Next to the title deed from the Indians, establishing Barrington as 
 the Sowams of Massassoit, the most important testimony is this of the 
 greatest white neighbor of the great chief, his most estimable friend, 
 Roger Williams. In 1636 Mr. Williams had made the friendship of 
 Massassoit and was his guest at Sowams for several days on his way 
 from Plymouth to Seekonk. Learning that these lands were probably 
 in Massachusetts Bay Colony, Mr. Williams crossed the Seekonk River 
 and settled in Providence. In 1637, his friend, John Clarke, having 
 been requested to leave Boston by ecclesiastical authority, came to Provi- 
 dence to consult as to his future with his friend, Williams, banished 
 from Salem. Clarke talked about a good place for settlement, and 
 Williams recommended two places. " The one on the mainland called 
 Sowames (the neck since called Phebe's Neck in Barrington) and Aquet- 
 neck, now Rhode Island." Going to Plymouth for permission to settle 
 at Sowams, they were told that "Sowams was the garden of their 
 Patent," and Clarke was advised to settle at Aquidneck, which he did. 
 Callender, who wrote the above statement, was no other than the Rev. 
 
 163 
 
John Callender, whose Historical Discourse from which the quotation 
 is taken, is a classic authority in Rhode Island history. He in turn 
 quotes from Mr. John Clarke's Narrative as to Mr. Williams's advice 
 in the matter. As Mr. Callender was the assistant minister of the Bap- 
 tist Church in Swansea, 1728-30, and was practically living on the 
 territory of Sowams, it is impossible that he could be mistaken when 
 he says that Sowams was Phebe's Neck or Harrington, " The Garden 
 of the (Plymouth) Patent." It is unreasonable to believe that Roger 
 Williams, who had been the guest of Massassoit at his village the winter 
 before, could have been mistaken as to the location of Sowams, the 
 residence of his host, that memorable winter, nor can it be possible that 
 John Qarke and Rev. John Callender, who had visited the territory 
 and were well acquainted with its limits, would locate the chief, his 
 home, and his town on the west side of the river at Barrington, when 
 his home was really reached by crossing the river to the site of the town 
 of Warren. It is fortunate that Mr. Clarke wrote his Century Sermon 
 in 1739, w^ile Barrington was a separate town, so that there could be 
 no misunderstanding as to the locality. Had he written in 1715, he 
 must have said that Sowams was in Swansea and we should never have 
 known by him on which side of the river the Indian village was located. 
 
 After the purchase of Sowams in 1653, the lands were divided and 
 sold to actual settlers and from that date on, we find the lands of Sowams 
 in the hands of permanent white occupants. Mr. Willett and Mr. John 
 Brown took large possessions at Wannamoisett and made their homes 
 there while others settled on the north end of New Meadow Neck. From 
 1649, when Rev. Mr. Newman began his opposition to the Rehoboth 
 Baptists, till 1663, the year of the arrival of the Rev. John Myles, the 
 people of the Baptist faith were scattered, some going to Newport, some 
 to Boston, and others to Sowams, outside and south of Rehoboth, where 
 the liberal leaders had established their settlement and church. 
 
 Under the government and protection of Plymouth Colony as they 
 were, these people must bear their share of the burdens of the colony 
 and the omnipresent tax assessor and collector must visit the new pro- 
 prietary of Sowams and levy and collect taxes from the permanent settlers 
 in Sowams, on New Meadow and Phebe's Neck, and at Wannamoisett. 
 
 164 
 
s- > 
 
 3" 2 
 
 
 > 
 
 O 
 
 
 SS 
 
 6 ^ 
 
 „ M 
 
As the tax book of Plymouth Colony was an unerring guide as to 
 the presence of wealth and population, we find Sowams was entered 
 as a taxable community in 1652, the Indian contingent excepted. The 
 following records relative to taxation of the people dwelling at Sowams 
 and the rates of several towns, showing the comparative size of the 
 neighborhoods, are of convincing importance: 
 
 
 plgmoutt; Olax IS^nttB 
 
 
 1652 
 
 Sowams rates 
 
 £1 10 00 
 
 
 Rehoboth " 
 
 5 I 
 
 
 Plymouth " 
 
 3 14 
 
 1660 
 
 Sowamsett " 
 
 2 10 
 
 Oct. 12, 1660. " Captn. Willett is to bee sent unto to put those that have 
 lands att Sowamsett into some way for the leviing and paying of theire 
 rates." 
 
 1661, June loth. " The naighborhood of Sowamsett is ordered to pay 
 a rate of fifty shillings for the public charges of the countrey." "It is 
 ordered by the Court that the ward of Rehoboth shal extend into Sowam- 
 sett and unto all the naighbors there inhabiting." 
 
 166 1 Oct. Sowams £4 13 
 
 Rehoboth 842 
 
 Plymouth 6 
 
 1662 Oct. Sowams 5 10 o 
 
 Rehoboth 15 3 o 
 
 Plymouth II 2 
 
 Bridgewater o 30 o 
 
 June, 1663. " It was ordered that these that sett downe att Sowamsett 
 to be accounted to belong to the town of Rehoboth." Sowamsett alias 
 Barrington lay adjacent to Rehoboth on the south. 
 
 1663 Oct. Sowamsett 
 
 Rehoboth 
 Plymouth 
 Bridgewater 
 
 165 
 
 £ 6 
 
 17 
 
 
 
 13 
 
 17 
 
 9 
 
 13 
 
 3 
 
 6 
 
 4 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
1664 June Sowamsett 2 5 
 
 1664 Sept. Sowams 3 15 
 
 1 164 Sept. " It was ordered by the Court that the town of Rehoboth 
 and the naighborhood of Sowamsett, in all levies for publick rates, shalbee 
 considered as one entire township until such time that the said naigh- 
 borhood shalbee in a capassitie and desire to bee a township of them- 
 selves." 
 
 1664 Oct. Sowams £ 3 7 6 
 
 Rehoboth ii 73 
 
 Plymouth 8 6 6 
 
 In 1665 " It is enacted by the Court that the naighborhood of Sowam- 
 sett bee accounted to be within the township of Rehoboth and within 
 that constablerick, and the constable to performe his office within the 
 said naighborhood for the gathering of rates &c. as any other parte of 
 his liberties." 
 
 1665-6 March. Sowams 
 Rehoboth 
 Plymouth 
 
 It is important to note that the name of Swansea takes the place 
 of Sowams on the tax list in 1668. As Swansea was incorporated in 
 1667, and its people, mainly occupying the territory west of Palmer's 
 River, were the residents of Sowams, Swansea took the name and burdens 
 of the community bearing the Indian name of Sowams. 
 
 In 1667, before Swansea was incorporated, and when Sowams was 
 bearing a tax levy nearly one-half the amount paid by Rehoboth, or of 
 the mother town of Plymouth, the territory now known as Warren was 
 known as Brooks Pasture and was used for the common pasturage of 
 cattle, horses and sheep, in a common herd. The fence on the north 
 side of the Indian lands at Bristol guarded their passage southward and 
 the salt water made the inclosure complete on the other side of the great 
 field, and a secure pasture ground it was without a white inhabitant on 
 the territory, until some time after Philip's War, for Hugh Cole and Mr. 
 
 166 
 
 £4 
 
 2 
 
 6. 
 
 13 
 
 17 
 
 9 
 
 10 
 
 3 
 
 6. 
 
Butterworth had their homes on lands east of the Kickemuit, some of 
 which are still owned by the Cole and Butterworth descendants. 
 
 An Indian village could not easily exist in the common pasture of 
 the white settlers, and at the very time that Sowams was paying an 
 annual rate of £io, into the Plymouth Treasury, the territory of Warren 
 was the quiet grazing ground of the settlers' cattle, and remained in the 
 same state of useful service to the people of Swansea until 1720 and 
 later. 
 
 In 1658 the Plymouth Court ordered " that a Troop of horse well 
 appointed with furniture, viz.: a saddle and a case of petternells for 
 every horse shall be raised out of the several townships to be ready for 
 service when required," who were freed from foot service. Each troop 
 numbered forty-eight horsemen. Rehoboth was ordered to raise three 
 troops, Taunton two, and Sowams one, showing that Sowams had one- 
 half the financial ability and population of Taunton, and one-third that 
 of Rehoboth. 
 
 As to the layout and occupation of Brook's Pasture (now Warren) 
 by white settlers the following items from the Swansea records are con- 
 clusive proof that these lands from the Bristol line to Palmer's River 
 and Belcher's Cove were not laid out for settlers until 1720, although 
 the subject was discussed as early as 1679-80. 
 
 Under the date of February 25, 1679-80, in Swansea town meeting, it 
 was voted " that ye whole tract of land called Brooks Pasture unto ye old 
 fence by John Wheaton's and what land is yet undivided which was 
 obtained of the countrey by composition shall be divided in a distinct 
 division and a survey up to Swansea two miles be taken which shall 
 bear its part to satisfie Hugh Cole." 
 
 It was also voted " that Mr. William Ingraham, Samuel Luther and 
 William Howard shall agree with Hugh Cole to what part he shall have 
 of Brooks Pasture." 
 
 At a town meeting held in Swansea, Aug. 6, 1680. " It is ordered 
 that whereas the committe Chosen for ye surveying of Brooks Pasture 
 25th of February, 1679 (1680) have now brought in their part fit to be 
 300 acres." 
 
 167 
 
I. "It is now ordered that Convenient highways may be laid out in 
 sd. land. 2. That ye land for house lots be laid out. 3. Hugh Cole 
 Senrs, land be laid out. 4. That ye remainder be laid out to each man 
 according to his proportion as Rankt and that each man draw his lot 
 when put in form, which is to be done with convenient speed by 5 men 
 as a Commitie namely, John Brown, Wm. Ingraham, Hugh Cole, Samuel 
 Luther, Obadiah Brown." 
 
 At a meeting of the proprietors, April i, 1718, " That a vote was 
 passed yt Brooks Pasture and ye island thereby should be laid out." 
 
 Still later, in 1719-20, a vote was passed by the proprietors that 
 Brooks Pasture should be laid out, and as late as April 19, 1725, the 
 following record appears : " By virtue of a warrant from one of his 
 Majesty's Justices of the Peace for ye County of Bristol, voted, that 
 the land in Brooks pasture be all laid out in 102 lots according to quan- 
 tity and quality." 
 
 It does not appear by the above records when the first house was 
 built on Brooks Pasture, and Mr. Fessenden states that it cannot be 
 easily ascertained. Certain it is, however, that the lay out of this section 
 was not completed as late as 1720, after a period of twenty years' dis- 
 cussion. 
 
 My reasons for the position that Barrington is as a whole or in 
 part ancient Sowams are these : 
 
 I. The whole territory occupied by Philip, including what is now 
 Bristol and Warren was known by the Indians and whites as Consump- 
 sit or Mount Hope and Mount Hope Neck and included the land from 
 Kickemuit River on the east to Mount Hope and Narragansett Bays on 
 the south and west, extending north to the present Rehoboth line. All 
 references to persons or eyents in this territory are referred to as at 
 Consumpsit Neck, Mount Hope, Pokanoket, or Kickemuit; Mount Hope 
 was the chief residence of Philip before and while he was sachem of the 
 Wampanoags, while Sowams was the home of Massassoit. Sowams was 
 therefore without the Mount Hope Lands and between them and Reho- 
 both. 
 
 Miantonomi, Chief of the Narragansetts, in his deed to Randall 
 
 168 
 
Holden, calls the bay in front of Warwick Purchase " Sowames (Sowams 
 Bay)," a most natural thing for him to do, since Barrington territory 
 opposite was known to his tribe as Sowams. The territory of Warwick 
 did not touch the bay, nor could it be seen from the Warwick Purchase, 
 while the lands of Barrington Neck, Sowams, from Rumstick Point to 
 Pomham Rocks were daily seen by his tribe, and the shores and waters 
 of "Sowams Bay" were often the scene of deadly contest between the 
 warriors of Canonicus and Massassoit. 
 
 II. Nathaniel Morton, Secretary of Plymouth Colony, writing in 
 1669 a memorial of New England from 1620, states that the Chief, Mas- 
 sassoit, after his league with the whites, " returned to his place called 
 Sowams, about forty miles from Plymouth." The foot note to the above 
 statement adds, " Massassoit resided at Sowams or Sowampsett, at the 
 confluence of two rivers in Rehoboth or Swansea, though occasionally at 
 Mont Haup or Mount Hope, the principal residence of his son Philip." 
 Barrington and New Meadow Neck are about forty miles from Plymouth 
 by the old Indian trail, and New Meadow Neck or Sowams, the residence 
 of Massassoit, is "at the confluence of the two rivers in Rehoboth or 
 Swansea." 
 
 III. The joint deed of Massassoit and Philip to Thomas Prince, 
 Thomas Willett and others, in 1653, was of " Sowams and Parts adja- 
 cent." 
 
 This deed included the whole of Barrington or Sowams as the 
 main body of the conveyance, with the fresh and salt meadows on the 
 Kickemuit River, at Mount Hope and at Popasquash as "The Parts 
 Adjacent." The Proprietors' Records are styled "Memorial or Booke 
 of Records of ye Severall Divisions and Bounds of ye Lands at Sowames 
 als. Swamsett & Parts Adjacent, purchased of ye great Sachem Osame- 
 quin and Wamsetta his eldest Sonne by Certain Gentlemen of ye Ancient 
 Inhabitants of the Colony of New Plymouth in New England." 
 
 IV. This book of records in the Town Clerk's office at Barrington, 
 describes in particular the Sowams lands in Barrington, the original 
 owners, and their successors, most of whom were residents of what is 
 now Barrington, East Providence, Seekonk and Rehoboth. The last 
 
 169 
 
meeting of the Proprietors was held at the house of Elkanah Humphrey 
 in Barrington, March i6th, 1797, at which Solomon Townsend was 
 Moderator and General Thomas Allin was Qerk, both residents of Har- 
 rington. 
 
 These records clearly and conclusively show that the lands styled 
 " Sowams," deeded by Massassoit and Philip in 1653, were held by the 
 proprietary, their successors and assigns, for nearly one hundred and 
 fifty years, when the ownership of unsold lands was transferred to the 
 towns of Barrington, Swansea or Rehoboth as their interests appeared. 
 The meetings were usually called in the name of "The Proprietors of 
 Sowams," although in several instances they are styled " The Proprietors 
 of Phebes Neck." 
 
 It is still further an important fact, worthy of notice, that the pro- 
 prietors of Sowams divided the upland as well as the meadows on the 
 Barrington side of the river and laid the highways throughout the town, 
 which they did not do in the lands at Kickemuit, Mount Hope or Pop- 
 pasquash. The territory now occupied by the town of Warren, was 
 designated in the Swansea records as " Brooks pasture." The Sowams 
 of Massassoit, the territory sold to Thomas Prince and his associates, 
 was substantially then the whole town of Barrington, although parts of 
 the section were known by the Indian names of Nayatt, Chachapacassett, 
 Chachacust, Wannamoisett, and Phebe's Neck. 
 
 V. Mr. Fessenden refers to a map of New England in Davis's 
 edition (1826) of Morton's Memorial as indicating that Sowams was 
 Warren. This map is a copy of one of the first maps made in New 
 England (1677), and is a cartographic curiosity. It locates Mount Hope 
 nearly opposite Providence with a river east of " Seacunck " and Mount 
 Hope, with two branches. The crown referred to, as denoting the resi- 
 dence of the chief sachem and the location of the capital, is marked 
 between the two rivers. If this map is of any value at all in locating 
 Sowams, it stands in favor of New Meadow Neck, which lies between 
 the branches of the Sowams River. An exact copy of the map as related 
 to this section of New England may be seen on one of the illustrated 
 pages. 
 
 170 
 
° 'Zn'^ 2,°" 
 w S 2 < 3 ": 
 
 o P a < S o-o 
 
 B 3 :^ fl> _o 
 
 - rt-n -1 3 P 
 o ™ ' 5 m"* 
 
 3 ^ M ui o 
 
 3-5* 2 3 „ 
 -I v; re ui ^ 3 
 
 fB fC " 
 
 P S^3 ^ 3 
 
 p 3 n » S" 
 
 3 M'" p S ° 
 m o 3 u, 
 
 m p "^ S- ? O 
 
 SIpIS^ 
 
 ft O 3 £ ?, 3- 
 
 Ah j^ t g 
 

 v-j; 
 
 i?4 
 
 ■5S 
 
 V 
 
 Sv*§ ^ 
 
 . «• ;; 
 
 
 V * ""^^ 
 
 '•■ ^■- 
 
 1? 
 
 
 
 V. - 
 
 •v> <, -s 
 
 ^* '^ 
 
 > '- 
 
 ■■?■.*■-;■ 
 
 ; -^ '-' 
 
 4 ^ 
 
 s t :■ 
 
 ' 4^ 
 
 i; '"^ 
 
 •> -J 
 
 C T. 
 
 ■-ss; 
 
 ^' '^ ^^' 
 
 ''4r^ 
 
 
 :; ";. 
 
 vj v: 
 
 "- u 
 
 •a o 
 
 •a "^ K c 
 — ■" M 
 
 en tn C*^ 
 
 HH a o — 
 u .2'i« s 
 
 •a *j a) 5 
 O 03 ^ ™ 
 
 ■a -a 
 
 c E 
 
 en rt 
 
 I— I u 
 
 o ^ 
 
 o o 
 o ^ 
 
 Ux3 
 -^ >> 
 
 •S = 
 
 V> (U 
 
 3 O 
 
 O & 
 
 51° 
 
 0*3 
 
 
 << > a 
 
 ^ t- 3 
 
 i 3—, 
 
 O -o 
 
VI. The story of the Northmen in New England as told by Mr. 
 Joshua Tolmin Smith is one of the most valuable contributions as to 
 the location of Sowams. His opinion that the Northmen discovered 
 Narragansett Bay, named Mount Hope, and visited the lands along Nar- 
 ragansett Bay and Providence River is well sustained by his argument 
 and story. The map accompanying the book and illustrating the voyage 
 locates the peninsula of Barrington, across which in large letters the 
 word Sowams is printed. Mr. Smith states that this map is printed from 
 an accurate London map of this section of New England. Reference is 
 made to the map. 
 
 Vn. In 1720, the General Assembly of Rhode Island ordered an 
 authentic map to be made of the Colony, and appointed Mr. John 
 Mumford, of Newport, to survey and make an accurate map of all the 
 towns in the Colony. The map was made and by vote of the General 
 Assembly was accepted and adopted as the official Colonial Map. A 
 photograph of a part of the map on another page will show that Sowam- 
 sett alias Pokanoket, is located on Barrington territory, the name being 
 found between Nayatt and Chachapacassett Points. This map was made 
 seventy-three years after Massassoit sold Sowams to Governor Bradford 
 and others, and forty-five after Philip's War. The men then living 
 knew where Sowams was located by the ancient proprietors. 
 
 VIII. John Clarke, in his narrative of his journey to Providence 
 and subsequent settlement at Newport, writes that Roger Williams 
 recommended two places for his future home, "the one on the main 
 called Sowames (the neck since called Phebe's Neck in Barrington) and 
 Aqueineck, now Rhode Island." Roger Williams certainly knew where 
 Sowams was for he had been entertained by Massassoit, and the Rev. 
 John Callender, the historian, and at one time minister of Swansea, con- 
 firms, if confirmation is needed, the location of Sowams, the home of 
 Massassoit. 
 
 IX. Rev. Jeremy Belknap, of Boston, the founder of the Massa- 
 chusetts Historical Society, and one of the most learned and accurate 
 scholars of the history of the last century, in an article on Pokanoket, 
 says, " The principal seats of Massassoit were at Sowams and Kicke- 
 
 171 
 
muit. The former (Sowams) is a neck of land formed by the confluence 
 of the Barrington (Sowams) and Palmer's Rivers. The latter, Kicke- 
 muit, is Mount Hope." Belknap's Am. Biog., vol. ii, p. 221. 
 
 X. By the deed of Massassoit, in 1653, it appears that the Indians 
 were then dwelling on New Meadow Neck, for it states that " when^ 
 soever the Indians shall remove from the Neck (called Chachacust or 
 New Meadow Neck) that then and from thenceforth the aforesaid 
 Thomas Prince etc. shall enter upon the same," etc. 
 
 XL The river which bounds and divides the territory was the 
 Sowams River with its two branches. This is now the Warren River, 
 but was known to the settlers as the Sowams, and is often mentioned 
 in the deeds and records. With Barrington as Sowams, it would be 
 the most natural thing to call its principal river and branches by the 
 Indian name of the section where the chief resided. 
 
 XII. The first white settlement was made near Myles Bridge, on 
 the New Meadow Neck, by people excluded from Rehoboth on account 
 of religious opinions. Settlements were also made at Wannamoisett by 
 John Brown and Thomas Willett. To the Plymouth Government these 
 settlements were known as Sowams and taxed under that name. Mr. 
 Brown and Captain Willett, who lived at Wannamoisett, were mem- 
 bers of the Plymouth Government, had the best possible knowledge of 
 the whole country, they must have ordered the name of Sowams to be 
 applied to the territory. As we have seen, as early is 1652, Sowams 
 was assessed £1, los. in the Colonial tax, where there was not a white 
 resident on the territory now known as Warren, except Hugh Cole and 
 Mr, Butterworth, east of the Kickemuit River, where Mr. Myles' Church 
 was afterwards built, and north of the Indian village on the south end 
 of the Neck. Had Warren been the original Sowams, there would not 
 have been a white settler to have laid claim to the name or preserve it. 
 Mr. Willett and Mr. Brown, Mr. Allin, and others, were the largest 
 proprietors of Sowams, and must have known its true location and bounds, 
 and used the name in local affairs, until Swansea was incorporated. 
 
 XIII. As early as 1623, a trading post was erected in the Pokanoket 
 country by the Plymouth settlers, at Sowams, in the vicinitv of the 
 
V'^ 
 
 t--. 
 
 
 Vfvr 
 
 ..w/A-^^^~-/Y^ ^'■^■'" 
 
 .^ 
 
 1^ 
 
 <^> ♦ \i.\'^ F -C- [/n'f'/rf'/f; . 
 
 s 
 
 ?) 
 
 / 
 
 
 0)1 J '^ 
 
 
 r//^//f AV'rX- 
 
 rt<f/t/,/uf/ff/t 
 
 ■■'-ti-i'airfin"-"'-'^"1ii' " ' -"^- - ■■-- 
 
 
 
 V 
 
 '( 
 
 r 
 
 .^yi 
 
 V 
 
 
 
 
 ( 
 
 // 
 
 '1 
 
 ' 1 
 
 ^'(f//\/f/// 
 
 SOWAMS, ALIAS BARRINGTON 
 
 From part of map of Vinland showing occupation of Northmen in New England. Copied from a London 
 map, 1842. By Joshua Tolmin Smith. F. R. S. No. Antiq. 
 
largest Indian village, as it was established to carry on barter with the 
 Indians. In Miller's history of " The Wampanoag Indians," it is stated 
 that the trading post was supposed to have been located on the Barrington 
 side of the Sowams River, on the land known as "Phebe's Neck." This 
 trading post or house, as it is called at Sowamsett, as related in Winthrop's 
 Journal, was the place to which Myles Standish and his men came in 
 1632. Massassoit had fled to the post for protection from a threatened 
 attack of the Narragansetts, who could easily make raid on the Indians 
 at Sowams, by a water approach in canoes across the bay from Warwick 
 or by land from the upper end of the river at Providence. Governor 
 Winthrop sent twenty-seven pounds of gun-powder to Standish, but a 
 messenger soon brought news from Standish that the Indians had 
 returned from Sowams to engage in a contest with the Pequots, or 
 called " Pequins " in the account. Standish writes from Sowams to 
 Governor Winthrop that Dutch vessels lay for trading with the Nar- 
 ragansetts and the men had communicated this important news as to 
 the Indians on the other side of the bay. Winslow in his letter relative 
 to his second journey (1623) to Sowams to visit Massassoit, tells of a 
 Dutch trading vessel that had grounded in front of the chief's residence, 
 but had sailed away before he had reached the place. As the water of 
 both branches of the Barrington River is deep enough for vessels of 
 large size for nearly a mile above Warren, it is clear that the Dutch 
 coasters or trading vessels could have navigated the channel of these 
 streams, and it is quite reasonable that they might be stranded at low tide 
 at almost any point between the mouth of the river at Rumstick and the 
 heads of the two branches at Barneysville or Hundred Acre Cove. 
 According to Tustin, the lower end of New Meadow Neck was at that 
 time the most central point in the town (Swansea) and was then called 
 the " Place of Trade." 
 
 XIV. The Indian trail from Plymouth to Sowams was through 
 Namasket or Middleboro, Titicut or Taunton, across the fording place 
 of the Taunton River at the Weirs, thence southerly and westerly across 
 Shawomet, Mattapoysett and Touisset Necks. This trail would cross the 
 three rivers, Lee's, Cole's and Kickemuit, at fordable passages, and lead 
 
 173 
 
directly to Myles bridge or the fording place that was used in crossing 
 to Sowams. A map showing the old roads of Swansea, established in 
 the main on the lines of the Indian trails, will convince one of the cor- 
 rectness of this view. 
 
 XV. The Rhode Island Historical Society caused a tablet to be 
 erected on New Meadow Neck, at the railroad station, in honor of John 
 Hampden, who made the visit to Massassoit with Edward Winslow in 
 1623, and at the request of the Historical Society the name of the railroad 
 station was changed from NEW MEADOW NECK to HAMPDEN 
 MEADOWS. This is high authority in favor of the position that Mas- 
 sassoit had his residence on New Meadow Neck, where these distinguished 
 visitors made their memorable visit in 1623, as described in a previous 
 chapter. The inscription on the tablet will be found on another page. 
 
 The chapter would not be complete without a reference to the spring 
 in Warren called Massassoit's Spring. There are many springs in the 
 towns of Warren, Bristol, and Barrington, from all of which probably 
 Massassoit and his tribe drank. The Sowams Records refer to two 
 springs in Barrington, Scamscammuck, and Tom's Springs, and to the 
 great spring at Kickemuit, but no reference is made to any others. The 
 theory as to Massassoit's Spring in Warren is founded only on tradition 
 a century old and there is no probability that the Indians ever had a 
 village on the site of Warren. Massassoit probably drank from all these 
 springs, but if we are to attach the name of the illustrious chief to all 
 the springs from which he drank in his travels over his kingdom, the 
 monuments to his memory in Bristol County will be legion, as the earth 
 fountains are very numerous. 
 
 XVI. At the close of Philip's War, the Indian lands at Pokanoket 
 were deserted and the whites took measures to possess them. The 
 Sowams proprietors, under date of Dec. 28, 1676, voted, " That for the 
 lands at Popanomscutt, and parts adjacent, left & deserted by the Indians, 
 now in disspute between the Proprietors and the publique wheather 
 owners or Conquered Lands the Proprietors doe (forthwith all as one 
 man) take Effectual Course for the defence and clearing our Interest in 
 
 X74 
 
the lands aforesaid in order where unto it is mutually Agreed and fully 
 Concluded by us the proprietors in manner following viz. 
 
 " That Some meet person or persons be forthwith Chosen to prosecute 
 the business for the defence of our Interest as Aforesaid." 
 
 This record shows that the Indians were dwelling on the Sowams 
 Purchase until the opening of Philip's War, when their desertion of them 
 forfeited the lands to the white settlers. 
 
 X7S 
 
CHAPTER V 
 
 THE NEW ENGLAND 
 PROPRIETARY 
 
0^^0 HE Proprietary is the oldest form of corporate life, originating 
 d ^\ i^ New England. It existed for the purpose of holding, 
 ■ I I managing, selling and conveying lands and land estates. 
 ^^^^df When our ancestors first came to America, it was usual 
 in some of the New England Colonies for the General 
 Courts to grant and set apart a tract of land to a number of persons as 
 grantees in fee to hold as tenants in common. The persons holding and 
 controlling these lands were called proprietors and the territorial pos- 
 session with its control was called a Proprietary. A great proportion of 
 the lands of Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay Colonies was originally 
 allotted to proprietors in township grants. Much larger tracts in Mas- 
 sachusetts under land patents from the Crown, from the Council at 
 Plymouth in England, from the General Courts of the Colonies of 
 Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay, and from the Indians, were claimed 
 by proprietors. 
 
 The Kennebec (Maine) proprietors claimed about three million 
 acres; the Pejepscot proprietors about as many more; the Pemaquid 
 proprietors about ninety thousand acres ; and upon settlement of rights and 
 boundaries with the Colonies, these proprietors retained and held nearly 
 one-half of what they thus claimed and held. Of the proprietaries of 
 Plymouth and Rhode Island Colonies most of the lands were obtained 
 by direct purchase of the sachems or others of the Indian tribes. The 
 title deeds were signed by the sachems or others having authority, with 
 a consideration named therein as a regular real estate transaction of sale 
 and purchase, recognized and confirmed by the Colonial Courts. Gov- 
 ernor Edward Winslow, of Plymouth, under date of May i, 1676, states 
 that prior to King Philip's War, the English did not possess one foot 
 of land in that Colony, but what was fairly obtained by honest purchase, 
 from the Indian owners, with the knowledge and allowance of the 
 Plymouth Court. The title to the Providence Purchase originated in a 
 
 t79 
 
deed of " all the lands and meadows on the two fresh rivers, the Mos- 
 hassuck and the Woonasquatucket," given to Roger Williams by Canoni- 
 cus and Miantonomi, uncle and nephew, sachems of the Narragansetts. 
 Between 1636 and 1638, Roger Williams, by a deed which has been 
 lost conveyed his title thus acquired to twelve associates who became 
 joint tenants, giving " equal right and power of enjoying and disposing 
 of the same grounds and lands " to his friends, the said associates, " and 
 such others as the major of us shall admit into the same fellowship of 
 vote with us." This was the beginning of the Proprietary of the Provi- 
 dence Plantations Purchase, whose very title contemplates that it was 
 to be shared with those who might settle in the town, and who from that 
 time forward always acted as an incorporated body, disposing of their 
 lands by the major vote of the joint tenants or proprietors. All the 
 land titles in the Providence Purchase rest on this foundation supported 
 by the Charter of Charles the II, and the Act of 1682. 
 
 During the Colonial government of Pennsylvania, William Penn 
 in his own person was the proprietary. The domain which Penn and 
 his family had in the state was diverted, by the Act of June 28, 1779, from 
 the family and vested in the Colony, for the sum of which the latter 
 paid to them one hundred and thirty thousand pounds sterling. 
 
 In nearly all of the old New England towns, there was a body of 
 land proprietors, distinguished from those inhabitants who had interests 
 in the grants and purchases referred to. The latter class was so small 
 in numbers, that a town and proprietors* meeting would be composed 
 of nearly the same persons. Hence it was the town and proprietors' 
 records were liable to be confounded; the same clerk acting for both 
 bodies and keeping the records of both bodies in one book with no 
 distinctive separation of the transactions of the town and the proprietary. 
 It was early found that the proprietors, in many cases, were too numerous 
 and dispersed to manage their lands as individuals ; since without incor- 
 poration, they could never, as a body, legally act even by majorities, so 
 as to bind their dissenting associates; nor make a lease or sale of their 
 lands, without the concurrence of every proprietor in the execution of 
 the deed. Accordingly, in the old digests of all the New England Colo- 
 
 180 
 
nies, acts are found prescribing the mode in which their meetings shall 
 be called, and empowering them to choose officers, — pass orders relative 
 to the management, division and disposal of their common lands, — ^and 
 in some of the Colonies to assess and collect taxes from their members ; 
 in short, communicating to them all the incidents of a corporation aggre- 
 gate, without giving them that name. 
 
 In Rhode Island, where as in the case of the Providence Purchase, 
 a voluntary compact only existed, the proprietors assembled, passed 
 votes and orders relative to their common property in the same manner 
 as though incorporated ; admitted members into the proprietary, by mere 
 vote, upon payment of a certain sum towards the common stock; and 
 in the same simple way, from time to time, dividing their lands among 
 those entitled, according to their claims. The titles thus conveyed had 
 and still have, the same validity as though proceeding from a legally 
 incorporated body, and have not been seriously questioned before any 
 court of law or equity. A similar course was taken in the Colony of 
 New Plymouth while under the famous compact. 
 
 As the proprietors sold and set off their lands in severalty, they 
 remained joint owners only of the residue, until at last, in some of the 
 towns of the Colonies there is a small portion only of such lands left, 
 and in most of them, none at all. In some of the states the proprietaries 
 have become obsolete, their lands having been all sold or divided or by 
 reason of adverse possession having passed out of the hands of the 
 ancient ownership. In some states the proprietaries remain in the exer- 
 cise of their powers, but their main value at the present time is as an 
 historic link with the early business enterprises of our ancestors, and 
 as a type of business honesty and fidelity which made these crude land 
 titles as binding and legitimate as the formal legal conveyancing of 
 modern days. 
 
 We have seen that the proprietary was a voluntary association of 
 persons for the purpose of securing, holding and conveying lands, which 
 were obtained by direct purchase of the Indians, or by grant of the Colo- 
 nial Court or by both methods. 
 
 The meetings of the proprietors were called by warrant or order. 
 
issued at the request of some or a specified number of the proprietors, 
 or of some specified officers, by a magistrate as a justice of the peace ; the 
 warrant being required to set forth the time and place and occasion of 
 the meeting. When met, the proprietors were empowered to choose a 
 clerk, surveyors, and other officers, who, in some of the Colonies, were 
 required to be sworn. They could not legally act upon the business of 
 the proprietary, unless at a meeting warned according to the statute 
 enabling them to meet in a corporate character. All acts of the proprie- 
 tary, passed by the majority of the persons present, within the limits of 
 a quorum, were legal and binding on the corporation. 
 
 In a suit brought by the proprietors themselves they were required 
 to prove the warrant of the justice calling a meeting only twenty years 
 before, for the purpose of reorganizing the proprietary; but not to 
 prove a warrant for calling a first meeting held seventy years before. 
 After the lapse of forty years and long exercise of corporate rights, a 
 regular warrant calling the first meeting may well be presumed and the 
 rights derived from and held under the acts of the proprietors cannot 
 be controverted. 
 
 Copies of ancient proprietary grants are admissible in evidence, with- 
 out proof that the meetings at which they were made were legally 
 assembled. If the records of a proprietors' meeting state that it was 
 legally warned and held, this has been deemed prima facie evidence of 
 the fact, and that the articles of business acted upon at such meeting was 
 inserted in the warrant. The records and certificates of the records of 
 proprietors, with regard to the partition and transfer of their common 
 lands, must be, and are continually received as evidence. Where the 
 affairs of the proprietaries and the towns were not kept separate, as was 
 often the case, a proprietary grant, voted by the town and attested by 
 a proprietary clerk, and also very ancient grants voted by the proprietors 
 in their own name, and even in the name of the town, have been admitted 
 in evidence. 
 
 A book of proprietors' records, which had been in the possession 
 of the grandfather of the witness who produced it, and for thirty years 
 in the hands of the grandfather's executors, from whom it came to the 
 
 182 
 
witness, was admitted in evidence, there being no evidence that the pro- 
 prietary was still in existence with a clerk to keep their records, and no 
 place appointed by law for the deposit of them. If a record in a pro- 
 prietors' book be a distinct record of a vote at a regular meeting, grant- 
 ing to one of their number a parcel of the common land to be held in 
 severalty and locating and describing it definitely, the plain import of sucn 
 a vote cannot be controverted by parcel evidence. 
 
 In some of the earlier colonial statutes, the provisions enabling the 
 proprietors to act in a corporate character in relation to their common 
 lands, are very general. One of them after reciting in the preamble, 
 "that no order hath bine yett made for their orderly meeting together 
 to devide the said lands, or to make orders for the settlement of the same," 
 empowers them "to come together at the same certain time and place 
 to transact such matters as may concern them, and what shall be lawfully 
 acted att such meetings by the proprietors, or the major pte of them, 
 shall be vallid and binding." 
 
 The Plymouth statute expressly, and the rest by natural implication, 
 recognize those acts of the proprietors only to be valid which are law- 
 fully done. It should be recollected, however, that some of the statutes 
 were undoubtedly passed in reference to, and with a view to legalize, 
 the doings of proprietors already in the practice of assembling and acting 
 as if incorporated, in the management and disposition of their common 
 lands; the proprietors or settlers having in Plymouth and Rhode Island 
 at least, without legal warrant, under voluntary compacts, and from the 
 very necessity of their condition, assumed the power of self-government, 
 and of disposing of their land, in the same manner as they transacted 
 their other common business, by vote, as if in the exercise of sovereign 
 power. In the other colonies, as we have before noticed, from the fact 
 that the same individuals composed both the inhabitants of the towns 
 and the members of the propriety, the doings of these bodies were fre- 
 quently confounded, and at all events, it was natural that the mode of 
 transacting their town business, which was by vote, should be adopted 
 in those simple times with regard to the disposition of their lands. 
 
 Without a doubt, a proprietary conveyance by vote alone, definitely 
 
 183 
 
describing the lot sold or set off, is sufficient. A common mode of 
 partition was for the proprietors to vote that there should be a new- 
 division of the common lands, so many acres to each full right, and in 
 the same proportion to each part right; to be taken up after a specified 
 time. Each proprietor was thereupon entitled to call upon the surveyor 
 to make for him a survey of so much of the common land selected at 
 the pleasure of the proprietors, to which the vote of partition applied, as 
 his right entitled him to ; the survey was then, to avoid all collision, taken 
 to a standing committee of proprietors for allowance, and if by them 
 allowed, was by the clerk recorded, and thus the title in severalty became 
 complete. Another mode was for a committee appointed for the purpose, 
 to bound out the tract intended to be divided, and to divide the same 
 into as many equal parcels, having regard both to quantity and quality 
 as there were proprietors, and to return a plat of the same to the pro- 
 prietors, on which each lot was marked out and numbered. At their 
 meeting, the proprietors, after considering the plat and accepting it, if 
 there was no objection to it sustainable, would vote that they proceed to 
 draw for the lots thus marked and numbered. The draft was then made, 
 and the number drawn by each was recorded, and the name of each pro- 
 prietor written on the plat, which answered to the number he had drawn, 
 and this finished the operation. 
 
 The practice of making partition of their lands amongst the proprie- 
 tors, by a vote merely, prevailed in all the proprieties ; an immense amount 
 of property eventually depended upon the validity of these proceedings, 
 and they have always been sustained by the courts of every one of the 
 New England States. After the proprietors have made a division of 
 certain lots by drafts, they cannot rescind such a partition and vote thus 
 set off to persons claiming the different rights in lieu of their drafts. 
 
 Proprietors may arrange themelves in classes, and divide their 
 lands by lot, an equal parcel to each class, to be held by the individuals 
 of that class in common, to the exclusion of the rest ; and if preparatory 
 to a partition they appoint a committee to survey a tract of land, and 
 lay it out in lots, so they may either assent to the doings of such a 
 committee, or make partition without regard to them; so that if a part 
 
 184 
 
only of the committee act, and the proprietors ratify their acts, and make 
 partitions accordingly, the proceedings are valid. 
 
 The power of the propriety, to make partition of the common lands 
 amongst the proprietors, does not exclude the right of the proprietors, 
 as tenants in common, to have partition by process of law against their 
 associates; but the proprietors are under no obligation to suspend their 
 proceedings in dividing their lands, to enable one of their number to 
 obtain partition by process of law; and notwithstanding the pendency 
 of such a suit, their voluntary partition will be valid and binding, pro- 
 vided the suit does not go to judgment. 
 
 It was no uncommon thing for proprietors to set apart by vote a 
 lot or tract of land for public or pious uses, as for a trading-field, a 
 public square or common, for public building or a meeting house. Where 
 the land is thus dedicated for a public square or common, and individuals 
 purchase lots bordering thereon, under an expectation, excited by the 
 proprietors, that it shall so remain, the proprietors cannot resume the land 
 thus dedicated, and appropriate it to another use; nor can the town 
 reclaim land thus set apart and used by the public for a number of years, 
 or convey a right to the exclusive possession of any part of it. The 
 public in such a case, have only an easement in the land, and any pro- 
 prietor of the undivided lands in the town, may, it seems, maintain eject- 
 ment against one who is in the exclusive possession of land thus set 
 apart. But where the proprietors of a town, having set apart a piece of 
 land as a common for public uses, made a division of lands consisting 
 of one-acre lots about the common, which were distributed to the pro- 
 prietors, one to each right ; it was held that a purchaser of one of these 
 lots had no right to the fee of the common in front of it, and could not 
 maintain trespass against anyone who erected a building thereon near 
 his lot. 
 
 The proprietors of a township appropriated land for a meeting- 
 house, which was subsequently built thereon; the town was afterwards 
 incorporated, and assumed the charge of all parochial matters, and the 
 land around the meeting-house was called " the common, &c.," and was 
 always open, was intersected by roads and used for the site of horse- 
 
 185 
 
sheds, and for all the ordinary purposes incident to a place of worship, 
 and also for a training field, and the first parish in the town, as the 
 successor of the town in its parochial character, and in actual possession, 
 maintained trespass against a mere stranger for ploughing up a portion 
 of the land thus appropriated, though after the appropriation the pro- 
 prietors had voted to sell a part of it, and had exercised other acts of 
 ownership over other portions of it. 
 
 There was never a question but that the proprietors were authorized 
 to sell portions of their common lands, as a corporation, to one not a 
 member of the proprietary, and a fortiori to one who was, for the pur- 
 pose of defraying their incidental expenses, and bringing forward, settling 
 and improving their own lands. In some of the proprieties it was usual, 
 when a half or a quarter-right-man, as he was called, in distinction from 
 a proprietor entitled to a full right, had, in a division by drafts, drawn a 
 particular lot, to a part of which only he was entitled according to right, 
 to gfive him a right of Preemption to the remainder of the lot, the pro- 
 ceeds of the sale going to the common stock. Neither can there be any 
 doubt but that a deed, signed and acknowledged on behalf of the cor- 
 poration, by the clerk or other agent duly authorized by vote, with the 
 corporate seal attached, would be a competent and very proper mode of 
 conveying lands, on the part of the propriety in case of a sale, and, in 
 modem times, this mode is frequently if not usually adopted. A vote 
 of proprietors, authorizing a committee to sell the common lands, em- 
 powers them also to make deeds in the name of the propriety; 
 and in executing such deeds, one seal is sufficient, though the com- 
 mittee may consist of several persons. But where the proprietors 
 authorize their clerk, as clerk, to make a deed of a piece of their land 
 to an individual in their name, it was decided that the grantee took no 
 title. 
 
 It was long a question, whether proprietors could sell their common 
 lands, merely for the purpose of turning them into money. It being 
 found, however, that the practice had been general, and that large estates 
 were held under such sales, the courts affirmed this practical construction 
 of the statutes, enabling proprietors "to manage, divide, and dispose 
 
 i86 
 
of their lands in such way and manner as hath been or shall be con- 
 cluded and agreed on by the major part of the interested ;" and decided 
 in favor of such sales. 
 
 A much more serious doubt once entertained was, whether pro- 
 prieties could by mere vote, without deed or even location, convey their 
 lands to one not a member of the propriety; and it was remarked by an 
 American writer on Land Titles, in the beginning of this century, that 
 such a grant "of any pfirt of them by a voice of the majority, to the 
 disinherision of the proprietor of such part, or a grant by the vote of 
 all the proprietors to convey the whole, without deeds in legal form, 
 cannot, from any precedent yet established, be justified." There were, 
 however, some instances previous to that time, where without objection 
 and solemn argument, the Supreme Court of Massachusetts allowed such 
 votes of lands to strangers to have the same effect against co-tenants, 
 as deeds of bargain and sale from one individual to another would have 
 had. When, however, the question came directly before the courts for 
 decision, so many and so large estates were found to depend upon the 
 validity of this mode of conveyance, and so long had been the period 
 during which it had been used, that the use was regarded as a practical 
 construction of that portion of the statutes which empowers proprietors 
 to manage and " dispose of their lands in such a way and manner as 
 shall be agreed by the part," etc. ; and such conveyances were held good. 
 
 The form of proprietary votes intended to operate as grants, and 
 the ceremonies attending them in order to their completeness, vary in 
 the different proprieties; each, as we have seen, by the construction put 
 upon the enabling acts, being entitled to adopt its own mode of disposing 
 of its common lands. In some it was by mere vote ; in others by a vote, fol- 
 lowed up by a location and survey allowed by a committee, and recorded 
 upon such allowance by the clerk. In the Great Kennebec Purchase, the 
 mode of conveyance is for the proprietors " to vote, grant, and assign," the 
 land specified in the vote to A. B., &c. ; whereupon the clerk gives the pur- 
 chaser an instrument in the nature of a certificate of the vote, and in 
 some degree resembling a deed ; being under the seal of the corporation, 
 
 187 
 
signed by the clerk, and by him acknowledged before a justice of the 
 peace. 
 
 The most liberal construction has always been given to ancient pro- 
 prietary grants, in order to carry into effect the intent of the parties; 
 the courts taking into view the customs, usages, and probably the want 
 of legal learning amongst the early settlers. 
 
 Technical rules of conveyancing are not strictly applied to votes and 
 grants of this character; and estates in fee-simple have passed without 
 any words of limitation in the vote, because it was apparent that the 
 corporation meant to part with all their interest in the granted premises. 
 A vote, merely authorizing the clerk to convey, is not, however, a con- 
 veyance by vote, but in order to be effectual, must be followed up by a 
 proper deed. Where proprietors voted, that " the income " of a piece 
 of their land should be devoted to the support of a school in the town 
 where it lay, the land to be leased from time to time by the selectmen 
 of the town; this was considered to be a grant, so that the proprietors 
 could not rescind it. A vote granting merely " the herbage or feeding 
 of land " does not pass the soil, so that the grantee can maintain a writ 
 of entry against the grantor, or those claiming under a subsequent grant 
 of the soil. Nor does a vote, "that a hundred acres of the poorest land, 
 &c., be left common for the use of the town for building-stones," convey 
 the land to the town, but merely the particular use named, for the benefit 
 of the present and future inhabitants of the town exclusively, in all 
 modes, and for all purposes for which, in the progress of time and the 
 arts, the material named in the vote might become useful. And where 
 proprietors voted, that "at the request of A. B. is granted to the request 
 of C. D. half an acre in the ten acre division," and it appeared from 
 the proprietors' book of locations, that no location had been made to 
 A. B., and he was aided by no occupancy or possession, the court con- 
 sidered that he could take no benefit from this vote, without proof that 
 he derived some title from C. D. 
 
 Proprietors have usually, by express enactment, power to raise money 
 by tax, to be assessed to their several rights, in due proportion, for the 
 purpose of bringing forward and settling their lands, and to defray the 
 
 i88 
 
incidental expenses of the propriety, and when such assessments were 
 not paid after certain periods, and certain notices had been given, and 
 advertisements published, directed by the act, a committee, or the col- 
 lector of the tax, were empowered from time to time, to sell at public 
 auction so much of the delinquent proprietor's right or share in the 
 common lands, as would be sufficient to pay the tax, &c. 
 
 Where, as is, we believe, universally the case, it is necessary that 
 the warrant calling the meeting should state the purposes for which 
 it is convened, a vote to raise a certain sum, under an article in the 
 warrant, to raise money for certain purposes, does not exhaust the 
 efficacy of the article, but further sums may be lawfully raised at adjourn- 
 ments of the same meeting, until the objects of the proprietors are 
 effected. 
 
 A vote of proprietors, "that the collector be empowered to give 
 deeds of lands sold for taxes," can, of course, go no further than to sell 
 the land of the delinquent proprietors in the mode provided by law. A 
 collector's deed, in case of sale for taxes, however it may be worded, is 
 not even prima facie evidence of legal sale; but the delinquency of the 
 proprietor, and that the collector has pursued the authority to sell given 
 in the statutes, must be independently proved. 
 
 Proprietors of common and undivided lands, when duly organized, 
 became a corporation, and held their lands as propriety; so that in the 
 assertion of their proprietary rights, the proceedings must be conducted 
 in that corporate name by which they are known and called in their 
 own records. The members of the propriety are, however, as between 
 themselves, tenants in common, as we have seen, entitled to partition by 
 legal process. Each proprietor may sell and convey the whole, or any 
 portion of his interest or right in the common or undivided lands ; and 
 his grantees become both tenants in common with the other proprietors, 
 and members of the corporation. On the death of a proprietor, his heirs 
 or devisees acquire the same rights. 
 
 For further legal knowledge of the subject of proprietaries, refer- 
 ence is made to The American Digests, Century Edition, Vol. lo. St. 
 
Paul, West Publishing Co., 1899, under the title Common Lands, p. 
 827, et seq. 
 
 I. Nature, Creation and Existence of Commons. 
 
 II. Proprietors. 
 
 III. Title to Lands. 
 
 IV. Control, Management and Use. 
 V. Allotment or Partition. 
 
 VI. Sales and Conveyances. 
 
 190 
 
Annawomscutt : The name of the brook flowing into the Cove, 
 about fifty rods N. W. of the Railroad Station at West Barrington ; also 
 of lands adjoining on the east and south; meaning, at the shell rock or 
 rock of shells ; as great quantities of shell fish were found on the shores 
 of the coves and bay, the reference may be to mounds of shells which 
 abound in this part of the town of Barrington. 
 
 Chachacust : The Indian name of New Meadow Neck, now Hamp- 
 den Meadows. 
 
 Chachapacassett : The southern peninsula of Barrington, between 
 Warren River and Narragansett Bay, sometimes known as Rumstick, and 
 also Little Neck ; meaning, at or near the great widening. 
 
 CoNSUMPSiT Neck: The Indian name of Mt. Hope Neck, one of 
 the Indian reservations ; in length about nine and one-half miles, extend- 
 ing from Bristol Ferry on the south to the neighborhood of King's Rocks 
 on the north, and lying between Narragansett (or Sowams) Bay and 
 Sowams River on the west, and Mount Hope Bay and Kickemuit River 
 on the east ; meaning, at the sharp rock, or where whetstones were gath- 
 ered. 
 
 Kickemuit: River, spring, and village on the east side of Mount 
 Hope Neck ; meaning, at the great spring. 
 
 Massassoit : The sachem of the Wampanoags. His real name was 
 Osamequin. Prince spells his name as " pronounced by the ancient people, 
 Massassoit " ; meaning, the great king. 
 
 Mattapoysett : The name of the river, rising in Rehoboth and 
 Dighton, flowing south into Mt. Hope Bay ; now known as Cole's River, 
 from Hugh Cole, who was one of the early settlers on Touisset Neck; 
 also name of Neck between Cole's and Lee's Rivers. 
 
 Metacom or Pometacom : Son of Massassoit, afterwards called 
 Philip. 
 
 191 
 
Mosskituash: The name of the creek that flows into Bullock's 
 Cove, near and east of Riverside ; meaning, a place of reeds and rushes. 
 
 Mouscochuck: A creek, north of Nayatt which flows into the 
 Bay about a half mile above Nayatt Point ; meaning, a meadow. 
 
 Mattapoysett : The territory north of" Mt. Hope Bay between 
 Cole's and Lee's Rivers; deeded to William Brenton, of Newport, Gov- 
 ernor, by King Philip, June, 1664; sold to Samuel Gardner and Ralph 
 Chapman, 1693, for £1,700; since called Gardner's Neck. 
 
 Mount Hope Neck: Called by the Indians Consumpsit Neck; 
 the peninsula lying between Mt, Hope Bay and the Kickemuit River on 
 the east and Narragansett (or Sowams) Bay and the Sowams River on 
 the west, and extending nine and one-half miles northerly from the south 
 end of the peninsula to Rehoboth. The smaller peninsula of Poppa- 
 squash is a part of this Neck. 
 
 Narragansett: Indians, bay, and country. The Narragansett 
 Indians laid claim to and occupied all the territory of Rhode Island, west 
 of the Bay, Providence River and its tributary, the Pawtucket River. 
 They gave their name to the southern portion of the Bay and to the 
 land in the south part of the state, and joining the Bay. Roger Williams 
 bought his lands of Miantonomi, chief sachem of the Narragansetts, as 
 did the Warwick settlers. 
 
 Nayatt: The name of the southwest point of Barrington, project- 
 ing into Narragansett (or Sowams) Bay, near the Narragansett country; 
 meaning, at the point. 
 
 NocKUMi: The name of the hill west of Hundred Acre Cove and 
 at the head of the west branch of the Sowams (now Barrington) River. 
 
 Pawtucket: The name of Providence River to Pawtucket Falls; 
 meaning, the place of the great falls. 
 
 Pokanoket: The western section of the territory occupied by the 
 Wampanoags and bounded on the south and west by Narragansett 
 (Sowams) Bay and Pawtucket River; meaning, cleared land. 
 
 Popanomscutt : The name of the western peninsula of Barring- 
 ton ; other name, Peebees or Phebes Neck ; meaning, at the shelter rock, 
 or at the roasting rock. 
 
 192 
 
Peebees or Phebes Neck: The Indian name of the western or 
 main neck of Harrington, called also Popanomscutt. Peebee was one of 
 Philip's counselors and was killed at Myles Bridge, in the attack on 
 Swansea, June, 1675. 
 
 Pometacom or Metacom : Indian name of Philip, son of Massas- 
 soit. 
 
 Princes Hill: The name of a hill, near the center of the town 
 of Barrington on the south bank of Barrington Jliver, bearing the name 
 of Governor Thomas Prince, one of the original proprietors; the name 
 of Prince also is associated with the Pond near the hill, and also the 
 cemetery on its summit. 
 
 RuMSTiCK : Name of the southeastern point of Barrington. Olrigin 
 of name unknown, Adrian Scott thinks it of Norse origin. 
 
 RuNENS River : The upper part of the west branch of the Sowams 
 or Barrington River. It was also known as Bowens or Bowens Bridge 
 River. 
 
 Seekonk: The territory north of Sowams, eight miles square, 
 deeded to John Brown, Edward Winslow and others, by Osamequin in 
 1641. It included the present towns of East Providence, Seekonk, Reho- 
 both, and Pawtucket, east of Pawtucket Falls; meaning, on or at the 
 mouth of a river. 
 
 Showamet : The Indian name of the territory between Lees River 
 and the Taunton River, called Showamet Neck, now Somerset, Mass. It 
 was sold by Plymouth Colony in 1676 to defray the expenses of Philip's 
 War. For further reference see Totomommucke. 
 
 Sowams: The Indian name of the whole of Barrington, including 
 also small portions of the towns of East Providence, Seekonk, Rehoboth, 
 and Swansea ; meaning, south country, or land on the south. 
 
 Sowamsett: Same as Sowams. 
 
 Sowams River : The present Warren River, with its two branches, 
 the Barrington and Palmers Rivers. Its length from the mouth to the 
 head of navigation on each branch is about three miles. Later the east 
 branch was known as Swansea River and the west branch as New 
 Meadow River. 
 
 193 
 
SowAMs Bay: The name given to that part of Narragansett Bay, 
 between Warwick and Barrington and Bristol, by Miantonomi, chief 
 sachem of the Narragansetts in his deed to Randall Holden and others, 
 1642. 
 
 Tom's Spring: A large spring on the south side of Mouscochuck 
 Creek and west of the brick yards. The Sowams Records name three 
 springs only, Scamscammuck, the largest, Kickemuit, the second in size, 
 and Tom's Spring. Had there been a spring called Massassoit, it would 
 undoubtedly have been mentioned. 
 
 Swansea: The town founded by Rev. John Myles, John Brown 
 and Thomas Willett and others, in 1667, occupying the Indian Sowams 
 and the upper parts of Mount Hope Neck, Touissett, Mattapoysett and 
 probably Showamett Necks. 
 
 Scamscammuck : The name of a spring at the upper end of 
 Chachapacassett Neck. This is the largest and most copious spring in 
 Bristol county and one of the largest in the Wampanoag country. It is 
 believed that Massassoit, while at peace with the Narragansetts, had his 
 principal village near this spring; meaning, a red spring. A brook runs 
 from the spring into Warren River. 
 
 Touissett: The name of the territory or Neck north of Mt. Hope 
 Bay, between the Kickemuit and Coles Rivers ; meaning, at or about the 
 old fields. 
 
 Wannamoisett : The name of the section about four square miles 
 in area, on Providence River, extending about three miles north from 
 the end of Bullock's Point ; meaning, at the good fishing place. 
 
 Wampanoags : The name of the tribe of Indians that occupied the 
 territory bounded on the east and south by the Atlantic Ocean, west by 
 the Seaconnet River, Narragansett (or Sowams) Bay and Pawtucket 
 River, and north by the territory of the Massachusetts tribe, or Massa- 
 chusetts Bay Colony; the tribe of which Massassoit was chief sachem; 
 meaning, the people of the east land. 
 
 Waypoyset: The name of the Narrows at the mouth of the 
 Kickemuit River; meaning, at the narrows. 
 
 194 
 
Wamsetta: The oldest son and successor of Massassoit as chief 
 sachem of the Wampanoags, whose English name was Alexander. He 
 succeeded to the government of the tribe on the death of his father, in 
 1661; married Weetamoe, squaw sachem of Pocassett; died suddenly, 
 166 , and was succeeded by his brother Philip, known as King Philip. 
 
 Watchemoquit : That part of Ancient Seekonk extending from 
 the mouth of the Ten Mile River, along the Pawtucket and Providence 
 Rivers to Wannamoisett. 
 
 195 
 
Knfi^x 
 
 PAGB 
 
 Adams, James, . . . 102, 103 
 John, 34, 35. 36, 55, 58, 62. 65, 91. 
 
 94, 126, 128, 130, 139, 145 
 John Quincy, ... 22 
 Plain, . . .79, 81, 98 
 
 Agreement articles, 40, 41, 76, 77, 85, 
 
 130. 131 
 Second, . . 35, 130 
 Original, ... 34 
 Rehoboth, ... 36 
 
 Akkompoin, 8, 9 
 
 Alexander, . . . . 8, 9, 23 
 
 Allen, Daniel, 99, 100, loi, 102, 112, 114, 115 
 
 Ebenezer, . . . 102, 145 
 
 John, 24, 33, 41, 42, 44, 45, 46, 47. 
 
 49. 50, 53. 54. 61, 62, 65, 67, 
 
 68, 69, 70, 71. 72, 74, 75, 77. 78, 
 
 79, 80, 81, 84, 85, 90, 95, 98, lOI, 
 
 102, 132, 141, 142, 145 
 
 John, Jr., . . 92, 93, 145 
 
 Joseph, . . . .109 
 
 Mr,, 46, 49, 59, 81, 84, 92, 95 
 
 Samuel, 106, 107, 109, 115, 116, 
 
 117, 145, 146 
 
 Allerton, Isaac, .... 139 
 
 Mary 139 
 
 AUin, Matthew, 104, 107, no, 120, 145, 146 
 
 Thomas, 96, 98, 115, 116, 117, 118, 
 
 119, 120, 121, 122, 145, 146, 170 
 
 William, 63, 79, 81, 93, 94, 142, 145 
 
 Amis 8 
 
 Annawomscutt, . . . .191 
 
 Creek, 63, 79, 81, 142 
 
 Aquidneck, ... 21, 163, 171 
 
 Arithmetic, i44 
 
 Arrows, 6, 7 
 
 Articles of Confederation, . . 21 
 Atlantic Ocean, . . . 8, 152 
 
 Baker, John, 
 
 104, 145 
 
 FAGE 
 
 Balcom, Lydia, .... 96 
 
 Baptists, 134, 464 
 
 Baptist Meeting House, . . . 144 
 
 Barker, Elizabeth, .... 136 
 
 Barnes, Samuel, . 104, 106, 109, 145 
 
 Thomas, 91, 92, 94, 95, 104, 145 
 
 Barneysville 144, 173 
 
 Barrington, 11, 18, 19, 21, 103, 104, 105. 
 ic6, 108, 109, 114, 115. 116, 117, 118, 
 119, 120, 121, 126, 127, 132, 135, 139, 
 144, 145, 151, 152, 154, 158, 159, 161, 
 162, 163, 164, 16S, 169, 170, 171, 172, 
 
 173. 174 
 Bartrem, Wm., .... 69 
 
 Bartrums 144 
 
 Bass, 10 
 
 Baylies, Francis, . . . 136, 153 
 
 Beads, 7 
 
 Belcher's Cove, .... 167 
 Belcher's Creek, . . . 55,61,67 
 Belknap's Am. Biog., . 158,159,172 
 
 Belknap, Jeremy 171 
 
 Bicknell, James, . . . 108, 145 
 
 Joshua, . . 115, 118, 145 
 
 Zachariah . 102, 103, 145 
 
 Boston, ... 22, 158, 162, 164 
 
 Bosworth, Jonathan, 46, 49, 50, 54, 145 
 
 Bounds of Lots, . . . 54 to 95 
 
 Bowen, Henry, . 114, 115, 116, 145 
 
 Obadiah, . . . 69, 156 
 
 Richard, . . 37. 39, i45 
 
 Bowen's Bridge, . . 38, 39, 82 
 
 Bows and Arrows, . . . . 6, 7 
 
 Bradford, Alice, . . . 138, 139 
 
 William, 3, 4, 8, 11, 19, 26, 34, 
 
 35, 36, 62, 67, 90, 95, 99, 125, 
 
 126, 128, 130, 135, 137, 138, 139, 
 
 145, 151, 152, 154. 157. 171 
 
 Brewster, William 132 
 
 Bridgewater, .... 21, 165 
 
PA OK 
 
 Bridge, Willet's 105 
 
 Briggs, Walter 155 
 
 Bristol, 17, 23, 104, 105, 106, loS, III, 114, 
 118, 120, 121, 127, 144, 153, 158, 160, 
 166, 168, 174 
 Broad Cove, . . . .65. 66, 82 
 Brooks, Gilbert, .... 40 
 Brooks Pasture, . 61, 166, 167, 168 
 Brown, Benjamin, 104, 105, 106, loS, 
 
 log, no, 145 
 Charles, . no, 112, 114, 145 
 Daniel, 104, 105, 108. 109, ii2> 
 
 114. 145 
 
 Francis, . . . 136, 153 
 
 Hezekiah, . 106, no, in, 114 
 
 Isaac, 104, 105, 106, loS, 109, 
 
 119, 145 
 
 Jabez, 104, 105, 106 loS, 109, 145 
 
 James. 24. 33, 37, 42, 44, 45. 46, 
 
 47. 49. 50, 54. 57. 62. 63, 68, 
 
 70, 71. 73. 74. 76. 77. 78, 80, 
 
 81, 82, 83. 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 
 
 95, 96, 104, no, 139, 140, 141, 
 
 142, 145 
 
 James, Jr., 96, 115, 116, iiS, 119 
 
 Jesse, . . .119, 145 
 
 John, 18, 23, 35, 37, 38, 40, 41, 
 
 42, 44, 45, 46, 47, 49, 50. 51. 
 
 53. 54. 55. 57. 62, 63. 64. 67, 
 
 68. 70, 71, 73. 75, 77. 78, So, 
 
 81, 82, 83, 85, 86, 87. 88, 89, 
 
 94, 95, 96, 98, 99, 114. 129, 130, 
 
 132, 133. 134. 141. 142, 145. 
 
 157, 159, 160. 164. 16S, 172 
 
 Joseph, 104. 105, no, 114, 145 
 
 Mary, 133, 134, 140, 141, 144, 
 
 145. 146 
 
 Mr.. . . .38. 87, 162, 172 
 
 Nathaniel, ... 87 
 
 Oliver, . . 120, 121, 145 
 
 Peter, . . 1x3. 114, 145 
 
 Samuel, 96, loi, 103. 104, no, 
 
 III. 145 
 
 The, . . . 56, 57 
 
 Bullock's Cove, . . . .161 
 
 Burial Hill, . . . . .26 
 
 PASB 
 
 Burton, Stephen 143 
 
 Butterworth. John, 84, 85, 145, 167, 17a 
 Byfield, Nathaniel, .... 134 
 
 Callender, Rev. John, 162, 163, 164, 171 
 Canoes 56 
 
 15S, 169, 184 
 
 • 3. 4. 163 
 
 21, 23 
 
 loi, 145 
 
 106, 109, 113, 113 
 
 40, 41, 45, 47. 77, 
 
 132, 156 
 
 • 137 
 
 • 53. 74. 75. 80 
 
 20, 138, 152 
 
 . . . 78 
 
 Canonicus, 
 Cape Cod, 
 Cape Towns, . 
 Capron, Bamfield, 
 Carpenter, Daniel, 
 William 
 
 Careswell, 
 Cartway, 
 
 Carver, Governor, 
 Cattle. 
 
 Chachacust, 19, 36, 128, 142, 143, 161, 
 
 170, 172, 191 
 Chachapacassett, 49, 51, 73, 75, 142, 143, 
 
 170, 171, 191 
 
 Chaffee, John, 102, 106, 107, 108, 145 
 
 Joseph. 42, 46, 50, 68, 85, 90, 
 
 91. 92, 93, 94, 95, loi, 102, 
 
 106. 107, 108, 145 
 
 Hezekiah, Dr., . . 109 
 
 Nathaniel, . . 42, 145 
 
 Thomas, 41, 44, 45, 47, 49, 5a, 
 
 62, 70, 72, 84, 85, 132, 141, 
 
 142, 145 
 
 Chandler. Jacob, 
 Charles the First, 
 Cheeseboro. W.. 
 Christian Religion, 
 Clarke. John, 
 
 I30. 121, 146 
 
 . 152 
 
 25 
 
 127 
 
 .18, 19, 162, 163, 171 
 
 Thos., 34, 36, 58. 60, 61, 90, 93, 94, 
 
 126, 12S, 130, 140 
 
 Clarke's Creek, .... 55 
 
 Claypits, 66 
 
 Cobb, William, . . . 102, 145 
 Cock Point Neck. ... 79, 81 
 
 Cohasset River 152 
 
 Cole. Hugh, 24, 55, 156, 166, 167, 168, 172 
 
 Cole's Creek, 55 
 
 Cole's River, . . . . 24, 173 
 Collier, Mary 132 
 
PAGK 
 
 Common Fence, .... 38 
 Lands 83 
 
 Lots, ... 62, 84 
 Confederation of Colonies, . 21, 22 
 Consumpsit Neck, 24, 127, 143, 152, 157, 
 
 160, 168, 191 
 
 Cooper 96 
 
 Thomas, 
 
 Copasanatuxett 
 
 Corbitant, 
 
 Corn, 
 
 37. 39 
 
 • 153 
 
 12, 13 
 
 4. 41, 76, 78 
 
 Court, Plymouth, 33, 34, 53, 125, 127, 
 
 155, 162 
 
 Cushman, Robert 132 
 
 Thomas, 17, 34, 35, 36, 40, 59, 
 64, 66, 92, X26, 128, 132, 
 138, 145 
 
 Davis, Simon, . . . 102, 145 
 
 December, 4. 25 
 
 Deed, Grand, 36, 54 to 68, 128, 129, 140, 
 
 142. 143 
 Delaware Bay, .... 163 
 
 Dighton, 153 
 
 Discourse, Callender's Historical, . 164 
 Division of Brown Lands, . 85 to 90 
 Division of Lands, 33, 34, 35, 53 to 76, 82 
 to 85, 89 to 96 
 Dixey, John, .... 92, 145 
 Dudley, Thomas, . . . .159 
 Dutch, . . II, 18, 134, 138, 158, 159 
 Duxbury, . . . 20, 127, 136 
 
 Dyer, Col. H. Anthony, . . 134 
 
 East Providence, . . . 152, 169 
 
 Elizabeth, Queen 135 
 
 England, 3, 4, 5, 17, 18, 132, 135, 136, 
 
 138. 139 
 
 New, . . 136, 137, 152 
 
 English, 4, 5, 9, 10, 14, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 
 
 23, 24, 134. 151 
 
 Fence, . . 38, 39. 4°. 67, 77. 99 
 Common, . . 38, 48, 82, 83 
 Fessenden, Guy M., . 26, 153, 168 
 Floyd. Noah, 68, 76, 77, 78, 85, 86, 87 
 Forefather's Day 25 
 
 
 
 TAOM 
 
 Fort, Indian, . 
 
 . 
 
 . 58 
 
 Freeman, Mary. 
 
 . 
 
 . 132 
 
 Fuller, Capt., . 
 
 • 
 
 • 155 
 
 Garrett, Richard, . 
 
 
 37. 140 
 
 Garrison, Myles, 
 
 . 
 
 . 144 
 
 General Court, 
 
 , 
 
 . 33 
 
 Gorton, Samuel, 
 
 . 
 
 • 153 
 
 Grand Deed, 36, 6x, et 
 
 seq. 64 
 
 , et seq. 
 
 
 128 
 
 129, 143 
 
 Grammar, 
 
 
 . 144 
 
 Great Britain, 
 
 
 20 
 
 Great Lots, 
 
 • 71, 
 
 72. 73. 93 
 
 Great Rivers, . 
 
 . 
 
 36, 61 
 
 Greek, 
 
 . 
 
 . 144 
 
 Greene, John, . 
 
 . 
 
 • 153 
 
 Greenwich, East, . 
 
 . 
 
 97 
 
 Guin, Thomas, 
 
 • 
 
 97. 145 
 
 Halifax, . 
 
 . 
 
 30 
 
 Hampden, John, 
 
 II, 
 
 12, 17, 19 
 
 Hampden Meadows, 
 
 . 
 
 . 19 
 
 Heath, Nathaniel, . 
 
 120 
 
 121. 145 
 
 Hebrew, . 
 
 . 
 
 . 144 
 
 Highwater Mark, . 
 
 . 
 
 . 38 
 
 Highways, 49, 50, 51, 52, 
 
 71, et seq. 79, 80, 
 
 81, 83, 84, 103, II 
 
 3. "4. 
 
 116, 119 
 
 Hill, Thomas, . 
 
 . 
 
 104, 145 
 
 Historical Society (R. L 
 
 
 19. 174 
 
 Hitt, Thomas, . 
 
 . 
 
 25 
 
 Hobbamock, . 
 
 II, 
 
 12, 13, 18 
 
 Holland, . 
 
 
 . 138 
 
 Hope, Mt., 21, 24, 56, 57, 59, 156, 157, 
 
 158, 159, 168, 169, 170. 172 
 
 Hopkins, Steven, . . 9, 11, 17, 20 
 
 Howard, William, .... 167 
 
 House, School, 
 Howland, John, 
 Ruth, 
 Hubbard's History, 
 Hummocks, 
 
 95 
 
 139 
 
 139 
 
 157 
 
 61, 66 
 
 Humphrey, Elkanah, 120, 121, 145, 146 
 
 John, . . 120, 121, 145 
 
 Josiah, . . 117, 145 
 
 Samuel, . . . 145 
 
 Hundred Acres, . . .38, 173 
 
« PAGE 
 
 Hunt 5 
 
 Daniel 112, 145 
 
 Peter, 41, 42, 44, 45, 46, 47, 50, 62, 
 
 68, 69, 70, 83, 85, 90, 93, 132, 
 
 140, 141, 142, 145 
 
 William, . . .119, 145 
 
 Hutchinson, Eliakim, . 78, 80, 81, 82 
 
 Hides Hole, .... loi, 142 
 
 Indians, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 
 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 
 30, 135. 144, 158, 159, 161, 162, 174 
 
 Indian Fort, 
 Ingraham, Island, . 
 Ingraham, Mary, 
 
 Richard, 
 
 William, 96, 97, 98, 145,156, 168 
 
 Inhabitant, Ancient, 
 
 James I, King, 
 
 . 6, 7, 125, 127 
 
 Jenckes, Sarah, 
 
 . 87 
 
 Jethros Cellar. 
 
 . 88 
 
 Kennebec, 
 
 . 125 
 
 Kennebecks, . 
 
 . . . 5. 18 
 
 Kent, Ezra, Jr., 
 
 120, 145 
 
 Joseph, . 
 
 95. 145 
 
 . 58 
 
 • 97 
 96, 98 
 
 97. 145 
 
 33 
 
 Kickemuit, 24, 25, 29, 36. 55, 56, 129, 143. 
 
 158, 160, 170, 172, 191 
 
 Kickemuit River, 160, 161, 168, 172, 173 
 
 Kickemuit Spring, . . . 155, 156 
 
 King James 6, 7 
 
 Kingston, 20 
 
 Lands, Arable, 
 
 78, 81 
 
 Bounds of, . 
 
 36, 37. 44. 69 
 
 Choice of. 
 
 35. 130 
 
 Division of, 34, 35, 
 
 42, 43. 47. 48. 
 
 55. 69, 73, 89, 90, <; 
 
 I, 92, 104, 130 
 
 Purchase of. 
 
 33, 34. 36, 37 
 
 Records of, . 
 
 33, 42. 45, 50 
 
 Little Neck, . 
 
 46, 49, 51, 85 
 
 London 
 
 17, 19, 135 
 
 Long Island, . 
 
 . . 163 
 
 Long Line, 
 
 51. 52 
 
 Lots, Great, . 71, 7a 
 
 73. 93, 94, 95 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Common, . . .46, 62, 64 
 Home, 44, 46, 47, 51, 52, 69, 70, 71 
 Long, ..... 44 
 Pastors and Teachers, . . 130 
 
 Low, Anthony, 44, 48, 49, 52, 53, 59, 68, 
 
 71, 92, 94, 95, 145 
 
 Samuel, . . loi, 102, 103, 145 
 
 Luther, Samuel, . . 155, 167, 168 
 
 Maine, 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 Manhattan. 
 
 
 
 • 134 
 
 Map of R. I., . 
 
 
 
 . 151 
 
 Martin, Robert, 
 
 
 
 . . 41 
 
 Marshfield, 
 
 
 
 20, 127 
 
 Mason, Samuel, 
 
 
 
 77, 89 
 
 Massachusetts, 
 
 8, 
 
 16, 17, 
 
 18, 21, 108, 
 152, 153 
 
 Massachusetts Hist 
 
 Soc. 
 
 . 171 
 
 Massassoit, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 
 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 
 28, 29, 30, 126, 127, 128, 132, 137, 138, 
 151, 153, 154, 157, 158, 159, 162, 163, 
 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 174, 191 
 
 Massassoit Spring 174 
 
 Mather, Cotton 16 
 
 Mattapoysett, 10, 12, 13, 34, 125, 144, 
 
 191, 192 
 Mayflower, ... 3, 135, 136 
 
 Meadows, Salt and Fresh, 36, 38, 39, 43, 
 44. 53. 54. 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 
 63, 64, 65, 66, 67 
 Medbury, John, . 84, 85, 92, 93, 145 
 Metacom or Pometacom, 8, 9, 191, 193 
 Miantonomi, . . 22, 153, 157, 168 
 
 Middleboro, 9. 25 
 
 Millard, Robert, . . 68, 69, 145 
 
 Miller, W. J., . . . . 18, 173 
 Mitchell, Experience, 34, 36, 64, 92, 126, 
 
 128, 145 
 
 Mohegans 22 
 
 Morton, Nathaniel, 33, 155, 157, 162, 169 
 Mosskituash, . 36, 128, 160, 161, 192 
 
 Mt. Hope, 57, 58, 59, 155, 156, 157, 168, 
 169, 170, 171, 172 
 Mt. Hope Neck, 55, 56, 59, 155, 157, 160, 
 
 168, 192 
 
Mourt's Relations, 
 Mouscochuck, . 
 Mouscochuck Creek 
 Mumford, John, 
 Myles Bridge, . 
 Rev. John, 
 
 FAGB 
 
 5 
 
 88, 192 
 
 63. 73. 88, 96 
 
 . 171 
 
 . 172, 174 
 
 141, 144, 164 
 
 9, 10, 12, 25 
 
 Namasket, 
 
 Namumpam, 
 
 Narragansetts, 20, 21, 22. 138, 151, 158, 
 
 159. 192 
 Bay, ... 8 
 
 River or Bay, 152, 153^ 
 
 160, 168, 170, 171 
 
 Nayatt, 51, 63, 88, 89, 96, 136, 170, 171, 192 
 
 New Bristol 33 
 
 New England, . . . .152 
 
 Newman, Deacon, . . . 100, 145 
 
 Samuel, 41, 47, 49, 50, 51, 54, 
 
 62, 63, 70, 72, 73, 74, 84, 85, 
 
 88, 132, 141, 148, 164 
 
 New Meadows, .... 162 
 
 New Meadow Neck, 19, 24, 35, 38, 39, 64, 
 
 69, 84, 144, 159, 161, 165, 
 
 168, 170, 172, 174 
 
 River, 
 
 AN. 
 
 New Plymouth, 
 
 33, 34. 
 
 76, 151. 
 
 155. 169 
 
 Newport, 
 
 
 
 . 171 
 
 Newton, Eleanor, . 
 
 
 . 139 
 
 New York, 
 
 , 
 
 
 . 134 
 
 Nichols, Col., . 
 
 , 
 
 
 . 134 
 
 Nockum, . 
 
 , 
 
 
 . 192 
 
 Nockum Hill, . 
 
 . 
 
 
 • 144 
 
 Osamequin, 33, 36, 37, 42, 53, 55, 128, 129, 
 
 140, 155 
 Original Agreement, . . 34, 183 
 Our State, 121 
 
 Paine, Benjamin, ... 90, 145 
 
 John, . . 74, 94, loi, 104 
 
 Nathaniel. 44, 45, 48, 49, 50, 54, 
 
 99, loi, 145 
 
 Stephen, 37, 39, 41, 42, 44, 45, 46, 
 
 47, 48, 49, 50, 54, 56, 57. 59. 60, 
 
 61, 68, 75, 76, 83, 84, 85, 93, 132. 
 
 140, 141, 145 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Paine, Stephen, Jr., . 44, 45, 145 
 
 Palmer Farm, 66 
 
 Palmer's River, . 24, 158, 159, 166 
 Pawtucket River, 38, 39, 126, 151, 157, 
 
 160, i6j 
 Patuxet, ... 5, 10, 14, 39, 125 
 Peck, Ebenezer, . 120, 121, 122, 145 
 
 Fred S 147 
 
 Israel, 42. 44, 45, 46, 47, 50, 54, 63, 
 68, 84, 85, 91, 94, 95, 98, 99, 100, 
 loi, 102, 103, 104, 145 
 John, . 49, 68, 70, 73, 76, 91, 
 
 Joseph, 40, 41, 54, 62, 63, 65, 132, 
 140, 141, 145 
 Nathaniel, 42, 47, 50, 63, 68, 69, 84, 
 90, 91, 94, 95, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 
 103, 104, 107, 109, no, 145, 156 
 Nathaniel, Jr., . . 145, 155 
 Nicholas, 
 Samuel, . 
 Solomon, 115, 116 
 Solomon, Jr., 
 Peebes or Phebes Neck, 18, 48, 50, 51, 61, 
 69. 73. 76, loi, 102, 103, 109, no, 163, 
 165, 170, 171, 173, 193 
 Pelham, Penelope, . 
 Pemberton, Benjamin, 
 Pequots, . 
 Perrin, Abraham, . 
 Pettis. Obadiah, 
 Philip, 8, 9, 23, 24, 157, 161, 166, 168 
 
 169, 174 
 
 Philip's War 24, 137 
 
 Pilgrims, . 3, 4, 9, 20, 21, 25, 126, 127 
 
 Plymouth, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 14, 16, 17, 18, 
 
 18, 20, 22, 23, 26, 34, 125, 127, 133, 134, 
 
 136, 151, 152, 253, 154, 155, 157, 158, 
 
 159, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 172 
 
 Plymouth Colony, . .18, 20, 23, 26 
 
 Court, 
 
 Records, . 
 
 Plympton, 
 
 Pocassett, 
 
 Pokanoket, g, 13, 125, 151, 152, 157, 158, 
 
 159, 168, 171, 172, 174, 190 
 
 Pomam, 153, 168 
 
 40, 69, 145, 156 
 
 . 50, 68, 99 
 
 117, 120, 145 
 
 146 
 
 • 137 
 
 96, 97. 145 
 
 22, 158, 173 
 
 50, 68, 84, 85 
 
 102, 146 
 
 . 9, 38, 127 
 
 154. 155. 159 
 
 20 
 
 . 8, 24 
 
PAOB 
 
 Pometacom 8, 9 
 
 Popanomscutt, 18, 24, 42, 46, 47, 48, 
 
 50, 5I1 55. 60, 61, 69, 90, 99, 104, 142, 
 
 174. 192 
 
 Poppasquash, 36, 55, 57, 129, 161, 169, 170 
 
 Prince, Thomas, 34, 35, 36, 37, 41, 64, 67, 
 
 90, 125, 126, 128, 129, 132, 133, 145, 160, 
 
 161, 169, 170, 172 
 
 Princes Hill, .... 132, 193 
 
 Pond 60 
 
 Proprietors, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39, 40, 41, 
 
 42, 44, 45, 51, 95, 127, 
 
 130, 174, 180 
 
 Agreement, 35, 130, 131 
 
 Classes, . . .184 
 
 Clerk, 33, 50, III, 112, 113^ 
 
 114, 115, ir6, 117, 118, 119, 
 
 120, 121, 122, 141 
 
 Common Lands, 183, 185, 1 89 
 
 Division of Lands, . 184 
 
 Meeting, 44, 46, 47, 48, 49, 
 
 50, 67, loi, 103, 109, no, 
 
 III, 112, 113 
 
 Public Lands, . . 185 
 
 Records, . 169, 180, 182 
 
 Sales for Money, . 186 
 
 To Non-Proprietors, . 187 
 
 Surveys, . . .184 
 
 Taxes 188 
 
 Proprietary, . . . 125, 127, 179 
 
 Conveyances, . 187, 188 
 
 Meetings, 181, 182, 188, 189 
 
 New England, . .179 
 
 New England Location, 179 
 
 OflBcers, . . .181 
 
 Pennsylvania, . .180 
 
 Titles. 181, 182, 183, 184, 186 
 
 Votes, . . . 187, 188 
 
 Providence, . . .158. 163, 173 
 
 River, . . . 153, 171 
 
 W. & B. R. R., . 19 
 
 Provincetown, . . , . 3, 138 
 
 Prudden, Joanna, .... 134 
 
 Prudence Island, . . . .153 
 
 Quakers, 
 
 FAOX 
 
 133 
 
 Quadequina, 
 
 5. 6, 8, 9 
 
 Records 33. 42 
 
 Rehoboth, 21, 23, 24, 25, 33, 37, 38, 39, 40, 
 4I) 47. 53. 67, 68, 69, 78, 79, 80, 82, 83, 
 84, 85, 86, 87, 90, 95, loi, 105, 108, 109, 
 III, 112, 113, 114, 115, 118, 119, 120, 
 121, 140, 146, 157, 159, 160, 162, 164, 
 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170 
 Rehoboth, Bliss's History of . . 141 
 
 Rhetoric 144 
 
 Rhode Island, . . 57, 163, 164 
 
 Rhode Island Hist. Soc, . 19, 174 
 Rice's Neck, .... 84, 92 
 Richmond, John, . . . .156 
 John R., . . 120, 145 
 
 Peleg 112 
 
 Robioson, Increase, . . .156 
 Rev. John, . . .17 
 
 Rocky Cove 57 
 
 Rock Run, 56 
 
 Rocky River, .... 65 
 
 Rumstick, . . 99, 100, 169, 193 
 Runen's River, .... 193 
 
 Sabin, Samuel 76 
 
 William, ... 37, 39 
 Saffin, John, 33, 44, 45, 46, 47, 49, 50, 52, 
 53. 54. 68, 70, 73. 75. 76. 88, 89. 
 99, 100, 144, 145, 146 
 
 Sagamore 5, 21 
 
 Samoset, 5, 21 
 
 Scamscammuck, . . .174, 194 
 Scamscammuck Spring, 49, 51, 100 
 
 School House, .... 95 
 
 Scituate, 126 
 
 Seekonk, 36, 127, 146, 151, 152, 157, 159, 
 
 160, 163, 170, 193 
 
 Shepardson, Daniel, ... 90 
 
 Showamett, 153, 154, 155, 156, 173, 193 
 
 Slanie 5 
 
 Smith, Henry, 40, 41, 57 62, 68, 69, 84, 
 
 132, 140, 145 
 James, . . . .145 
 
 Joshua, . . 68, 69, 145 
 
 Joshua T., . . . .171 
 
PAGE 
 
 Southworth, Constant, . . 132, 155 
 
 Sowams, 8, 9, 10, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23 
 
 24, 25. 26, 27, 28, 29. 34, 35, 
 
 39, 40, no, III, 112, 113, 
 
 114, 117, 118, 120, 121, 125, 
 
 126. 127, 129, 130, 131, 132, 
 
 133, 134, 136, 140, 141, 142, 
 
 143. 144, 145, 146, 149, 151, 
 
 152, 153. 154. 157. 158, 159. 
 
 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 
 
 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 
 
 173. 174, 175, 193 
 
 Bay, . 151, 153, 168, 194 
 
 Grand Deed of, 36, 37, 142, 
 
 143. 144 
 
 Guide Points, 142, 143, 144 
 
 Officers, . . . 146, 147 
 
 Proprietors, 33 to 122, 145, 146 
 
 Records, . 33 to 122. 154, 
 
 River. 35, 37, 38. 130, 146, 157, 
 
 159, 160, 162, 170, 172, 173 
 
 Taxes, , . . 165, 166 
 
 Spring, John Brown's, . . .186 
 
 Squanto, . . 5, 8, 11, 18, 20, 157 
 
 Standish, Myles, 4, 6, 17, 18, 25, 34, 35, 
 
 36, 37. 38, 39, 52. 63, 90, 92, 125, 126, 
 
 128, 129, 130, 133, 135, 14s, 157, 158, 
 
 i6o, 173 
 
 Sunconewhew, .... 8 
 
 Surveyor, . . . .40, 47, 49 
 
 Swamp, Dead, . . 46, 51, 53, 72 
 
 Swamps, 53i 60 
 
 Swansea, 10, 21, 23, 24, 33, 68, 69, 76, 78, 
 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 85, 86. 87, 
 88, 95, 96, 97, 99, loi, 102, 
 III, 112, 113, 114, 115, 118, 
 120, 121, 1^5, 127, 141, 144, 
 146. 154, 155, 156, 157. 158, 
 159, 164, 166, 167, 169, 170, 
 171. 172, 273, 174, 194 
 River, . . . 60, 61, 82 
 
 Taunton, 21, 23, 134, 141, 151, 158, 173 
 Green, .... 10 
 River, .... 10 
 
 
 
 PAGB 
 
 Taxes, 
 
 . 
 
 . 165 
 
 TifiEany. Ebenerer, . 
 
 . 
 
 102, 14s 
 
 Recompence 
 
 . 
 
 108, 146 
 
 Timber. . 
 
 , 
 
 39 
 
 Tobacco, 
 
 . 
 
 . 27 
 
 Tom's Spring, . 
 
 • 73. 89, 
 
 174. 194 
 
 Torrey, Samuel, 
 
 
 103 
 
 Torrey's Creek, 
 
 . 
 
 . 82 
 
 Totomommucke, 
 
 23. 144. 
 
 154. 156 
 
 Touissett, 
 
 24, 
 
 173. 194 
 
 Town Meeting, 
 
 , 
 
 • "7 
 
 Townsend, Solomon, 
 
 • 145. 
 
 147. 170 
 
 Solomon, 
 
 Jr., 114, 115, 116, 
 
 118, 119 
 
 120, 121, 
 
 132, 145 
 
 Trade, Place of 
 
 . 
 
 144. 17 
 
 Troop of Horse, 
 
 . 
 
 . 167 
 
 Trumbull, 
 
 . , 
 
 25 
 
 Turner, Josiah, 
 
 . 
 
 102, 145 
 
 Thomas, . 
 
 . 
 
 102, 145 
 
 Tustin, . 
 
 . 
 
 144. 173 
 
 Tyler's Point, . 
 
 • 
 
 . 144 
 
 Uncas, 
 
 
 22 
 
 Unkompoin, . 
 
 . 
 
 . 24 
 
 ViaU, Allin, .... 120, 145 
 
 Benjamin, loi, 102, 103, 104, 105, 
 
 108, III, 115, 119, 145, 146 
 
 John. 33, 54, 68, 76. 77, 78, 79, 80, 
 
 81, 82, 87, 94, 145 
 
 Jonathan, . 99, loi, 102, 145 
 
 Nathaniel, in, 112, 113, 114, 115, 
 
 116, 117, 119, 146 
 
 Samuel, , . . 115, 145 
 
 Vintner, John ViaU, ... 80 
 
 Wading, Place 96 
 
 Walker's Creek, ... 57, 58 
 
 Walker, Philip, 40, 41, 57, 62, 69, 84 
 
 132, 141, 145 
 
 Samuel, . . . 49, 145 
 
 Wampanoags, 8, 18, 21, 151, 168, 173, 194 
 
 Wamsetta. 8, 9. 33, 36, 37, 53, 55. 128. 
 
 129, 140, 169. 195 
 
Wannamoisett, 23, 134, 141, 144, 146, 161, 
 164, 165, 170, 172, 194 
 
 Wareham, 20 
 
 Warren, 109, iii, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 
 
 117, 120, 121, 127, 146. 153, 154, 157, 
 
 158, 160, 164, 167, 170 
 Warwick, 
 
 Watchemoket Neck, 
 Watchemoquit, 
 
 Waypoyset, 
 
 Weirs, 
 
 Weetamo, 
 
 Wheaton, John, 
 
 Joseph, . 
 
 Whitaker, Richard, 
 
 White, Mr., . 
 
 Peregrine, 34, 66, 
 Resolved, 34, 35 
 
 93. 1 
 
 Susanna, 
 
 William, 36, 128, 
 Whittier, . 
 Willett, Andrew, 
 
 172, 173, 174 
 153, 169, 173 
 
 lOI 
 
 . 195 
 
 56, 194 
 
 • 151. 173 
 
 , 8,9 
 
 . 167 
 
 III, 145, 146 
 
 69, 145 
 
 34 
 
 126,136, 139,145 
 
 41, 56, 66, 92, 
 
 26, 130, 139, 145 
 
 136, 139 
 
 29, 139, 140, 145 
 
 . 131 
 
 93. 145 
 
 Willett, Thomas, 18, 23, 24, 34, 35, 36, 
 37. 3S. 39. 40. 41. 42. 47. 55, 
 56, 58, 59. 60, 63, 64, 65, 66, 71, 
 73. 78, 79, 90, 105, 126, 128, 129, 
 130, 132, 133, 134, 140, 141, 145, 
 152, 160, 164, 172 
 Williams, John, . . . .155 
 Roger, 18, 23, 163, 164, 171 
 
 Williamson 6 
 
 Winslow, Edward, 5, 9, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 
 
 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 
 
 28, 30, 126, 136, 137, 140, 145, 
 
 152, 157, 158, 159, 160, 173 
 
 Job, ... 55, 56 
 
 John, 34, 35, 36, 40, 59, 60, 65, 
 
 90, 93, 125, 128, 130, 145, 155 
 
 Josiah, 35, 36, 37. 38, 39- 4i. 
 
 61, 65, 66, 67, 94, 128, 129, 
 
 130, 136, 137, 160 
 
 Knelm, 34, 35, 126, 130, 145 
 
 Winthrop, . . .158, 159, 173 
 
 Winthrop's Journal, . . 158, 178 
 
 Women, 23 
 
 Woodcock, John, .... 40 
 Wootonekanuske 9 
 
SnhtK of 3Uuatratt0n0 
 
 Portrait of Thomas Williams Bicknell, Opposite title page 
 
 Portrait of Captain Myles Standish, a Sowams Proprietor, . . . page 5 
 Portrait of Edward Winslow, Governor, a Sowams Proprietor, Opposite page 12 
 Tyler's Point and Cemetery, at the Confluence of the Two Branches 
 
 of the Sowams River, " "23 
 
 Title Page of Sowams Records *' "30 
 
 First Original Agreement in Sowams Records, . . . . " "34 
 Photograph of Grand Deed of Sale from Ousamequin, 1653, in 
 
 Sowams Records Opposite pages 36 and 37 
 
 Ancient House built by William Allin about 1664, . . . Opposite page 62 
 
 Photograph of page 35 in Sowams Records, .... " "64 
 
 Beach on Sowams or Narragansett Bay, " "73 
 
 Ancient Brown House and Elm " " 104 
 
 Photograph of Last Page of Sowams Records. 1797, with Autographs 
 
 of Moderator and Clerk, " "121 
 
 Residence of Brigadier-General Thomas Alliu, .... " " 122 
 
 Map of Indian Localities about Narragansett and Mount Hope Bays, " " 124 
 Interior and Exterior of Ancient Congregational Meeting-House, 
 
 Barringlon, Rhode Island, '• " 128 
 
 The Town Hall, Barrington, Rhode Island, .... " " 132 
 
 Portrait of Josiah Winslow, a Sowams proprietor, . . . " " i37 
 
 Autographs of some Sowams Proprietors and others, . . . .... j^g 
 
 Autograph Signatures of a Number of the Sowams Proprietors and 
 
 Others " "146 
 
 Photographs of the Committee of Twenty Citizens of Barrington, on 
 
 the Barrington Centennial, June, 1870, including the Poet, Heze- 
 
 kiah Butterworth " " 151 
 
 The Matthew Watson House at Nayatt " "156 
 
 The Myles Garrison House at Sowams and Swansea, now Barneys- 
 
 ville, • . . " "164 
 
 Copy of a part of an Ancient Map of New England, Morton's Memo- 
 rial, 1677, ,...,.,... " " 170 
 Copy of a part of Map Showing Boundary Line fixed by Commission 
 
 in 1742, ....•• " " 170 
 
 "Pokanocket Alias Saywamset," see Swansey on Map, . . " "171 
 
 Sowams y4/zaj Barrington — From Part of Ancient Map, . . .... j^g 
 
 Mr. Bicknell in His Library, Providence, Rhode Island "196 
 
HK225 
 
 -78 
 


 '> 
 
 
 - • • ' ^o^ 0^ , t . < 
 
 ,<J^^ , o « o ^ •<*>. 
 
 MANCHESTER, f Q v*. ' ^i^^^,^®* ' A O^ \^M^^ o ^Q rt, * ''^^'^MM * A '^ 
 
 'V -^ ".