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TOWN RECORDS OF
TOPSFIELD MASSACHUSETTS VOLUME II
1739-1778

TOPSFIELD, MASS.
THE TOPSFIELD HISTORICAL SOCIETY
1920

5 7^t) ^^

ONE HUNDRED COPIES PRINTED

THE PERKINS PRESS
MASS.

C 1 , .mxmm X

INTRODUCTION

Town affairs in Topsfield during the forty years covered by
the following pages developed little of an unusual character save
the decision to erect a new meeting-house and the several steps,
taken in common with other towns, leading up to direct partici
pation in the War of the Revolution. The most absorbing in
terest was shown in every detail of the construction of the meet
ing-house, at last ending in the "seating" of the people, in which
was shown "Respect to persons above Sixty years of age before
money in younger men."
The old meeting-house was badly in need of repairs. The
roof leaked and the glass in the casement sash was in constant
need of the "glasser's" attendance and at last a committee re
ported that the old building, built in 1703, was not worth further
repairing. Among the various plans for bettering the bad condi
tion of the building had been one, proposed in 1752, to "cut of the
Lucombs and make the Roof four Squar or Weather they v/ill
raise a principal at Each Corner so as to make ye north and
south Roofs the whole Length of sd house." Here is the only
evidence that has come down to us that the 1703 meeting-house
bore a hip roof with small dormer windows projecting from each
of its four sides while from the center of the roof extended a
"turret." Fashions in architectural styles succeed each other
as inexorably as fashions in women's dress. The 1703 meeting
house turns out to be similar in appearance to contemporaneous
meeting-houses at Newbury, Ipswich, Salem Village and else
where.* The old Ship Meeting-house, yet standing at Hingham,
is very similar.
The raising of the frame of the new building called for a
dinner for one hundred men provided at the expense of the town
and the detail of liquid refreshments was considered to be of
such importance that first the meeting voted to "get a Barriel
of Rhum" for the "Laborers" ; then by another vote it decided
to provide "half a Hundred wait of Shuger" ; and finally "The
Town agreed to Git Twelve Barriels of Sider" as supplimental
supplies. When the committee in charge of the raising pre
sented its bill it was found that the hundred "Laborers" also had
*See Rice's History of the First Parish, Danvers, page 57, for an excellent
picture.

vi INTRODUCTION.
consumed 128 1/2 pounds of pork, 12 1/2 pounds of beef and
87 pounds of cheese, together with white and brown bread. No
doubt the day was long remembered.
The new meeting-house was painted and supplied with sliding
sash. The stocks were kept there and space was set aside in
which to store the town's stock of powder, bullets and flints.
Two years later it was proposed in town-meeting that a bell be
purchased, but nothing came of it. The first bell that was hung
in the steeple was placed there in 1817 and was cast by Paul
Revere. When did the first choir proudly take possession of "the sing
ing seats?" No one knows. But at the annual meeting in
March, 1771, an unsuccessful effort was made to order Captain
Averill to select "such a Number of Persons as [he] shall Judge
to be well Skill'd in Singing to Set Together on Sundays, in the
first two seats in the north part of the west Galerie," and two
other unsuccessful attempts soon followed. Can there be any
thing more conservative than an old-time rural community ?
The approach of the Revolutionary War here may be traced
step by step. When the houses of Lieutenant-Governor Hutchin
son and other officials were pillaged by a Boston mob in 1766
and it was proposed that the Great and General Court should re
imburse them for the losses sustained, the town presented to
their representative, Capt. Samuel Smith, written instructions
directing him in case it should be found that those "Gentlemen
or either of them suffer'd by being actually engag'd for the good
of his majesties Subjects in this Province", that then they should
have "a proper Allowance" ; otherwise "we would have you by
no means Consent thereto." The instructions contain a satiri
cal allusion to the recent repeal of the Stamp Act, and end by
proposing a "Subscription or Contribution as in case of Calami-
tious Accidents by fire" which "we are heartily willing to give
them as much as our ability and low Circomstances will admit
of." The town entered zealously into the Non-importation Agree
ment in 1770 and drew up a statement of principles and sent a
committee among the inhabitants to obtain signers. Glass,
painter's colours and tea were specifically outlawed. Later,
the town scornfully condemned the "parlament of Great Brit
ten" for the "Crafty manner" in which liberty had been granted
to the East India Company to export tea into America with a
duty imposed upon it. As early as April, 1773, it was acting
in conjunction with the Committee of Correspondence in Boston
and in town-meeting held May 18, 1773, the voters adopted a

INTRODUCTION. VU
Declaration of Rights which foreshadow the opening sentences
of the famous Declaration of July 4, 1776. The town stood
"ready at all times to Joyn with their Brethren in every legal
way and manner, to defend the life and person of his Majesty
. . . and in the same way to preserve and Defend Our Own
Lawfull Rights Libertys and Propertys even to the last Exstrem-
ity." In the fall of 1774, Captain Smith was chosen a delegate
to the Provincial Congress that was forbidden to assemble by
Governor Gage, and again, in January, 1775, he was sent to the
next Congress. By that time the local minute men were drill'
ing and the town was voting to "give incouragement to such
Military Soldiers as may inlist."
The town-meeting held May 13, 1775 was warned by consta
ble Enos Knight "In his Majesties Name," as was the meeting
called for Sept. 19, 1775. But that was the last time that such
deference was shown to King George and at the meeting held
June 21, 1776, formal instructions to representative Deacon John
Gould were adopted declaring "that the unighted Colonies will
be greatly wanting in their duty. . . if Independence of the
Kingdom of greate Britten is not declared as Soon as may be,
these being our Sentiments," and "your Constituants will sup-
port and defend the measure with Lives and fortunes to the utt-
most of their power."
Long before this time there had been a considerable exodus
from the coast towns to Topsfield and other inland towns. When
the census was taken in June, 1776, fifty white people and one
negro were living here who belonged to other towns. The pop
ulation of the town at that time consisted of 733 whites and 25
negroes and "mollattoes." The hardships of the times are re
flected in the second article in the warrant for the town-meeting
to be held Nov. 24, 1777 ;—
"To see if the Town would have Deacon Gould deliver out
any of the molasses to the poor of Other towns Resident in this
town which was given to the poor of this town by Capt. John
Darby." In January, 1777, the town made choice of a committee "to
take an account of what each person has paid in money toward
the charges of raising men in this town for the present War. . .
and also an Account of what service each person has done in said
War, and at what place." An invaluable historical record had
it been preserved to the present day. But when the committee
made its report a month later it was read in town-meeting "and
being put to vote was not accepted." Such was and is human
nature.

viii INTRODUCTION.
In the last estimate, however, the following records exhibit
their greatest value in the faithful picture they present of the
transaction of public business, year by year. The conduct, and
and oft-times neglect, of the pubHc schools ; the care of the high
ways and bridges ; the jealous guarding of rights in the common
lands ; and the many minor transactions. It transpires that rent
was paid for a room in our well-known "Parson Capen House,"
in which "to keep the common school." The warrant for the
annual meeting in March 1745, contains an article : "To see if
the Town will Do any thing to prevent Sheeps going in the
Training field [the present Common] without a Shepherd." The
family of French Acadians assigned to the town required con
stant attention. The man was sick much of the time. In 1757,
the warrant for the November meeting has an article : "To See
what measures the Town will Come into for to have the french
family in Said town Supported under their Dificult Surcom-
stantes." The care of the poor and the "warnings out of town" throw
lights and also sad shadows on the customs of the times and
when measured by the standards of today sometimes discover
a cold temper little short of heartlessness. Yet, when Samuel
Tutoo, the last Indian living in the town, became sick, the widow
Herrick on the south side of the river, cared for him through
the ten weeks of his last sickness and the town not only paid her
bill of £2.13.4, but paid Doctor Dexter's bill and also supplied a
coffin and a grave.
The list of town clerks is here continued from the previous
volume. Richard Towne held many offices and was long in
public life. Elijah Porter died suddenly one Sunday evening
while in office : "a person of good endowments, natural and ac
quired." Capt. Samuel Smith was long active in town affairs
and took a leading part at the time of the Revolution.
Jacob Peabody 1739 — 1749
Richard Towne 1749 — 1764
David Balch 1764 — 1766
Elijah Porter 1766—1775
Samuel Smith 1776 — 1778
Stephen Perkins 1778 —
George Francis Dow.

TOPSFIELD TOWN RECORDS.

The Freeholders and other Inhabitants of Topsfield such as are
Quallified for Voting are Warned to Assemble and Meet to
gether at the Meeting house in Said Topsfield on fryday the
Thirtieth Day of November Currant at Two of the Clock
afternoon 1 To Choose two Meet persons to take Care of the Violaters
of an Act Relating to the killing of Dear within the province
2 To See if the Town will Do anything further about the
Line Between Topsfield and Wenham and to Act thereon as
may be thought best : 3 To Allow bills of Charge
Dafd Topsfield November 26**^ 1739
Dan Clarke John Wildes ) Cpippf-mpn
Constable of Topsfield. Tobijah Perkins V ^f^r, ™fi^i^
Benj« Towne j oi lopsneia
A True Copy Attest Jacob Peabody Towne Clerk
At A Lawfull Town Meeting in Topsfield Novem' 30*'' 1739
1 Cap* Joseph Gould is Chosen Moderator for this meeting voted
2 Mr Joseph Herrick, and Mr Thomas Gould are Chosen to
take Care to Inform of the Violaters of the Last act or Law
Concerning Deer voted
3 Whereas Cap* Joseph Gould, Mr John Wildes, Mr Edmond
Towne, Mr Nathaniel Averill Jun' and Jacob Peabody were
Chosen in May Last to Joyn with Some Gentlemen from Wenham
to Settle A Comer bounds between Wenham and Topsfield on
Salem Line and Said Committe having now Reported that they
had Meet with Wenham Men Twice and Could Not agree about
the bounds And after Some Debate thereon The Town agreed
that the Said Committe viz Cap* Joseph Gould, Mr John Wildes,
Mr Edmond Towne Mr Nathaniel Averill Jun' and Jacob Pea
body or the Major part of them Shall Meet once More with
Such gentlemen as Wenham hath or Shall appoint (for y® Same
Service) and Said Committe are hereby fully impowered to
Settle the bounds with them between Said Towns according to
the best of their Judgment voted
(1)

2 town records of
4 And if the Said Committe or the Major part of them Do
not Agree with Wenham Committe to Settle Bounds between
Said Towns : that then Cap* Joseph Gould and mr John Wildes
are hereby fully Impowered to prosecute Wenham in the Law :
for Not Perambulating on y^ Line between Wenham and Tops-
field as the Law Directs voted
5 The Town Allowed Ten pounds to y" School Committe to
pay the School Master for keeping School two Months this
year 10—0—0 voted
Essex ss Decemb' 26*'',: 1739 : We the Subscribers appointed
to Perambulate the Line between the Town of Ipswich and
Topsfield Met on y^ Day above Said and Perambulated the
S"* Line and Renewed the bounds by Marking Trees and Laying
Stones together as Witness our hands the Day and year
afore s"*
John Wildes | Committe Daniel Heard ") Committe
Tobijah Perkins j for Topsfield Aaron Potter >¦ .^ Tr^o,.,;^!,
Phillip Fowler j tor ipswicti
A True Copy Attest. Jacob Peabody Town Cler.
The Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Tops-
field Such as are Quallified as y® Law Directs for Voting are
hereby Notified and Warned to Assemble and Meet together at
the Meeting house in Said Topsfield on Tuesday the fourth Day
of March Next Ensuing the Date hereof at Eight of the Clock
in y® forenoon.
1 To Choose a Town Clerk, and Constables, & Selectmen,
and other Officers annually to be Chosen in Said Town and to
give in their Votes for a County Tresurer, and a County
Register. 2 To See what the Town will Do about Mr Emersons Salary:
or whether they will Make him any allowance for this year
3 To Allow Bills of Charge
4 To See what y^ Town will Do with y^ interest of the Loan
Money Dat"' Topsfield February y 25 : A : D : 1739
Dan Clarke Daniel Redington ~)
Constable of Topsfield John Wildes [ Selectmen
Tobijah Perkins [ of Topsfield
Benj^ Towne J
A True Copy of y* Notification attest Jacob Peabody Town Cle
At A Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield March y« 4**' 1739/40

topsfield, mass. 3
1 Cap* Ivory Hovey is Chosen Moderator for this Meeting Voted
2 Jacob Peabody is Chosen Town Clerk for y^ year Ensuing Voted
3 Nathaniel Capen & Solomon gould are Chosen Constables
for y® year Ensuing Voted
4 Richard Towne is Chosen Town Treasurer for y* Ensuing
year Voted
5 Cap* Joseph gould, Benj* Towne, Daniel Redington, Phineas
Redington and Tho' Baker are Chosen Selectmen for y* Ensu
ing year Voted
6 Lieu* Tobijah Perkins, Ephraim Wildes, & Israel Clark are
Chosen Tything men for y® year Ensuing Voted
7 Israel Town is Chosen Sealler of Leather for a year Voted
8 George Bixbe, Dan Clark, & Jacob Averill are Chosen
Surveyers of highways for y* Ensuing year Voted
9 David Balch, Joshua Towne, and Jacob Robinson are
Chosen fence viewers for y® year Ensuing Voted
10 Aaron Estey, and George Bixby, are Chosen Hogreaves
for y' year Ensuing Voted
11 Mr Joseph Herrick and Mr Thomas Gould are Chosen to
Prosecute the Violators of the Late Act Concerning Deer Voted
12 The Town Agreed to give to the Reverend Mr Emerson
fifty pounds for this present year, besides his Settled Salary Voted
13 The Town allowed Six pounds five Shillings to y* School
Committe viz David Commings Matthew Peabody & Nathaniel
Porter Jun'' to pay the School master for keeping School one
Month & nine Days Voted 6—5 — 0
14 The Town Allowed two pound two ShiUings & Eight
pence for Plank & Timber to mend falls Bridge in y® year
1739 Voted 2:2:8
15 The Town Allowed three Shillings to Luke Averill for
Timber to mend the Bridge by Thomas Howlets in the
year 1739 0:3:0
16 The Town Alowed one pound & Six pence to Thomas
Perkins a former Constable it being for an Abatement of
Zacheus gould rates 1 : 0: 6
17 The Town allowed one pound & Six pence to Thomas Per
kins a former Constable it being for an abatement of one head
out of mr Tho« Goulds rates Voted 1—0—6
18 The Town Allowed one pound & Six pence to Dan Clark
a former Constable it being for an abatement of Eben'' Clarks
rates Voted 1 — 0 — 6
19 The Town Allowed two Shillings 0—2—0 to Dan Clark Con-

4 town records of
stable for warning the widow Clough out of Town & Entering
the warrant in y® Court Records Voted
20 The Town allowed to the Trustees viz Eliezer Lake Lieu*
Tobijah Perkins and Jacob Peabody all the Towns part of the
interest of the Last fift part of y« £60000 Loan Voted
The Several Officers that were Chosen at y® above Said Meet
ing of Whom an Oath is by Law Required all took the oath
belonging to their Respective offices on the Same Day of Said
Meeting Excepting Lieu* Tobijah Perkins Nath" Capen, & Jacob
Robinson March y" 4*'' 1739 or 40 then ReC* of Mr Thomas Perkins
Constable of Topsfield the Sum of Seven pounds and Seven
Shillings & Nine pence in full of his Rates Committed to him to
Collect and to pay into My self I Say Received by me Ivory
Hovey former Town Treasurer
Topsfield March y« 5*'' 1739 or 40 then Rec-^ of Mr Dan Clark
Constable the Sum of Eight pounds and three Shillings and nine
pence in full of his Rates Committed to him to Collect and pay
into me I say received by me Ivory Hovey former Treasurer for
Said Town Boston March 13*'' 1739
Rec'^ of Mr Thomas Perkins Constable of Topsfield fifteen
pounds one Shilling and Seven pence in New Tenor in full for
mr Treasurer Foye
£15 : 1 : 7 P Eben' Swan
the three Receipts above written are True Copies attest Jacob
Peabody Town Clerk
We the Subscribers being appointed and impowered by our
Respective Towns, viz: Topsfield and Wenham to Settle and
renew bounds between our Said Towns there having been Some
Misunderstanding of the bounds next or near Wenham Causway:
We having Mett this Thirtyfirst Day of March 1740: have
Mutually agreed, and Settled & renewed the bounds between
our Said Towns as followeth ; Begining at the White oak Stump
of a Tree Lately fell Which was Salems North Easterly Corner
bounds, thence Twelve Poles Easterly to a stake and heap of
Stones by the highway Leading from Wenham Causway to
Bunkers Meadow : on the west Side of Said Way, from thence
to the Plump of Maples (So Called) but now a stump : and as
the Brook Runs to a stake And heap of stones at the going over

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 5
the Brook from thence to the South Easterly Corner of Pigdens
Meadow, and So to the River according to y^ Settlement in
1694 and furthermore it is Agreed that this our Settlement shall
not Effect any mans property and in Confirmation of all herein
above Written we have hereunto Set our hands the Day and
year above Said.
John Moulton "^ Joseph Gould ) ^ ...
Samuel Kimball „ .,, John Wildes V^^^ii?^'"! m
Tho' Tarbox k^rZ" ,n. J^^ob Peabody V'^' topsfield
John Gott ^""^ Wenham
Nathaniel Brown^
This is a True Copy of the original attest Jacob Peabody T :
Cler Topsfield October 30*'' 1739
Rec^ of Mr Ivory Hovey Town Treasurer y^ Sum of Sixty
five pounds in full of the within written order & y® full of My
Salary to September 2 : 1739. by me John Emerson Clerk
A True Copy Attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
The freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Topsfield such
as are Qullified as the Law Directs for Voting : are Warned to
Assemble and Meet together at the Meeting house in Said
Town on Tuesday the Eighteenth Day of March Currant at
one of the Clock after noon
1 To Choose Jury men according to Warrant
2 To Choose a Committe to Supply the Town with a School
master for the Ensuing year
3 To See if y* Town will give Liberty for Swine to go at
Large as the Law Directs
4 To allow Bills of Charge
Dat* Topsfield March y= Seventh Day Anno : Domini 1739/40
Solomon Gould Joseph Gould ^
Constable of Phineas Redington I Selectmen
Topsfield Thomas Baker | of Topsfield
Benj^ Towne J
At A Legal Town meeting in Topsfield March y« 18 : 1739/40
1 Cap* Joseph Gould is Chosen Moderator for this Meeting Voted
2 Mr George Bixby is Chosen Grand jury Man for y"^ year
Ensuing Voted
3 Lieu* Tobijah Perkins, & Mr Thomas Baker are Chosen to
Serve on Jury of Tryalls at y® next Inferiour Court to be
holden at Ipswich Voted

/ /

6 TOWN RECORDS OF
4 Mr Luke Averill, Jacob Averill & Dan Clark are Chosen a
Committe to Supply the Town with a Schoolmaster for the
year Ensuing Voted
5 it is agreed that Swine Should go at Large for y« year
Ensuing Voted
6 The Town allowed to John Perkins Thirty Shillings for
taking Care of, and for Sweeping the Meeting house the Last
year Voted 1 10 0
7 The Town allowed to Nath" Capen Eighteen shillings
Voted 0 18 0
8 The Town Allowed to Cor' John Wildes one pound Eighteen
Shillings for y« Glasser Voted 1 18 0
9 The Town Allowed to Thomas Baker two Shillings for
Warning Michael Holdgate & family to Depart out of Town
Voted 0 2 0
The affairs of the afore said Meeting Were Delivered to me
by Benj» Towne attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
The Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of
Topsfield Quallified as the Law Directs for Voting are hereby
Notified & Warned to Convene and Meet together at the Meet
ing house in Topsfield on Munday the Nineteenth Day of May
Instant at two of the Clock in the after noon
1 To Make Choice of a Sutable Man to Represent the Town
at the General Court the year Ensuing
2 To Choose a Committe to Lay out to Zacheus Perkins the
Land the Town agreed to Exchange with him in the forty acres
^' 3 To See if the Town will agree to build a School house
4 To See if the Town will agree to fence the Burying Place
5 To See if y* Town will Exchang a piece of Land with the
Reverend Mr John Emerson in y* Parsonage
6 To Allow Bills of Charge
Topsfield Dat"* May y« 12*'' 1740
Nathaniel Capen Joseph Gould
Constable of Topsfield Daniel Redington J Selectmen
Phineas Redington | of Topsfield
Tho' Baker J
A True Copy of the Notification Attest Jacob Peabody T : C :
At A Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield May 19*'' 1740
1 Mr Nathaniel Bordman was Chosen to Represent the Town
at y* General Court the year Ensuing Voted
2 Mr Daniel Redington is Chosen Moderator for s"* Meeting
3 Thomas Baker was Chosen Clerk for Said Meeting

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 7
4 It was put to Vote whether the Town would Choose a Com
mitte to Lay out to Zacheus Perkins the Land that y® Town
agreed to Exchange with him in the forty acres and it Passed
in the Negative
5 It was put to Vote Whether the Town would Erect a fence
to Enclose the Burying Place Voted
6 It was put to Vote whether the Town would Exchange a
Piece of Land Lying at y^ East Corner of the Parsonage for so
Much Land Joyning to the Parsonage Else where Equevilent
there to with the Reverend mr John Emerson. Voted
7 It was put to Vote whether the Town would abate 2:5:6
of Zacheus Perkinses Rates Made in the year 1739. voted
8 It was put to Vote whether the Town would allow to Cap*
John Wildes Seven pound & Twelve shillings for building
Twenty Rods of Stone wall on y* Parsonage, voted. 7 — 12 — 0
9 It was Put to vote whether the Town would allow to Cap*
John Wildes Twenty Shillings for making a pair of Stocks voted
1—0—0
10 It was put to Vote whether the Town would allow to
Cap* John Wildes Eight shillings for mending up the Parsonage
fence voted 0 — ^8—0
Mr Daniell Redington who was Moderator of S'^ Meeting At
tested to the Truth of the above Said Votes, attest Jacob
Peabody The free holders and other Inhabitants of Topsfield that are
Quallified as the Law Directs for Voting are warned to As
semble and Meet together at the Meeting house in Said Town
on Tuseday the Twenty third Day of Sep* Instant at one of y«
Clock after noon
1 To Chose Jury men for Newbery Court according to warrant
2 To see how much Money they will raise to Defray Town
Charges this year.
3 To See if y= Town will Choose an agent or agents to Peti
tion to y® General Court that our Neighbours in Ipswich farms
May be Sett of to Topsfield
4 To See if the Town will Give order y* y® County Rate
May be paid our Town Treasurer
5 To Reckon with the Treasurers of Said Town.
6 To See if y® Town will fence y* Parsonage with a Stone wall
7 To See if the Town will Choose a Committe to Exchange
Some of the Parsonage Land with y* Reverend Mr Emerson
and to Give a Deed thereoff to the Reverend mr Emerson,
Dated Topsfield September y« 18*'' A : D: 1740.

8 TOWN RECORDS OF
Nath" Capen Joseph Gould )
Constable of Topsfield Daniel Redington >¦ Selectmen
Benj^ Towne. ) of Topsfield
At a Lawfull Town Meeting in Topsfield Sep* y« 23'^'i 1740
1 Cap* Ivory Hovey is Chosen Moderator for this Meeting voted
2 Mr John Gould and Mr Israel Clark are Chosen to Serve on
y'= Jury of Tryals at y^ next Inferiour Court to be holden at
Newbery Voted
y® Town agreed y* y' Selectmen shall reckon with y^ Town
Treasurer voted
3 The agreed that there should be one hundred and Ten
pounds Raised to Defray the Town Charges this year Voted
4 y" town agreed that y'' County rate shall be paid out of
y« town Treasurer voted
The Freeholders and other Inhabitants of Topsfield y* are
Quallified as the Law Directs for Voting are warned to Assemble
and meet together at y® meeting house in Topsfield on Wednes
day the first Day of October next Ensuing the Date hereof at
one of the Clock after noon.
1 To Choose a Committe to Exchange Some of the parsonage
Land with the Reverend Mr Emerson and to give a Deed thereof
2 To agree on a Rule or Rules to fence the parsonage with
a wall and to raise Money to Defray the charges
3 To See if the Town will make any more seats in the meet
ing house or Do any thing to Enlarge the room in Said house
or New Seat People in Said Meeting house.
4 To See if the Town will Do anything about y* Clay ground
Reserved for y® Towns Use.
5 To allow Bills of Charge.
Dated Topsfield September y« 26 : 1740.
Solomon Gould Joseph Gould ^
Constable of Topsfield Daniel Redington ( Selectmen
Tho« Baker C of Topsfield
Benj"^ Towne J
At a Lawfull Town Meeting in Topsfield October 1 : 1740
1 Cap* Joseph Gould is Chosen Moderator for this Meeting. Voted
2 Cap* Joseph Gould, Cap* John Wilds and Mr Nathaniel Averil
Jun'^ are Chosen a Committe to give a Deed to the Reverend Mr
John Emerson of that Corner of the parsonage that his bam
stands on not Exceeding half an acre : and to take a Deed of

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 9
gd y[T Emerson of So much Land in another place as Mr Emer
son and S"' Committe Shall agree upon in Exchange for Said
Corner, both Deeds to be made in behalf of y* Town Voted
3 Mr Luke Averill, Mr Joseph Towne, and Cap* John Wildes
are Chosen a Committe to take Care to git the Parsonage fenced
in with a good stone wall and Said Committe are to make up
forty Rods of Said wall before the Last Day of Aprill next Voted
Voted the afore Said forty Rods of wall shall be made up
against the road from Jacob Perkinses fence towards Mr Emersons
barn 4 The Town agreed that there should be Twenty Pounds
More raised to Defray Town Charges this year Voted
5 The Town agreed y* y® first Second and third Seats in the
front gallery from the East End to the first Post Shall be Set off
for y® women Voted
6 Cap* Joseph Gould Mr Luke Averill Mr Daniel Redington
Mr EKezer Lake & Mr Richard Towne are Chosen a Committe
to Seat People in y^ Meeting house Voted
7 The Said Committe are to observe y* following Rules or In
structions in Seating People viz To Show Respect to persons
above Sixty years of age before Money in younger men. and
then to Seat the Rest of the People according as they or their
Predisessers have Paid to y® Last years Rates Voted.
8 The Town Allowed Eighteen pounds to the School Com
mitte viz Luke Averill, Jacob Averill and Dan Clark for y* School
master for keeping School three months this Summer past Voted
Topsfield March 5*'' 1739 or 40 then Received of mr John
Perkins one of y® former Constables one pound two shillings
and two pence in full of his Rates Committed to Me to Receive
of him I Say Received by me. Ivory Hovey former Treasurer
for S"* Town
A True Copy attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
The free holders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Tops-
field Such as are Lawfully Quallified for Voting are Warned
and Notified to Assemble and Meet together at y® Meeting house
in S** Town, on Tuseday the third Day of March Next at nine
of the Clock in the fore noon
1 To Chuse a Town Clerk, Constables, Selectmen : and other
Officers Annually to be Chosen by Said Town.
21y To See how much Money Said Town will allow to the
Reverend Mr Emerson this year More than his Salary.
3 To See if the Town will clear, Alter, or Discontinue the way

10 TOWN RECORDS OF
that was formerly Laid out for Mr Nathaniel Porter to Come to
Meeting 41y To See if the Town will alter the way that was formerly
Laid out for Mr Eliezer Lake & Lieut Zacheus Gould for them
to go to meeting and Lay it out in another place more Con
venient 5 To See if the Town will Chuse a Committe to Lay out the
Land formerly changed with Mr Zacheus Perkins of Said Town
Deceas'' in y^ forty acres So Called to the Heirs of Said Perkins
or Do any other thing or things about Said Land Left for the
Towns Use
61y To See if the Town will accept of the Laying out of the
way for Mr Joseph Herrick & Nath" Porter Jun' to go to meet
ing in Said Town
71y To see if the way Laid out from the Meeting house to
Cap* Goulds Shall be two Rods Wide
81y To Accept of the Selectmens Reckoning with y® Town
Treasurer 91y To Allow Bills of Charge
Dated Topsfield February y« 20*''A : D ; 1740/41
Solomon Gould Joseph Gould "jo, <.
Constable of Topsfield Tho« Baker Pf^^^l^,
Benj- Towne j of Topsfield
A Tme Copy of the Notification Attest Jacob Peabody T : Clerk
At A Lawfull Town Meeting in Topsfield March y« 3^^1740/41
1 Cap* John Wildes is Chosen Moderator for this Meeting Voted
2 Jacob Peabody is Chosen Town Clerk for y^ year Ensuing Voted
3 Mr Joseph Andrew and mr Amos Dorman are Chosen Con
stables for y^ year voted
4 Mr Richard Towne is Chosen Town Treasurer for y« year
Ensuing voted
5 Lieu* Benjamin Towne Cap* John Wildes, Mr George Byxbe
Mr Thomas Baker, And Mr Daniel Redington are Chosen
Selectmen for the year Ensuing Voted
6 Mr John Davis, Mr Dan Clark, and Ensigne Daniel Gould
are Chosen Tything men for y« year Ensuing Voted
7 Mr John Hovey is Chosen Sealer of Leather for this year
Voted
8 Mr Thomas Dwinel, Mr Samuel Towne, and Mr David
Balch are Chosen Surveyars of highways for y« year Ensuing Voted

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 11
9 Mr John Batchelder, Lieu* Joseph Dorman, & Mr Samuel
Bradstreet are Chosen fence Viewers for y^ year Ensuing Voted
10 Mr Mathew Peabody & Mr Thomas Dorman are Chosen
Hogreeves for y® year Ensuing Voted
11 Mr Luke Averill & Mr Dan Clark are Chosen to prose
cute the Breakers of the Late act Concerning Deer voted
12 Mr Joseph Andrew haveing agreed with mr Samuel Brad
street to Serve for him as Constable the Town accepted of Said
Bradstreet in stead of S'' Andrew Voted
13 The Town agreed to give to the Riverend Mr John Emer
son the Sum of fifty pounds for this year besides his stated
Salary voted
14 The Town accepted of the Selectmens return of their Lay
ing out a way for Mr Joseph Herrick and Mr Nathaniel Porter
Jun' to go to Meeting Voted
Whereas the Town of Topsfield Did formerly agree to Ex
change Some Land, Lying on the South Side of the River with
Zacheus Perkins of Said Town for Land the Said Perkins should
Lay Down to y® Town on the North Side of the River : and it
being Left to two Men to Determine how much Land y^ S** Per
kins should have for that he Laid Down to the Town they
Determined that S^ Perkins should have thirteen acres As by
the former Records may more fully appear And the Said Perkins
being Since Deceased and there being no Record that the Said
thirteen Acres was Ever Laid out Therefore
15 Voted that Cap* John Wildes, Mr Richard Towne Mr George
Bjrxbe, Mr Nathaniel Averill Jun' , & Jacob Peabody be a Com
mitte to Lay out the Said thirteen acres of Land to the Heirs
of y^ Said Zacheus Perkins. According to the Determination
of Said two men
16 Upon hearing the Report of the Selectmen about the Dif
ficulty of the way that was formerly Laid out for Mr Nath" Porter
to Come to Meeting in the Town Doe Now Agree to Alter the
Said Way, from Mr Porters till it Comes to the Southerly End of
Mr Jacob Townes & Mr Jacob Redingtons Land viz from Mr
Nathaniel Porters through Mr Joseph Herricks Land & So into
y* way Lately Laid out for Mr Joseph Herrick and Nathaniel
Porter Jun' to Come to Meeting in : and so Along Said way to
the afore S^ Townes and Redingtons Land. Voted
17 The Town Agreed to Alter the way that was formerly
Laid out for Mr Lake and others to Come to Meeting in : it
appearing to the Town to be very inconvenient where it was
Laid out : the way now to be as follows from Mr Lakes house
on his own Land by the Stone wall that is between Said Lakes

12 TOWN RECORDS OF
& Goulds Land till it Comes to a pair of bars between S'' Lakes
and Goulds Land, thence along the way as the s'^ Lake and
Goulds go to meeting along by Thomas Perkinses house & out
into the Country Road by Sd Perkinses shop voted
18 The Town Agreed that the way which Leads from the
Meeting house to Cap* Joseph Goulds shall be two Rods Wide
Except at Mr Capens Causway So Called Voted
19 The Town Allowed Nineteen Shillings & three pence to
Mr Phineas Redington it being an Abatement of his Rates for
William Perkinses head in the year 1739. Voted
20 The Town agreed that Jedediah Danforths Rates As in
M' Tho^ Bakers List shall be abated or Discounted with the
Treasurer Voted
21 The Town agreed that A[n]drew Bradstreets Rates for the
year 1739 in Constable Bakers List shall be abatted Voted
22 The Town Allowed to Mr John Perkins one pound fifteen
shillings for Sweeping the Meeting house the Last year Voted
23 The Town Allowed to Mr Dan Clark twelve Shillings for
Timber to mend the high ways in y^ year 1740 Voted 0 — 12 — 0
24 The Town allowed to Jacob Averill Eighteen [shillings] for
Timber to Mend y« high ways in y« year 1740 Voted 0 — 18 — 0
The Several Officers y* were Chosen at y^ above Said Meeting
were Sworn as the Law Directs Topsfield December y« 7*'' 1740
We the Subscribers have Laid out a way for Mr Joseph Her
rick & Nathaniel Porter Jun' to Come to Meeting in Said Town
from S"* Nath" Porters House as the Road Now runs or most
beatten path along by Mr Herricks and So on till it Comes to
the High way Laid out Between Mr Jacob Townes & Mr Jacob
Redingtons their Land, two Rods wide
Joseph Gould ^
Daniel Redington I Selectmen
Benj« Towne (of Topsfield
Tho= Baker J
The freeholders and other Inhabitants of Topsfield that are
Qualified as the Law Directs for Voting are warned to As
semble and meet together at the Meeting House in Said Town
on Tuseday the Twenty fourth Day of March Currant at one of
the Clock after noon
1 To Chuse Jury men according to warrant
2 To See if the Town will give the Reverend Mr Emerson
that piece of the Parsonage Land that they have Voted to Ex
change with him

Selectmen of Topsfield

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 13
3 To See if the Town will give order to have any Rail fence
made about the Parsonage this year
4 To Choose a Committe to Supply the Town with a School
master for y* year Ensuing
5 for the Town to bring in their Proxies for a County Reges-
ter of Deeds : and a County Treasurer
6 To See if y^ Town will Agree, that Land Manufactory Bills
Shall Defray Town Charges
7. To See if y® Town will give Liberty for Swine to go at
Large as the Law Directs
8. To allow Bills of Charge
Dafi Topsfield March the 16 : A : D 1740/41 _
Amos Dorman John Wilds
Constable of Topsfield Daniel Redington
George Bixby
Tho^ Baker
Benj* Towne
A True Copy of the Notification Attest
Jacob Peabody Town Cler
At a Lawfull Town Meeting in Topsfield March y^ 24*'' 1740/1
1 Mr George Bixby is Chosen Moderator for this Meeting voted
2 Cap* John Wildes is Chosen to Serve on y^ grand jury for
y* year Ensuing voted
3 Mr John Davis & Mr Tho^ Dorman are Chosen to Serve
on the Jury of Tryals at the Next Inferior Court to be holden
at Ipswich voted
4 The Town Agreed that y^ Land Bank or Manufactory Bills
Shall Defray Town Charges Voted
5 Mr Israel Clark, Mr Daniel Redington & Mr Ephraim
Wildes are Chosen a Committe to Supply the Town with a
Schoolmaster for y* year Ensuing Voted
6 The Town agreed that Swine Shall go at Large this year
According as the Law Gives Liberty Voted
7 the Town allowed one pound thirteen Shillings to Mr Eliezer
Lake it being an abatement of his Son Eliezers Rates Voted
1—13—0
8 The Town Allowed Twenty two pound to the School Com
mitte to pay for three Months & Twenty Days Schoolling Voted
22—0—0
The freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Tops-
field that are Quallified as the Law Directs for Voting are warned

.Selectmen of Topsfield

14 TOWN RECORDS OF
to assemble and meet Together at the meeting house in Said
Town on Tuesday the Nineteenth Day of May Currant at three
of y* clock after noon
1 To Chuse a Representative to Serve at y* general Court
2 To See if y« Town will agree that their Representative
Shall Draw his wages out of the Town Treasury
3 To See if y« Town will order thefront Gallary to be Divided
by a peitition and order a man to Do Said work
4 To See if y« Town will give, or Sell, to Doc* Richard Dexter,
a Convenient Room for a Pew in our meeting house
5 To allow Bills of Charge
Dat<' Topsfield May y« 12*'' A: D : 1741.
Samuel Bradstreet John Wildes
Constable George Bixby
Benj* Towne
Tho= Baker
A True Copy of the notification Attest
Jacob Peabody Town Cler.
At A Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield May y« 19*'' 1741.
1 Mr Nathaniel Bordman is Chosen to Represent the Town
at the general Court Voted
2 The Town agreed that Mr : Bordman y* Present Represent
ative Shall Draw his wages for his Service at 3^* General Court
this year out of the Town Treasury. Except the Representa
tives Shall be paid by the province in General this year Voted
3 The Town made Choice of Nathaniel Averill Jun' to make
a Pertition in y* front gallary to part that End y* is Set off for
the women ; from the Mens part of Said gallary Voted
4 y® Town Allowed Nineteen Shillings & three pence to Dan
Clark it being An Abatment for John Curtises head : Said Curtis
being Dead before the Said Clark who was a Constable had
the Rates Committed to him voted
5 The Town allowed to Cap* Joseph Gould Twelve Shillings,
and Six pence to pay for glazing the windo by the womens
gallary Stairs in the Meeting house Voted
The freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Tops-
field, that are Quallified as the Law Directs for Voting : are
warned & Notified to Assemble & Meet together at the Meeting
house in Said Town on Wednesday the Twenty fourth Day of
June Currant at three of 5^ clock afternoon
1 To See if the Town will pass a Vote if they Chuse a Repre
sentative that he Shall Receive his wages of our Town Treas
urer for his Service

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 15
2 To See if y^ Town will Chuse a Representative according
to Precept.
3 To accept the Return of the Committe that was appointed
to Lay out the Land by the Clay ground So Called to the Heirs
of Zacheus Perkins Deceased
4 To See if the Town will free the family of Mr Joseph Towne
from working at any other highway Except that privat way
that Leadeth from S'' Townes house by Thomas Dwinels and
So along by Amos Dormans to the County Road
5 To see if the Town will free Mr Thomas Perkins from
working at any other highway he keeping the bridge & Case-
way in good Repair that Lyeth between his house and the
County Road
6 To See if the Town will Chuse a Committe to Repair y" meet
ing House. 7*''"^ To See if the Town will purches Some part
of the front gallary hind-Pew for y* women
Dafi Topsfield June the 18*^ A : D 1741.
Samuel Bradstreet John Wildes ^
Constable Daniel Redington [Selectmen
Tho= Baker [of Topsfield
Benj^ Towne J
This is a True Copy of the Notification. Attest Jacob Peabody T : C :
At a Lawfull Town Meeting in Topsfield June y« 24*'' 1741.
1 Cap* Ivory Hovey is Chosen Moderator for this Meeting.
2 The Town agreed that y^ Man that Shall now be Chosen
Representative Shall Receive his wages for his Service as Repre
sentative this year out our Town Treasury Voted
3 Mr Nathaniel Bordman is Chosen Representative Voted
4 The Town agreed that y® Selectmen Shall take Care to get
the Meeting house Repaired Voted
5 The Town Accepted the Committies Return of Laying out
thirteen acres of Land on y^ South Side of y* River to the Heirs
of Zacheus Perkins Late of Topsfield Deceased Voted
Topsfield June the 15*'' 1741 We the Subscribers being Chosen
by the Town of Topsfield above Said for to Set out thirteen
acres of Land Lying on the South Side of the River in Topsfield
afore s"^ unto the Heirs of Zacheus Perkins of Topsfield Deceased
Accordingly we have Set out Said thirteen acres of Land : Which
Land is bounded as followeth. Viz Begining at a Certain White
oak Tree by the Edge of Bunkers Meadow So Called thence
South-Easterly and then Southerly partly with Bunkers Meadow
and partly with Wenham meadows, to a Certain Stake Stand-

16 TOWN RECORDS OF
ing in the Edge of a Little brook, Which Stake bares from a
Remarkable Stump, East 33 Degrees & 1-4 South according
to the Needle and is in Distance from S'' Stump Six pole & Seven
Links of the Chain : thence west 23 Degrees North according
to the Needle about Sixty and two poles to a Stake by Land of
Lieu* Tobijah Perkins, thence North Easterly with Land of
Said Perkins : forty Pole and an half to the first Mentioned
bounds which Land within S'' bounds Contains thirteen acres.
according to our best Skill and Judgment. Jacob Peabody
John Wildes
George Bixby
Richard Towne
Nath" Averill Junr
A Tme Copy of the return Attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
Boston June 30*'' 1741 Received of the Rev"* mr John Emer
son, Nine pound fifteen Shillings & three pence : being the
Contribution of the Town of Topsfield for y^ Sufferors by the
Late fire at South Carolina : Jacob Wendell one of y^ Comm**^
of the Gov' and Councell
A Tme Copy of the Receipt Attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
there was five pound Eleven Shillings More Contributed at
y^ Same time but it was in Manufactery bills and the above
S^ Wendell would not take it, and mr Emerson brought it home
again and Delivered it to Me and Informing the [town] thereof
at a Town meeting Sep* 25*'' 1741 1 was Desired to put it into
the Town Treasurey. Jacob Peabody
The Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Topsfield
Lawfully Quallified for Voting are hereby Notified & warned to
Conven and Meet at the Meeting house in Said Town on Fry
day the Twenty fifth Day of Sep* Instant at two of the Clock
1 To Chuse Jury men to Serve on the Jury of Tryals at New
bury Court.
2 To See what Money y^ Town will Raise to Defray Town
Charges the year Ensuing
3 To See what the Town will further act Referring to the
Land: which Zacheus Perkins Sold on the South Side of the
River adjoyning to the Clay ground more than was his Right to
Sell 4 To Allow Bills of Charge.
Dated Topsfield Sep* 18*''1741.

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 17
Samuel Bradstreet Daniel Redington^
Constable. John Wildes I Selectmen
George Bixby (of Topsfield
Tho^ Baker J
A Tme Copy of y® Notification attest
Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
At a Legall Town meeting in Topsfield Sep* y* 25*'' 1741.
1 Cap* John Wildes is Chosen Moderator for this meeting. Voted
2 Mr Thomas Howlet & mr Thomas Perkins are Chosen to
Serve on the Jury of Tryals at y= next Inferiour Court to be
holden at Newbury Voted
3 The Town agreed that the Selectmen should Raise a Tax
of one hundred and Thirty pounds to Defray the Town Charges Voted
4 Cap* John Wildes. Lieu* Benjamin Towne & Mr Thomas
Baker are Chosen agents for y^ Town to Recover the Land
which Zacheus Perkins hath Sold on y^ South Side of y* River,
adjojoiing to the Clay ground : More than he had a good right
to Sell : and Said agents are hereby fully Impowered to agree
about S** Land or to Sue for the Same and Prosecute that affair
in the Law, as they, or the Major part of them Shall See Cause
and the Town will laear them out in all their Lawfull prosceed-
ings in S"* affair & pay their Cost Voted
5 The Town allowed 20' To the School Committe viz Daniel
Redington Ephraim Wildes & Israel Clark, to pay the School
master for three Months and Ten Days Service in keeping
School. Voted 20—0—0
6 The Town allowed three pound Seventeen Shillings to
Israel Clark & Dan Clark for Making Eleven Rods of Stone wall
About the parsonage this Summer Voted 3 — 17 — 0
7 The Town allowed five pound Seventeen Shillings & Six
pence to Thomas Dwinel a Surveyer for two hundred and fifty
feet of plank and thirty five feet of Timber for the River Bridge
voted 5 — 17—6
8 The town allowed one pound Nineteen Shillings to Cap John
Wildes and Luke Averill for Twenty Railes & Twelve posts and
for four Days work in menging the Parsonage fence the Last
Spring Voted 1—19—0
9 The Town allowed one pound to Samuel Towne a Surveyer
for thirty Eight feet and one half foot of Timber for the river
bridge. Voted 1—0—0
11 The Town allowed thirteen shillings to Thomas Dwinel a

18 TOWN RECORDS OF
Surveyer for Timber to Set up on y" Sides of y* River bridge
voted 0—13—0
12 The Town allowed two Shillings to George Bixby for re
turning the warning of Samuel Masties out of Town Voted 0—2—0
13 The Town allowed 1 — 13 — 0 to Constable Capen as abat
ment of John Holdgates head 1 — 13
The Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Tops-
field, Lawfully Quallified for Voteing, are hereby Notified And
warned, to Convene at the Meeting house in Topsfield on Tuse
day the Second Day of March Next at Nine a Clock in y^ Morn
ing 1 To Chuse a Town Clark Constables Selectmen and other
officers Annually to be Chosen as the Law Directs
2 To See what the Town will allow the Reverend : M' Emer
son for the year Ensuing More than his Sallary
3 To See if the Town will Chuse a Committe to Sell the Land
belonging to them in the forty acres So Called or to act what
the Town shall think proper thereon
4 To See if the Town will order the County Rate to be paid
out of y^ Town Treasury
5 To See if the Town will hear and Answer the Request of
Mr Eliezer Lake Referring to a highway
6 To Reckon with the Town Treasurer
7 To Alow bills of Charge
Dated Topsfield Febmary y« 16*'' 1741/2
Samuel Bradstreet Constable John Wildes ^
Benj^ Towne I Selectmen
George Bixby fof Topsfield
Tho^ Baker J
A True Copy of the Notification, attest Jacob Peabody T : Cler
At A Lawfull Town Meeting in Topsfield March y« 2 : 1741/2
1 Cap* Ivory Hovey is Chosen Moderator for this Meeting voted
2 Jacob Peabody is Chosen Town Clerk for y" year Ensuing Voted
3 Mr Daniel Redington and mr Thomas Gould Jun' are Chosen
Constables for y^ year Ensuing Voted
4 Mr Richard Towne is Chosen Town Treasurer for y« year
Ensuing Voted
5 Mr George Bixby mr Thomas Baker mr Daniel Gould mr

TOPSFIELD, MASS. ' 19
Matthew Peabody and mr Richard Towne are Chosen Selectmen
for y® year Ensuing voted
6. M' Thos. Howlett & m' Jacob Averill are Chosen Thything-
men for y® year ensuing voted.
7. M' Joseph Edwards is chosen Sealer of Leather for y'^ year
ensuing voted.
8. Cap* Ivory Hovey, M' David Cummings & M' Samuel Per
kins are chosen Surveyers for this year voted.
9. M' Joseph Andrew, Mr Ephraim Wildes & Mr William
Perkins are chosen fence viewers for y^ year ensuing voted
10. M' Jacob Robinson & M' Cornelius Balch are Chosen
Hogreaves for y® year ensuing voted
11. M' Joseph Towne & m' Nathanael Boardman are Chosen
to prosecute y* breakers of y* act referring to killing of Deer
voted
12. The Town agreed to give to y* Reverend M' John Emer
son y^ Sum of fifty pounds equal to y® old Tenour Bills for this
year besides his Salary voted
13. Capt. John Wildes, Lieut. Benjamin Towne & m' Thomas
Baker are chosen Agents for y* Town to recover y^ Land
which some of y* Heirs of Zacheus Perkins late of Topsfield
Deceased viz. Zacheus Perkins of Rowly & William Perkins
late of Sutton Deceased Have sold on y^ South Side of y^
River in Topsfield adjoyning to y* Clay ground in y® forty acres.
So called, which of Right belongs to y^ Town of Topsfield &
S"^ Agents are hereby Impowered to agree with y® S"* Zacheus
Perkins of Rowly, about s"* land, or with any other person or
persons y* shall be lawfully Impowered for y* purpose, & S''
Agents, if need be, to give a Quit Claim thereof in behalf of
y® Town, And if they do not agree then y^ S'' agents are to Sue
y* person or persons y* are in possession of S'' land & to prose
cute y^ Affair from Court to Court till y^ matter be fully De
termined by y® Law, & y® Major part of S"^ Agent agreeing in
S^ affair it Shall be Esteemed valid & good & y* Town will bear
them out in all their lawfull proceedings in S'' Affair & pay
their Cost voted.
14. The Town agreed y* y* County Rate now sent for Shall
be paid out of y^ Town Treasury voted
15. The Town agreed y* y^ way from m' Eliezer Lake's
House to y^ County Road by m' Israel Clark's Shall be discon-
tined & made void from S"* Lake's House till it comes to y^ Barrs
where y® Goulds come out into S'' Lake's land to go to meeting voted
16. The Town agreed y* y* Selectmen Shall reckon with
y® Town Treasurer voted

20 TOWN RECORDS OF
17 The Selectmen having reckoned with y^ Town Treasurer
y« Town accepted their return thereof voted
18. The Town allowed fifteen Shillings to Samuel Towne for
timber to mend y® highways in y* year past voted
19. The Town allowed five Shillings to Samuel Towne for
timber He had of M' Samuel Bradstreet to mend y« highways
1741. voted
20. The Town allowed to Nathanael Porter Junior one pound
thirteen Shillings it being an abatement of y^ Rates for his mans
head in y« year 1740 voted
21 The Town allowed to Cap* Ivory Hovey Six Shillings for
timber to mend y^ highway in y® year 1741. voted
22. The Town allowed to m' John Perkins two pounds for
taking care of y® Meeting House y^ year past voted
23. The Town allowed to m' David Balch eighteen Shillings
for timber He had of Cap* Joseph Gould & Simon Gould to mend
y^ River Bridge y^ last year voted
24. The Town allowed io j^ Assessors Six Shillings per day
for each man, for taking valuation of y* Towns Estate y^ year
past voted
25. The Town allowed three Shillings to mr Joseph Andrew
for bringing a ladder from M' Robert Perkins's to y^ Meeting
House voted
26. M' Dan Clark is chosen pound Keeper for y® year ensuing voted
All the officers Chosen at the afore Said Meeting of whom
an [oath] is by Law required : Made oath to the f aithfull Dis
charge of their respective offices the Same Day of Said Meeting,
after it was over. Except WiUiam Perkins & Comelious Balch
Samuel Curtis being Chosen Haward, or field Driver of
Stickey Meadow Common field : was Sworn the f aithfull Dis
charge of that trust before y* Selectmen of Topsfield on y* 2^ of
March 1741/2 Attest Jacob Peabody T : Cler
Boston March 13 : 1739. Received of m' Dan Clark Con
stable of Topsfield Twenty Six pounds New Tenor in part for
mr Treas' Foye P Eben' Swan
Boston 13 Decern' 1740. Rec"* of mr Dan Clarke Constable
of Topsfield three pound Nineteen Shillings New Tenor. P
hand Nath" Borman. W" Foye Treas'
Boston 5 Janu' 1741 Rec^ of Mr Dan Clarke Const» of Tops-
field Ten pounds Nine Shillings, four pence New Tenor in full
W" Foye Treas'

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 21
Topsfield Jan" y^2'"i 1741/2 ReC^ of Mr Dan Clarke Consta
ble of Topsfield Six Shillings and Seven pence in full of all his
Rates to me by me Richard Towne Treas' for Said Town
These four Receipts above written are tme Copies
Attest Jacob Peabody Town Cler
The Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Tops-
field, Quallified for Voting as the Law Directs are hereby warned
to Assemble .at the Meeting house in Said Town : on Tuseday
y« Twenty third Day of March Instant att two of the Clock
after noon
1 To Chuse a man to Serve on the Grand Jury
2 To Chuse two men to Serve on y^ Jury of Tryals at Ips
wich Court
3 To Chuse a School Committee
4 To See if y^ Town will agree y* Swine Shall go at Large
this year
5 To See if y* Town will build a School house on y* North
Side of the River at the Cost and charge of the Said North
Side 6 To Allow Bills of Charge
Dated Topsfield March y« 16*'' Anno : Domini 1641/2
George Bixby
Thomas Baker
Matthew Peabody
Daniel Gould
Richard Towne _
This is a Tme Copy of y^ Notification
Attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk

Selectmen
"of Topsfield

At A Lawfull Town meeting in Topsfield March y* 23"^ 1741 /2
1 Lieu* Benjamin Towne is Chosen Moderator for this meet
ing : Voted
2 Jacob Peabody is Chosen Grand Jury man for y® year En
suing Voted
3 Mr Luke Averill and mr Dan Clarke are Chosen to Serve
on the Jury of Tryals at the next Inferiour Court to be at Ips
wich Voted
4 Mr Jacob Dorman, mr Thomas Baker and mr Jacob Robin
son are Chosen a Committee to provide a Schoolmaster for the
Town for the year Ensuing Voted
5 The Town agreed that Swine should go at Large this year
According as the Law Gives Liberty Voted

22 TOWN RECORDS OF
We the Subscribers being appointed to Perambulate and Re
new the bounds between Topsfield & Salem, Accordingly Met
on y« 27. Day of Aprill 1742, and renewed the bounds Begining
at a white oak Stump with a heap of Stones round it, near Wen
ham Causey, and from thence to a black or Red Oak Stump,
with Stones round it. Standing in Gotts orchard, and from thence
to a heap of Stones near y« Comer of Tho= Dwinells pasture,
and from thence to a heap of Stones Near Nickollses brook
Eben' Bowditch
Daniel Marble
Geo Curwen
This is a Tme Copy of y* return of perambulation with Salem
1742 attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
The Freeholders and other Inhabitants of y® Town of Tops-
field, Quallified for Voting as the Law Directs you are hereby
required to Convene at the Meeting House in Topsfield on Tuse
day the Eighteenth Day of May Currant at two of y® Clock
after noon
1 To Chuse one good and Lawfull man to Represent the Town
at y^ Great and General Court the year Ensuing
2 To See if the Town will agree to build two School houses
one on y^ North Side and the other on y^ South Side of the River
as it may best Serve for y® Convenience of the Town and Chuse
a Committee to Do the work
3 To Allow Bills of Charge
Daf* Topsfield May y« Seventh Day Anno : Domini 1742
Thomas Gould Jun' George Bixby ^
Constable Tho= Baker (Selectmen
Matthew Peabody (^of Topsfield
Daniel Gould J
At a Lawfull Town meeting in Topsfield May y« 18*'' 1742.
1 Jacob Peabody is Chosen to Represent the Town at y® Gen
eral Court voted
2 Cap* John Wilde is Chosen Moderator to order y® other
affairs of this meeting Voted
3 The Town Allowed Eighteen pound old Tenor bills, to the
School Committee to pay mr Nathaniel Rogers for keeping
School three months in y« Last year Voted 18 — 0 — 0
4 The Towne allowed five shillings to Cap* John Wilds, and
mr Dan Clark for mending up the Parsonage fence this Spring
Voted 0—5—0
5 The Town allowed three Shillings to mr Matthew Peabody

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 23
for gifting a warrant Recorded of Jane Bartoos being warned
out of Town 0 — 3 — 0
Whereas Cap* John Wildes was Chosen Clerk for y® Proprietors
of the Westerly part of bare Hill So Called
and mr Richard Towns, chosen Haward or field Driver of the
Common field Called Bunkers Meadows, and mr George Bixby
Chosen Clerk, and Doc* Richard Dexter and mr Samuel Towne
Chosen field Driver of Plain Meadow Common field, they were
all Sworn to the faithfull Discharge of their respective offices.
before the Selectmen of Topsfield in May : 1742 :
We Whose Names are under Written being a Committe
Chosen and appointed by the Selectmen of Topsfield and Box-
ford to perambulate and renew bounds between the Said Tops-
field and Boxford. from y^ Apple tree Cap* Perleys field, to a
Stake and heap of Stones at the South Easterly Comer of Mr
Bakers farm now in Boxford from thence to a Dam Called
Andrews Dam near Mr Thomas Goulds house and from thence
being the place where the water now runs under S'' Dam. thence
Southerly to a Stake and heap of Stones by the fishing Brook
on the Easterly Side of y^ Rivilet Runing into Said Brook and
then as the S"^ Brook Runs into the River Called Ipswich river
then up Said River to Middleton Line and Agreeably we have
Meet on Aprill y"^ 28*'' 1742 and have Renewed the above
S** bounds Dan Clarke
Daniel Gould
Jacob Smith
John Andrew
A Tme Copy of y® return of Perambulation with Boxford
Attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
The Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Tops-
field Quallified for Voting as the Law Directs are hereby Notified
to Assemble and Meet at the Meeting house on Tuseday the fif
teenth Day of June Currant at four of the Clock afternoon
1 Then and there Persuant to an Act made by the Great and
General Court in y^ year one thousand Seven hundred forty and
one ; To Accept of a List taken by the Selectmen, of Such
Persons Liable by Law, and well Quallified to Serve on y^ Petit
Juries : and put their names : brought by the Selectmen on Sep-
erate pieces of paper into a box provided for that purpose and
Deliver the Same to the Town Clerk to be kept under Lock and
Key Dat^ Topsfield June y^ tenth Annoque Domini 1742

24

TOWN RECORDS OF

Thomas Gould Jun'
Constable

George Bixby
?riu^°o^i, A LSelectmen
^.^S^^"^f'°'Yof Topsfield

Rich* Towne
Tho= Baker.
This is a Tme Copy of y** Notification attest
Jacob Peabody T : Cle
At a Legal Town meeting in Topsfield June y^ 15*'' 1742.
1 Mr George Bixby is Chosen Moderator for s<* Meeting Voted
2 Thomas Baker is Chosen Clerk for Said meeting Voted
The Names of the Several persons which y'= Town voted to
Serve at the Superiour Courts

George Bixby
Cap* John Willdes
David Balch
Thomas Baker

Cap* Joseph Gould
Jacob Peabody
Richard Towne
E= Daniel Gould

Cap* Tobijah Perkins
Daniel Redington
Benj* Towne

The Names of the Several persons who are to serve at the
Inferiour Courts

Samuel Towne
Jeremiah Towne
Cap* Ivory Hovey
Solomon Gould
Joseph Peabody
Simon Bradstreet
Matthew Peabody
David Commings
Thomas Edwards
Jacob Averill
Jacob Perkins Jun'

Luke Averil
Ephraim Willdes
Samuel Bradstreet
Simon Gould
Joseph Perkins
Israel Clarke
Dan Clarke
Tho« Howlett
Tho' Gould Jun'
Lieu* Joseph Dorman
Dudley Bradstreet George

Aaron Estey
William Redington
John Davis
William Perkins
Nath" Porter Ju'
John Towne
Nath" Averill Jun'
Jacob Robinson
John Gould
John Batchelder
Nathan Hood.
Bixby Moderator

The free holders and other inhabitants of the Town of Tops'*
Quallified for Voteing as the Law Directs : are hereby Notified
& Warned to Conveen & meet at the Meeting house in S* Town
on Tuseday y* Twenty first Day of September Instant at two of
the Clock after noon
1 To Chuse two good and Lawfull [men] to Serve on y* Jury of
Tryals at y* Next Inferiour Court of Common Please Next to be
holden at Newbury, on y® Last Tuseday of September Instant
as the Law Directs

.Selectmen^of Topsfield

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 25
2 To See what Money the Town will raise to Defray Town
Charges for this present year
3 To See if the [Town] will free Thomas Perkins from work
ing at the highways for his Making and Mending the Bridge &
Causeway on the way Leading from his house to the County
Road 4 To See if The Town will hear and Answer the Request of
John Prichitt Refering to his being Accommateded with a piece
of Land to Erect a house upon : or Whether the Town will by
any Means Accommodate him with a house to Dwell in
5 To See if y® Town will build a house for the Conveniency
of Such Persons as have no house to Dwell in and put them
selves upon the Town to Provide for them
6 To Allow Bills of Charge
Dated Topsfield September the thirteenth Day Anna : Domini
1742 Daniel Redington. George Bixby
Constable. Daniel Gould
Matthew Peabody
Richard Towne
Tho' Baker
A Tme Copy of y* Notification attest Jacob Peabody T : CI :
At A Lawfull Town Meeting in Topsfield September y« 21 :
1742 1 Cap* Joseph Gould is Chosen Moderator for this Meeting Voted
2 William Perkins & Solomon Gould are Appointed to Serve
on y® Jury of Tryals at y^ Next Inferiour Court of Common pleas
to be holden at Newbury
3 The Town agreed that y® Selectmen shall Raise a Tax of
one hundred and Twenty pounds old Tenor to Defray Town
Charges this year voted
4 The Town agreed that Thomas Perkins Shall be freed from
working at the highways for this year, provided he will keep
the Bridge and Casway that is between his house and the County
Road in good Repair Voted
5 The Town gave Lyberty to John Prichitt to Set up a house
on the Westerly Side of y^ County Road, between Samuel How
lets orchard, & Jacob Perkinses field Adjoyning to y* Parsonage
and to Injoy the Same Peaceably So Long as he y* S* Prichitt or
his wife shall Live Voted
6 The Town Allowed to the School Committe viz. Thomas
Baker and Jacob Robinson fourteen pounds old Tenor to pay

26 TOWN RECORDS OF
the Schoolmaster for two Months Service in keeping School in
y« Summer past Voted 14—0 — 0
7 The Town allowed to Luke Averill Eleven pound Eight
een Shillings old Tenor for Making Twenty Six Rods of Stone
Wall aboute the Parsonage next to bare Hill and for half a Days
work in mending fence voted 11 — 18 — 0
8 The Town Allowed to Thomas Dwinel one pound Ten
Shilling old Tenor for Timber to mend Wheel Brook Brid[g]e
in y« year 1741 Voted 1—10—0
9 The Town Allowed to Luke Averill one pound Seven Shill
ings old Tenor for Seventy five feet of White oak Plank for
b[r]idges 1—7—0
10 The Town Allowed to y* Selectmen Twelve ShiUings old
Tenor for the Box to hold y* Names of y^ Persons for Juriours
Voted 0—12—0
11 The Town Allowed to David Commings Six Shillings &
Six pence for Timber voted 0 — 6 — 6
12 The Town Allowed to Captain Joseph Gould five Shillings
for Timber 0—5—0
13 The Town agreed that John Prichetts Rates for y* year
1741 Shall be all Abated and y* Samuel Bradstreet Shall Draw
out [the] whole Sum thereof out of the Town Treasury voted
14 The Town agreed that y* whole of Samuel Masties : and
John Spaldens Rates for y« year 1740 shall be abated : and that
Solomon Gould a Constable for y* year shall Draw So much as
their Rates, out of y® Town Treasury voted
15 The Town Allowed to Dan Clarke Nineteen Shillings it
being an abatment of Nicholas Crees Rates for year 1739.
Voted 0—19—0
We the Subscribers being Committies Appointed by Tops-
field and Middleton to Perambulate & Renew the bounds between
Said Towns: have accordingly Meet and Perambulated and
Renewed y* bounds Begining at y* bounds above y^ Saw mill
Where Salem and Topsfield Meets a Cross Nicholses Brook and
So Down S* Brook, and y* Easterly Branch thereof to Ipswich
River according to y® General Court grant
Dated at Topsfield Aprill y= 26 Day 1742
David Commings | p„mini>(-<:> Edward Putnam )
John Gould j-v^ommitie Benjamin Knight [-Committe
Francis Peabody j
A Tme Copy Attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
The freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Tops-
field, Quallified as the Law Directs for Voteing are hereby

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 27
Notified and Warned, to Convene and Meet at the Meeting house
in Said Topsfield on Tuseday the Twenty Sixth Day of this In
stant October at two of y^ Clock after noon
To Choose two good and Lawfull men one to Serve on y^ grand
jury and one to Serve on y^ Jury of Tryals at the Next Superiour
Court to be holden at Salem on y^ Second Tuseday of November
Dat-J Topsfield October 22''<' 1742 Daniel Redington Constable.
At A Lawfull Town meeting in Topsfield October y* 26*'' 1742
1 Cap* Ivory Hovey, is Chosen to Serve on the grand jury, at
the Next Superiour Court to be holden at Salem Voted
2 Mr Richard Towne, is appointed to Serve on y® Jury of
Tryals, at y® next Superiour Court to be holden at Salem. Voted.
Topsfield November 29*" 1742.
We the Subscribers being appointed to perambulate the
Line between the Towns, Ipswich and Topsfield, Met on y® Day
above Said and Perambulated Said Line & Renewed the Bounds
in Said Line by Marking Trees & Laying Rocks : In witness
whereof we have Sett our hands the year & Day above Said
Daniel Heard ^ ^ -, . George Bixby ) ^
Thomas Adams (.Committee ^ho^ Baker (.Committee
Nath" Hart y« 3^ V"'' ^^^^'^^ Thomas Howlet ^""^ Topsfield
A True Copy of y" return of Perambulation with Ipswich in
1741 Attest Jacob Peabody Town Cler
Boston November 30: 1742 Rec^of Mr Samuel Bradstreet
Constable of Topsfield Sixteen pounds. Eighteen Shillings, &
three pence New Tenor in full W" Foye Treas'
Boston Decem' 11 : 1742 Rec* of Mr Tho= Baker Constable of
Topsfield Three pounds Eleven Shillings & four pence New
Tenor in full W" Foye Treas'
£3 : 11 : 4 The two Receipts Last Entered are Tme Copies
Attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
The freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Tops-
field, are hereby Notified & Warned to Convene and Meet at the
Meeting house in Topsfield on Tuseday y* first Day of March
Next Ensuing the Date hereof at Eight of the Clock in y* Morn
ing 1 To Choose a Town Clerk, Constables and other Town
officers as the Law Directs
2 To See What y® Town will allow the Reverend Mr Emer-

28 TOWN RECORDS OF
son more then his Salary the year Ensuing. And to See if
y* Town will pay the County Rate out of the money Raised
3 To Choose a man to prosecute Such person or persons who
Shall Neglect or Refuse to observe the Last Act in year 1741
Against y« obstmction or passage of fish Called Alewives or
other fish in their proper Courses
4 To See of the Town will Erect or build a School house or
houses for y« better Convenience of keeping School : and Choose
a Committe to Erect the Same according to y* instmction which
may be given them by y® S* Tovra : And to receive y^ Reckoning
Made with the Town Treasurer
5 To See if y« Town will Abate Elijah Wildes Rate as he was
Rated in y* year 1739, or any part thereof
6 To Allow Bills of Charge
Dated Topsfield Febmary y« 15 : A : D : 1742/3
Daniel Redington George Bixby
Constable Daniel Gould (selectmen
Th:*BTke^r^^'°'7°f Topsfield
Richard Towne J
A True Copy of y® Notification Attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
At A Lawfull Town meeting in Topsfield March y« 1=* 1742/3
1 Lieu* Benjamin Tovrae is Chosen Moderator for this
Meeting Voted
2 Jacob Peabody is Chosen Town Clerk for y* year Ensuing Voted
3 Mr Joseph Peabody & mr George Bixby are Chosen Con
stables for the year Ensuing Voted
4 Mr Thomas Baker, Cap* Tobijah Perkins, mr David Com
mings Mr Israel Clark & mr Matthew Perbody are Chosen
Selectmen for the year Ensuing Voted
5 Jacob Peabody is Chosen Town Treasurer for y® year
Ensuing Voted
6 mr Thomas Perkins & mr Simon Gould are Chosen
Tythingmen Voted
7 mr Joseph Edwards is Chosen Sealer of Leather Voted
8 Mr John Batchelder, Cap* Joseph Gould & Mr Nathaniel
Porter Jun' are Chosen Surveyors of highways for y* year
Ensuing Voted
9 Mr Joseph Dorman, mr John Perkins, & mr Jacob Perkins
Jun' are Chosen fence viewers for y^ year Ensuing Voted
10 Mr Joshua Towne, & mr Dan Clark are Chosen Hog
reaves. Voted

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 29
11 Mr Joseph Herrick, & mr Luke Averill are Chosen to
Prosecute the breakers y= Late Law Concerning Deer Voted
12 The Town agreed to give to y« Reverend mr John
Emerson y= Sum of fifty pounds in bills Creditt Equal to old
Tenor bills for this year besides his Salary Voted
13 The Town agreed y* y* County Rate which is now sent
for Shall be paid out of y^ Town Treasurey Voted
14 Mr Thomas Baker is Chosen to Prosecute the Last Act of
the General Court made in y^year 1741 Relating to the
obstructing of the passage of fish Voted
15 The Town accepted of y^ Selectmens Reckoning with
y^ Town Treasurer voted
16 The Town Allowed to mr David Cummings one pound
nine shillings old Tenor, for two string pieces, & Twenty feet, of
plank to mend the River bridge in y« year 1742 voted 1 — 9—0
17 The Town Allowed to Nath" Fuller fifteen Shillings old
Tenor for three Months house Rent to keep School in
voted 0—15—0
18 The Town Allowed to mr Thomas Baker nine Shillings
old Tenor: for Timber to mend the bridge by Mr Jacob
Dormans voted 0 — 9 — 0
19 The Town allowed to Elijah Wildes So much as he was
Rated in Topsfield in y^ year 1739 voted
The Several Persons that were Chosen to any office at the
above Said Town meeting of whom an oath is by Law required
were all Sworn to the faithfull Discharge of their Respective
offices on the first and on y« Second Days of March 1742/3
And mr Dan Clark being appointed by the Selectmen to be
pound keeper was Sworn to y^ faithfull Discharge of that trust
on the Said Second Day of March
The freeholders and other Inhabitance of the Town of Tops-
field Such as are Quallified as the Law Directs for Voting are
hereby Notified to Convene at the meeting House in Topsfield
aforesaid, on Tuseday the Twenty Second Day this Instant
March at two of y® Clock in the after noon on Said Day
1 To Chuse Jury men according to the Courts warrant
2 To See if the Town will Give Liberty for Swine to go at
Large the year Ensuing
3 To See if the Town will gift a Book to record births and
Deaths in and to Choose a School Committe for year Ensuing
4 To See if Town will Choose a Committe to fence in the
burying Place on the North Side of the River Persuant to a Vote
passed in y® Town

30 TOWN RECORDS OF
5 To allow bills of Charge :
Dat* Topsfield March y« 16*'' 1742/3
Joseph Peabody Tobijah Perkins
Constable David Commings

Selectmen

Mathew Peabody >-^^ Topsfield

Israel Clark
Tho^ Baker

J

At a Lawfull Town Meeting in Topsfield March y« 22"* 1742/3
1 Lieu* Benjamin Towne was Chosen Moderator for Said
meeting voted
2 Thomas Baker was Chosen Clerk for S* meeting voted
3 mr David Balch is Chosen to Serve on y^ grand jury for
y® year Ensuing voted
4 mr WiUiam Redington & Mr Thomas Edwards are Chosen
to Serve on y® Jury of Tryals at y* next Inferiour Court to be
holden at Ipswich voted
5 voted that Jacob Peabody Shall buy a book for y« Towns
use to Record births & Deaths in on y® Towns Cost
6 Voted that Swine May go at Large this year according
y* Law Gives Libery
7 Voted that mr Nathaniel Capen Lieu* Joseph Dorman and
mr WiUiam Perkins be a Committe to provide the Town with a
School master this year
8 Mr Bordman, Cap* Wildes & Cap* Perkins are Chosen a
Committe to take Care that y® Burying Place be fenced in by
y* Last Day of May Next voted
9 The Town Allowed to Dan Clark two pound Ten Shillings
old Tenor for Sweeping the Meeting house the Last year
voted 2—10—0
10 The Town Allowed to y® School Committe viz Mr Jacob
Dorman : mr Jacob Robinson & Thomas Baker Thirty five pounds
old Tenor to pay the Schoolmaster for five months Service
voted 35—0—0
Boston April 1743 Rec* of Nath" Capen Constable of Topsfield
Twenty pounds, Seventeen Shillings & four pence New Tenor
in f uU
£20—17—4 W" Foye Treas'
The Receipt above is a True Copy attest Ja : Peabody T : Cle
Topsfield ApriU y® 11*'' 1743 Rec* of m' Jacob Peabody Town
Treasurer y^ Sum of fifty pounds old Tenor y® full of y® within
written order by me John Emerson Clerk

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 31
Topsfield May y® 17*'' 1743 Reed Twenty five pounds old Ten
or the full of the within written order by me John Emerson
Clerk. The two receipts Last Entered are Tme Copies attest Jacob
Peabody Town Clerk
The freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Tops-
field QuaUified as the Law Directs for Voting are hereby Notified
and Warned to Conveen and Meet together at the Meeting
House in S* Town on Tuseday the Seventeenth Day of this In
stant May at three of y® Clock in y® after noon
1 To Choose one Person to Serve at the great and general
Court the year Ensuing
2 To Choose a Committe to Supply the Town with a School )
y® year Ensuing
3 To see if the Town will Choose a Committe to Repair y®
Meeting house
4 To See if the Town will Choose a Committe to proportion
the Parsonage fence which is not allready made into wall ; So
that Every Man May know, and Do, his Proportionable part of
Said fence or pay his Money agreed on by Said Committe as his
proportion : att a time perfixed by the Town
5 To Allow Bills of Charge
Dat* Topsfield May 13*'' 1743. Tobijah Perkins ^
David Commings CgWtmen
Matthew Peabody V f^ ^ i-i
Israel Clark M of Topsfield
Thomas Baker J
At A Lawfull Town meeting in Topsfield May y® 17*'' 1743.
1 Jacob Peabody is Chosen to Serve the Town at y® General
Court y® year Ensuing Voted
2 Cap* John Wildes is Chosen Moderator to order y® other
affairs of this Meeting Voted
3 Mr Thomas Howlet, M' Simon Bradstreet & mr Solomon
Gould are Chosen a Committe to provide a Schoolmaster for
y« Town for this year Voted
4 Voted the Selectmen ShaU take Care to git the Meeting
house glass Mended this year all that shall be needfuU
5 The Town AUowed to Mr Nath" Capen one pound thirteen
shillings To be paid out of the Town Treasury it being an abat
ment of John Prichetts Rates for y® year Seventeen hundred &
forty. Voted

32 TOWN RECORDS OF
The free holders and other Inhabitants of y® Town Topsfield
Quallified for Voting as Law Directs, are warned to Convene at
the Meeting house in Said Town on Monday the Eleventh Day
of July next at three of the Clock after noon
To See if the Town will agree to Make up the Reverend Mr
John Emerson his Sallary as to the Deficiency of the old paper
Currancy, and make it good according to the first agreement
the time past. And also to see if the Town will Choose a Com
mitte to agree with y® Reverend mr Emerson and Settle his
Sallary and Say what it shall be in y® Last Emission of Money
Dat* Topsfield June y® 27*'' A : D : 1743
Joseph Peabody Tobijah Perkins ) c-,„_.^„„
Constable of Topsfield Israel Clark h f^ I u
Thomas Baker j of Topsfield
At A Legall Town Meeting in Topsfield July y« 11*" 1743
1 Lieu* Benjamin Towne is Chosen Moderator for this Meet
ing Voted
2 After Some Debate on y® Subject Matter of y® present Meet
ing the Town agreed and Voted that this Meeting Should be
adjourned to the third Tueday of September next at two of the
Clock afternoon and then y® S* Moderator Adjourned the Meet
ing accordingly
September y® 20*'' 1743 The Town being met agreeable to
the above Mentioned Adjournment and the Question was put
whether the Town wiU make any further allowance to the Rev
erend Mr John Emerson on the account of the Deficiency of
y« old paper Currency for the time past, and it passed in
ye Negative
The freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Topsfield
Quallified for Voting as by Law Required are hereby warned to
Convene at the Meeting house in Topsfield afore s* on Tuseday
the Twentieth Day of September Instant at Three of y® Clock
in the afternoon : first To Chuse two good and Lawfull men to
Serve on the Petit Jury at Newbury Court
2 To See what Money the Town will Raise to Defray the
Town Charges this present year
3 To AUow Bills of Charge
Dat* Topsfield September y® Sixteenth Day Anno Domini 1743
Joseph Peabody Tobijah Perkins ^
Constable David Commings o , .
Matthew Peabody ^^?'.?5*'"|^^
Tho» Baker [ °^ Topsfield
Israel Clarke

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 33
At A Lawfull Town Meeting in Topsfield September y® 20*''
1743 1 Cap* Ivory Hovey is Chosen Moderator for this Meeting Voted
2 Mr Jeremiah Towne & mr Jacob Robinson are appointed
to Serve on the Jury of Tryals at the next inferiour Court to be
holden at Newbury
3 The Town agreed that the Selectmen Shall Leviy a Tax of
one hundred and Eighty pounds old Tenor (besides Mr Emersons
hundred pou[n]d Sallary) to Defray the Charges of the Town
this present year Voted
4 The Town aUowed to the School Committe Viz. mr Thomas
Howlett and mr Solomon Gould fifteen pound five Shillings old
Tenor to pay the School master for two Months Service in
keeping School voted 15 — 05 — 0
5 The Town AUowed to Mr Luke Averill forty Shillings
old Tenor for fencing Stuff and for work in fenceing the parson
age Last Spring voted 2 — 0 — 0
The freeholders and other inhabitants of the Town of Tops-
field Quallified as in and by the Royal Charter, are hereby
Notified & warned to assemble together at the Meeting house
in Topsfield on Munday the fourteenth Day of November Instant
at two of y® Clock in y® afternoon, to Choose two good and
Lawfull men Quallified as y® Law Directs to Serve as Juriours
at his Majesties Superiour Court of Judicature Now holden at
Salem for the County of Essex
Dat* Topsfield November y« 12*" 1743
George Bixby Constable for Topsfield
At a Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield November y® 14*'' 1743
M' Daniel Gould and Mr Benjamin Towne are Chosen to Serve
on the Jury of Tryalls at the Superiour Court now Sitting at
Salem Boston June 15 : 1781
Rec* of Mr Luke Averill Constable of Topsfield fourty-five
pounds two Shillings in full for Mr Treasurer Allen P Eben' Swan.
The freeholders and other Inhabitants of y® Town of Topsfield
QuaUified for Voting as the Law Directs are hereby notified to
Conveen at y® Meeting house in Topsfield on Tuseday the Sixth
Day of March Next At Eight of the Clock in the forenoon
1 To Choose a Town Clerk, Constables, Selectmen and other
Town Officers as the Law Directs for the year Ensuing

34 TOWN RECORDS OF
2 To See What the Town wiU allow the Reverend mr John
Emerson More than his yearly Salary besides What hath been
all ready allowed for the year past
3 To See what y® Town will allow the Reverend mr John
Emerson More than his yearly Salary for the year Ensuing
4 To See if the Town wiU Choose one or more persons to See
that the Passage ways for fish where they are obstructed be
Cleared 5 To Receive the Names of persons brought for Juriors and
Select them as the Law Directs
6 To See if the Town will agree to mend & maintain y® high
ways by a Rate
7 To See if the Tovm will accept the return of a high way
Laid out for Michael Dwinel Jun' on the South Side of y® River
8 To Receive the Selectmens Reckoning with the Town Treas
urer 9 To allow bills of Charge
George Bixby Tobijah Perkins
Constable David Commings
Matthew Peabody
Israel Clark
Tho» Baker
At A Legall Town Meeting in Topsfield March y® 6*" 1743/4
1 Lieu* Benjamin Towne is Chosen Moderator for this meet
ing voted
2 Jacob Peabody is Chosen Town Clerk for y« year Ensuing. Voted
3 Mr Robert Perkins and mr Nathaniel Porter Jun' are Chosen
Constables for y® year Ensuing voted
4 Mr Thomas Baker mr Matthew Peabody mr Benj" Towne
mr Israel Clarke and Mr David Commings are Chosen Selectmen
for y® year Ensuing Voted
5 Jacob Peabody is Chosen Town Treasurer for y* year En
suing Voted
6 Mr Thomas Gould Jun' & Mr Nathan Hood are Chosen
Tythingmen for y® year Ensuing voted
7 Mr Joseph Edwards is Chosen Sealer of Leather for y® year
Ensuing Voted
8 Mr Nathaniel Hood mr John Towne mr William Perkins
and mr John Gould are Chosen Surveyers of highways for y® year
Ensuing Voted
9 Mr Dan Clark mr Jacob Robinson & mr Jacob Dorman are
Chosen fence Viewers for y® year Ensuing Voted

Selectmen
"of Topsfield

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 35
10 Cap* Joseph Gould & mr Nathaniel Bordman are Chosen
to Prosecute the breakers of the Late Act Concerning Deer voted
11 Mr Phillip Towne & mr Jeremiah Towne are Chosen Hog
reaves for ye year Ensuing Voted
12 mr Luke Averil & mr Thomas Baker are Chosen to Clear
the Passage ways for fish where they are obstructed Voted
13 The Town Allowed fifty pound old Tenor to the Reverend
Mr John Emerson More than his Settled Salary for half a year
past viz from y« Second Day of September Last to y* Second
Day of this March voted
14 The Town accepted of the Selectmens Reckoning with the
Town Treasurer voted
15 The Town accepted of the Return of a way y* is Laid out
for Michael Dwinel Jun' voted
16 The Town allowed to the School Committe viz mr Solomon
Gould & Mr Thomas Howlet fifteen pounds fifteen Shillings old
Tenor to pay the Schoolmasters for two Months Service
Voted 15—15—0
17 The Town allowed Twenty Shillings to the S* Committe
to pay for house room for y® Scholars Voted 1 — 0 — 0
18 The Town allowed two Shillings and Six pence to David
Commings for Timber to Mend the Highways in y® year past
Voted 0—2—6
18 The Town Allowed to Benjamin Towne two Shillings and
Six pence for Timber to Mend y® Highways in y® year past
Voted 0—2—6
19 The Town allowed two pound four Shillings to John Batch-
elder for Timber to Mend the Highways in the year past
Voted 2—4—0
20 The Town Allowed Seven pound & Eleven pence to the
Selectmen to pay for repairing the Meeting house the year past
Voted 7—0—11
21 The Town Allowed to Dan Clarke two pound Ten Shillings
old Tenor for Sweeping the meeting house y® Last year
Voted 2—10—0
22 The Town Allowed one pound fourteen Shillings to Sam
uel Towne it being an abatement of Rates for his Sons head
Voted 1—14—0
23 The Town allowed one pound to Jacob Peabody for a
Book of Records of births & Deaths &c Voted 1—0—0
The Several officers Chosen at the afore Said Meeting which
ye Law Requires to be Sworn, all took the oath belonging to
their Respective offices on y* afore S* Sixth and on the Nineth

36 TOWN RECORDS OF
Days of S* March. Except Robert Perkins one of Constables
And Jacob Peabody y® Town Treasurer
At the Request of Michael Dwinel Jun' We the Subscribers
have Laid out a Way (for y® Said Michael to Come to Meeting :)
in the following manner : Begining at the East End of the Said
Michaels house and running one rod and a half Easterly on
Cap* Thomas Tarbox Line then Runing Northerly one Rod & a
half on S* Tarbox Land Then Runing Westerly one Rod & a
half from Capt Thomas Tarboxes Line in Wedth tiU it Comes
to a Turn in the way by Doc* Dwinels field then turning
Northerly by S* Docter Dwinels field and Continuing one rod
and a half in Wedth from S* Tarbox Line till it comes to a pair
of bars that Leads into Docter Michael Dwinels Land
Tobijah Perkins ^
David Commings I Selectmen
Matthew Peabody fof Topsfield
Israel Clarke J
This is a Tme Copy of the return of Laying out Said Way.
Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
The Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Tops-
field Quallified for Voteing as the Law Directs ; are hereby
Notified to Convene at the meeting house in Topsfield on
Thursday the fifteenth Day of March Instant at two of the
Clock in afternoon
1 To Choose Jury men for Ipswich Court
2 To Choose a School Committee.
3 To See what the Town will do Conciming the Parsonage
fence for the time to come
4 To See if the Town will Choose a person to prefer a
Petition unto his Majesties Justices of y* General Sessions of the
Peace the County Road May be Laid out from Ipswich Line to
Salem through Topsfield
5 To See if the Town vnW allow Swine to go at Large the
year Ensuing.
6 To See if Town accept of Joseph Peabody to Serve them as
Constable In the room of Robert Perkins for ye year Ensuing :
or any other person
7 To Recive the Jury men and Select them as the Law Directs
8 To Allow Bills of Charge
Dated at Topsfield this tenth Day of March A : D : 1743/4
At a Legal Town Meeting in Topsfied March y® 15*** 1743/4
1 Mr Benj* Towne is Chosen Moderator for this Meeting. Voted

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 37
2 Thomas Baker is Chosen Clerk for this Meeting Voted
3 Mr Jacob Dorman is Chosen to Serve on y® gra[n]d jury
for ye year Ensuing Voted
4 Mr Thomas Gould & mr Simon Bradstreet were Drawn out
of ye box to Serve on y® Jury of Tryals at the next Inferiour
Court to be holden at Ipswich. Voted
5 Mr Samuel Bradstreet & mr Simon Gould & Mr Samuel
Smith Jun' are Chosen to provide a Schoolmaster for the Town voted
6 Mr Israel Clarke Cap* John Wildes and mr Solomon Gould
are Chosen a Committe to take Care of the Parsonage fence
Voted
7 Cap* John Wilds is Chosen to Prefer a Petition to his Ma
jesties Justices At ye General Sessions of y® Peace to have the
County Road Lay* out from Ipswich Line to Salem through
Topsfield Voted
8 The Town agreed that Swine May go at Large this year
according As the Law Gives Liberty Voted
9 Mr Joseph Peabody is Chosen Constable in ye room or
stead of Robert Perkins Voted
10 The Town allowed To Thomas Gould Constable So much
as Samuel Mastis was Rated in S'' Gould Lists Voted
11 The Town allowed to Amos Dorman a for Constable So
much as Samuel Masties was Rated in Dormans Lists
12 Town Allowed to Mr George Bixby Constable one pound
it being an abatment of Mr WiUiam Townses head Money Voted
13 The Town Allowed to Thomas Gould Constable So much
as John Spalden was Rated in S* Goulds Lists Voted
13 The Town AUowed to ye Last year School Committee 0—15—0
14 To Mr Thomas Howlett. Eight shiUing
15 To John Lefaver two shilUng 4 Six pence Thomas Baker
Clerk for S* meeting Benjamin Towne Moderator
Boston 20 March 1743 Rec* of mr Thomas Gould Constable
of Topsfield fifteen pounds Last Emission in part
W" Foye Treasurer
Topsfield March y® 26 : 1744 then Rec* of Mr Jacob Peabody
Town Treasurer the Sum of Seven pounds Ten Shillings Bills of
y® old Tenor in full for my wages for keeping School in S'' Tops-
field P me Nath" Rogers

Selectmen

38 TOWN RECORDS OF
the two Receipts above written are Tme Copies
Attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
The freeholders «& other Inhabitants of the Town of Topsfield
QuaUified as the Law Directs for Voting are hereby Notified to
Convene att the Meeting house in Topsfield on Tuseday the
fifteenth Day of May Instant at three of the Clock in y® after
noon, then and there to Elect and Depute one person to Serve
for and Represent the Town at y® Great & General Court the
year Ensuing. Dated at Topsfield this Eighth Day of May A :
D: 1744
Nathaniel Porter Jun' Benj* Towne
Constable of Topsfield David Commings
Israel Clarke J
At A Legall Town Meeting in Topsfield July y" 30*'' 1744
The Votes were brought in and Sealed up for a County
Register The freeholders & other Inhabitants of y® Tovsti of Topsfield
Quallified for Voting as the Law Directs, are hereby notified to
Conveen at the Meeting house in Topsfield afore Said : on Tuse
day the Eighteenth Day September Instant at two of y® Clock
in y^ after noon
1 To Choose Jurymen to Serve at Newbury Court
2 To See what money ye Town will raise to Defray Town
Charges y® year Ensuing
3 To aUow bills of Charge
Dat* at Topsfield this Sixth Day of Sept' Anno Domini 1744
Nath" Porter Benj" Tovrae ^
Constable of Topsfield David Commings I Selectmen
Israel Clark (of Topsfield
Thomas Baker J
At a Lawf uU Town Meeting in Topsfield Sep* y® 18 ; 1744
1 Mr George Bixby is Chosen Moderator for this Meeting Voted
2 Mr David Commings & mr Phillip Towne are Drawn out of
y* box to Serve on y® Jury of Tryals at Newbury Court
3 The Town agreed that the Selectmen ShaU Raise a Tax of
one hundred and Thirty pounds old Tenor to Defray the Town
Charges besides Mr Emersons hundred pound Salary Voted
4 The Town Allowed to y* School Committe, Namely to Si-

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 39
mon Gould, and Samuel Smith : Sixteen pound old Tenor for
two Months Schooling Voted
5 The Town Allowed to Thomas Gould Constable for ye year
1742 one pound Nine Shillings and Eight pence it being an abate
ment of Nicholas Crees Rates in 1742. Voted 1 — 9 — ^8
6 The Towm Allowed to Deacon Hovey three Shillings and
Six pence it being an abatement of Said Hoveys Rates :
0—3—6 Voted
7 The Town Allowed to Thomas Gould Constable for y® year
1742 five Shillings & one peney on John Casees acount and three
ShiUings and Six pence on 0^8 — 7 Benjamin Batchelder ac
count they being Rated for meadow they had not.
Mr Jacob Peabody Town Treasurer Si' you are hereby ordered
to pay in unto ye Reverend mr John Emerson the Sum of fifty
pounds old Tenor it being the remains of his Sallary fory® year
past Topsfield August the 31^* 1744
Benjamin Towne^
David Commings I Selectmen
Israel Clarke fof Topsfield
Thomas Baker J
Topsfield October 8*'' 1744.
Received of Mr Jacob Peabody Town Treasurer y® Sum of
Nineteen pounds old Tenor ; in full of y® within written order,
and in part of my Salary for y® year past by me John Emerson
Clerk This is a True Copy attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
Boston 6 ffeb 1744 Rec* of Mr George Bixby Constable of
Topsfield Eleven pound Seventeen ShiUings five pence 1-4 in full
W" Foye Treasurer
A Tme Copy Attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
The ffreeholders & other inhabitants of the Town of Tops-
field QuaUified as the Law Directs for Voting ; are hereby Noti
fied to Convene at the Meeting house in S* Town : on Tuseday
the thirteenth Day of November instant at two of the Clock in
the after noon
1 To See what the Town will allow the Reverend mr Emerson
More than his yearly Sallary from March A: D: 1743/4 To
March A : D : 1744 or for any part of Said time
2 To AUow Bills of Charge
Dated Topsfield November 7^ 1744

40 TOWN RECORDS OF
Nathaniel Porter Jun' Benj^ Towne ^
Constable of Topsfield David Commings I Selectmen
Matthew Peabody [of Topsfield
Thomas Baker J
At A Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield November 13*'' 1744
1 Cap* Joseph Gould is Chosen Moderator for this meeting Voted
2 The Town agreed to give to the Reverend mr John Emer
son fifty pounds old Tenor besides his Settled Sallary for this
year viz from the 2"* Day of March Last to the Second Day of
March Next Voted
3 The Town allowed to Thomas Dwinel fourteen Shillings it
being an abatement of his Son Jacob Dwinels Town Rate for
ye year 1743 Voted
4 The Town Allowed to the School Committee viz to Simon
Gould And Samuel Smith Jun' Seven pound old Tenor to pay
the School-Master for one Months Service in keeping School
Voted 7—0—0
Mr Daniel Redington is Chosen to Serve on the Grand Jury
at the Next Superiour Court to be holden at Salem Mr David
Balch is Drawn out of box to Serve on the Jury of Tryalls at
ye Next Superiour Court to be holden at Salem November 1744.
Received of Jacob Peabody Town Treasurer the Sum of Six
pounds old Tenor in full for my Service as School-Master in
Topsfield. Jacob Peabody Jun'
The freeholders and other inhabitants of the Town of Tops-
field Quallified as the Law Directs for Voting : are hereby Noti
fied and Warned to Meet together, at y® Meeting house in Said
Town on Tuseday the Twelveth Day of this instant March at
three a Clock in the afternoon, then and there to Choose Jury
Men according to warrant :
Datted Topsfield March 6*" 1744.
Nathath Porter Jun' \ Constables
Joseph Peabody } of Topsfield
At a LawfuU Town Meeting in Topsfield March ye 12*" 1744/5
1 Deacon Ivory Hovey is Chosen to Serve on the Grand Jury
for ye year Ensuing Voted
2 Mr John Towne and mr Jonathan Perkins are Chosen by
Drawing their Names out of the box : to Serve on the Jury of
Tryalls at the next Inferiour Court of Common Please to be
holden at Ipswich

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 41
The Freeholders and other inhabitants of the Town of Tops-
field Quallified for Voting as the Law Directs are hereby Noti
fied to Conveen together at the Meeting house Topsfield afore
S* Munday the Twenty fifth Day of March Instant at Eight of
the Clock in the Morning : firstly to Choose a Town Clerk, Con
stables Selectmen and other Town Officers annually to be Chosen.
Secondly that whereas ye Town has allowed after the Rate of
one hundred pounds old Tenor to mr Emerson besides his stated
Salary and yet but fifty pounds old Tenor was allowed the Last
fall : To See whether the Town will now allow y® other fifty
pounds old Tenor for y® year 1744 that is from March 2* 1743/4
To March 2"* 1744/5
thirdly To Choose a Committe to Supply the Town with a
School 41y To See if the Swine Shall go at Large y® year Ensuing
51y To See if the Town will Do any thing to prevent Sheeps
going in the Training field without a Shepherd
61y To Accept the Selectmens Reckoning with the Town
Treasurer 71y To Allow bills of Charge.
Dat* Topsfield March y® 13*'' A: D: 1744/5^
Joseph Peabody Benj^ Towne
Constable of Topsfield. David Commings
Tho» Baker
This is A Tme Copy of y® Notification
Attest Jacob Peabody Town Cler
At A Lawfull Town meeting in Topsfield March y® 25*" 1745
1 Cap* John Wildes is Chosen Moderator for this meeting Voted
2 Jacob Peabody is Chosen Town Clerk for y® year Ensuing Voted
3 Jacob Perkins and Michael DwineU Jun' are Chosen Con
stables for y® year Ensuing Voted
4 Jacob Peabody is Chosen Town Treasurer for ye year En
suing Voted
5 Mr Solomon Gould, Cap* Tobijah Perkins, Richard Towne,
Daniel Redington & Cap* John Wildes are Chosen Selectmen for
ye year Ensuing Voted
6 Mr John Batchelder, Robert Perkins & Matthew Peabody
are Chosen Tythingmen for y® year Ensuing Voted
7 Mr Stephen Towne, Ephraim WUdes & Thomas Gould Jun'

Selectmen

42 TOWN RECORDS OF
are Chosen Surveyers of highways for y® year Ensuing Voted
8 Mr David Balch and Joshua Towne are Chosen fence view
ers for ye year Ensuing voted
9 Mr Nathaniel Averill & John Hovey are Chosen to prosecute
the breakers of the Law Concerning Deer Voted
10 Mr Luke Averill & Samuel Towne are Chosen Hogreaves
for ye year Ensuing Voted
11 Voted that Mr Elijah Porter mr Joseph Peabody & mr
John Gould be a Committe to provide a Schoolmaster for y® Town
ye year Ensuing
12 The Town agreed that Swine May go at Large this year
according as the Law gives Liberty Voted
13 The Town allowed off and accepted of the Selectmens
Reckoning with ye Town Treasurer Voted
14 The Town Allowed to Cap* Joseph Gould, Six ShiUings
old Tenor for Timber to mend the highway in the year 1744
Voted 0—6—0
15 Town allowed to Cornelius Balch three Shilling for Timber
Voted 0—3—0
16 The Town Allowed to Nathaniel Hood five pound old Tenor
for part of the Timber & plank that was used at the bridge
near to Mr Jacob Dormans in y® year 1744 Voted 5 — 0 — 0
17 the Town allowed to Joseph Hovey one pound fourteen
Shillings it being an abatement of Richard Crees Rates for 1744
Voted 1—14—0
18 The Town Allowed to George Bixby three pound Eight
Shillings old Tenor it being an abatment of John Spaldens &
Samuel Masties Rates as they were Rated in S* Bixbys List
Voted. 3—8—0
19 The Town Allowed to Solomon Gould a former Constable
one pound thirteen ShUlings old Tenor for an abatment of Nicho
las Crees Rates for y* year 1740 Voted 1 — 13 — 0
20 The Town Allowed to Dan Clarke two pound ten Shillings
old Tenor for Sweeping the Meeting House y® year past
Voted 2—10—0
21 The Town Allowed to the School Committe viz to Simon
Gould and Samuel Smith Jun' fifteen pound three ShiUings &
nine pence old Tenor to pay for keeping School Six weeks four
Day and a half Voted 15—3—9
22 The Town Allowed to Daniel Redington two pound twelve
Shillings and Six pence old Tenor for Plank for bridges 1744.
Voted 2—12—6
23 The Town Allowed to Solomon Gould & Israel Clark four
teen Shillings old Tenor for Mending the parsonage fence in
1744 Voted 0—14—0

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 43
24 Mr Joseph Edward is Chosen Sealer of Leather fory® year
Ensuing Voted
The Several Persons Chosen at the above Said Meeting of
Whom an oath is required all took the oath belonging to their
Respective Offices immediately after the S"* Meeting was over
Except Joseph Edwards, Luke Averill & Stephen Towne
And the[y] were Sworn on y" 28*" Day of y^ Same Month
April ye 23 : 174[5] We the Subscribers being appointed to
renew the Bounds between Topsfield & Middleton firstly we be
gan at Nickollses Brook where Salem and Topsfield Line Use to
Crose Said Brook, and then as S"^ Brook Runs to the Northerly
Branch of it : then as Said Branch Runs till it Comes into the
River Called Ipswich River
Daniel Redington ) . Joseph Knight ) ,
Tobijah Perkins hir^^f.., Nathaniel Peabody K^L ,, ^
George Bixby j Topsfield prancis Peabody Jun j Middleton
This is A True Copy of the return of Perambulation with
Middleton Attest Jacob Peabody Town Cler
Topsfield Aprill 16*" Received of Mr Simon Gould & Mr Sam
uel Smith Jun' fifteen pounds three Shillings & Nine pence old
Tenor in full for my Service as School Master in Topsfield
by me Jacob Peabody Jun'
A Tme Copy Examined P Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
We the Subscribers being appointed to Perambulate & renew
the bounds between Salem and Topsfield : accordingly Mett on
ye 23'* of Aprill 1745 and Renewed the bounds : Begining at a
Stump a heap of Stones round it Near Wenham Causway and
from thence to a Black or Red oak Stump : with a heap of
Stones round it Standing in Samuel Gotts orchard : and from
thence to a heap of Stones near to y® Corner of Thomas Dwinels
pasture and from thence to a heap of Stones near to Nickollses
Brook, & So on ye Same Corse till you Come to the Brook
his Israel Andrews
Thomas ® Dwinel Caleb Putnam
mark Eliezer Porter
Aaron Eastey Stephen Putnam
Matthew Peabody Jethro Putnam
Jon^ Putnam
We the Subscribers being appointed and Impoured by the
Selectmen of Topsfield & Wenham : to Perambulate & renew
the Bounds between our Said Towns have Mett on the Twenty

44 TOWN RECORDS OF
third Day of april 1745 And have Mutually agreed : and have
Renewed the boundarys between our Said Towns — as followeth.
Begining at the White oak Stump of a Tree Lately fell which
was Salems Northerly Comer bounds, thence twelve poles East
erly to a Stake and heap of Stones lay the highway Leading
from Wenham Causway to Bunkers Meadow : on y® West Side
of S* way from thence to the Plump of Maples So Called but
now a Stump and thence as the Brook Runs to a Stake and heap
of Stones at ye going over the Brook from thence to the South
Easterly Comer of Pigdens Meadow (So Called) and So to the
River all which is According to the Settlement in the year 1740
which Settlement Shall not Effect any mans property — and in
Confirmation of aU Above Written we have here to Set our hands.
Dated Aprill : 23 Anno : Dom : 1745
Michael Dwinel ] Ebenezer Fisk
Jeremiah Towne h David Batchelder
Richard Towne ) John Moulton Jun'
Samuel Porter Jun'
This is a True Copy of perambulation with Wenham
, Attest Jacob Peabody Town Cle
We Whose Names are under written being appointed by y®
Towns of Topsfield and Boxford, to Renew Bounds between
S* Towns. Persueant to our Instmctions we have Perambulated
and Renewed bounds. According to y* Resolve of y* General
Court : Passed Anno : Domini 1707
Dat* Topsfield Aprill 23 : 1745. Nath" Perkins,
Nathan Hood,
Joshua Andrew,
William Redington.
This is a Tme Copy of Perambulation With Boxford,
Attest Jacob Peabody, Town Clerk.
The freeholders and other inhabitants of the Town of Tops-
field Such as are Quallified for Voting as Law Directs in the
Choice of a Representative are hereby Notified and Warned to
Assemble together at the Meeting House in Topsfield on fryday
the Seventeenth Day of May Instant at two of the Clock in
y* afternoon
1 To Chuse a Representative according to Precept :
2 To See what the Town Will aUow the Reverend Mr John
Emerson More than his Stated Salary, besides the fifty pounds :
the Town allowed In y® year Anno Domini 1744, or if the Town

¦ Selectmen of Topsfield

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 45
see Cause to Come unto Some other Method for the Support of
the Reverend mr Emerson for the future
3 To See if the Town Will Chuse a Committe to take Care of
the Parsonage fence and Repair it
4 To Allow Bills of Charge
Dat* Topsfield May y® 18*" 1745
Michael Dwinel Jun' Daniel Redington"'
Constable of Topsfield John Wildes
Tobijah Perkins
Solomon Gould
Richard Towne
A Tme Copy of the Notification attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
At A Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield May y® 17*" 1745.
Jacob Peabody is Chosen Representative to Serve at y® Gen
eral Court and No other business Done at Said meeting, voted
The Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Tops-
field Such as are Quallified for Voting as the Law Directs are
hereby Notified And Warned to Assemble and Conven together
at the Meeting house in Topsfield on Tuseday the Twenty first
Day of May Instant at three of y® Clock in y® After Noon
1 To See What y® Town will aUow the Reverend mr John
Emerson More then his Staffed Salary for ye year Anno :
Domini 1744.
2 To See if the Town will Leave the Affair Concerning the
Revererend Mr John Emersons Salary to Indiffrant Men for the
future : Chosen by himself and the Town
3 To See if the Town will Chuse a Committe to take Care
of parsonage fence And Make Stone WaU about Said Parsonage
4 To allow Bills of Charge
Dat* Topsfield May y® 18*" 1745.
Jacob Perkins Daniel Redington ) Selectmen
Constable of Topsfield John Wildes > . T«r.cf!oiri
Richard Towne ) °^ ^opsneia
This is A Tme Copy of y® Notification :
Attest Jacob Peabody Town Cler
At A Lawfull Town meeting in Topsfield May y® 24*" 1745.
1 Cap* John Wildes is Chosen Moderator for this Meeting Voted
2 The Town allowed to WUliam Perkins three pounds old
Tenor 3 — 0 — 0 for 170 feet of Plank to Cover Mile Brook bridge
in ye year 1744 Voted

46 TOWN RECORDS OF
3 the Town allowed to Daniel Redington one pound Nine
Shillings and 1 — 9 — 8 Eight pence old Tenor it being what
Nath" Capen was Rated for his head in Sd Redingtons List.
Said Capen having paid at Boxford ye Same year voted
The Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Tops-
field Such as are Quallified for Voting as the Law Directs, are
hereby Notified and Warned to Assemble and Convene together
at the Meeting house in Topsfield on Wednesday the Eighteenth
Day of September Currant at two of the Clock in y* Afternoon
1 To Choose Jurymen for Newbury Court as the Law Directs
2 To See how much Money the Town will raise to Defray
the Charges in Said Town for the year Ensuing
3 To See if the Town will Choose a Committe to open ye high
way from Thomas Robinsons Bridge So Called, to y® River
Bridge in Topsfield.
4 To See how Much the Towai will give the Reverend mr
John Emerson, More than his Settled Salary for this present
year. 5 To Allow Bills of Charge
Dat* Topsfield September ye 11*" 1745
Jacob Perkins Daniel Redington"^
Constable of Topsfield John Wildes
Tobijah Perkins
Solomon Gould
Richard Towne

• Selectmen of Topsfield

At A Legal Town meeting in Topsfield Sep* 18*" 1745
1 Cap* Joseph Gould is Chosen Moderator for this meeting Voted
2 Nathan Hood & Thomas Perkins as Drawn out of the
Box to Serve on y® Petit Jury at ye next Inferiour Court to be
holden at Newbury
3 The Town agreed that ye Selectmen Shall raise a Tax of
one hundred '& Thirty pound old Tenor to Defray the Town
Charges the year Ensuing, (besides Mr Emersons hundred pound
Salary :) Excluding that Sum which ye Court have Sent for to
Defray ye Charge of ye fish Course Voted
To Mr Jacob Peabody Treasurer for ye Town of Topsfield —
Sir you are hereby Ordered to pay to the Reverend Mr John
Emerson fifty pounds Salary in y® old Tenor by ye Second of
September next Ensuing y® Date Dated Topsfield August y® 31
Anno Domini 1745
A True Copy of the Order Attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 47
Topsfield October 18*'' 1745 Received fifty pounds old Tenor
the full of the within written order, and in part of My half years
Salary from March 2 : 1744/5 to September y® 2 : 1745
This is a Tme Copy of y® Receipt John Emerson
Attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
The Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Tops-
field, Such as are Quallified for Voting as the Law Directs are
hereby Notifield and warn* to Assemble and Convene together
at the Meeting house in Topsfield on Wednesday y® Sixth Day
of Novemb' Next Ensuing the Date hereof at one of the Clock
after noon.
1 To Choose two good and Lawfull Men to Serve at Salem
Court : one Where of to Serve on y* Grand Jury, and the other
on the jury of Tryals
2 To See how much Money the Town will give the Reverend
mr John Emerson more than his Settled Salary for this present
year 3 To See if y® Town will raise Money to Supply the Town
with a Sufficient Stock of Powder, and Bullets, and flints as the
Law Directs
4 To Allow Bills of Charge.
Dated October y* 19*" 1745.
Michael Dwinel Jun' Daniel Redington")
Constable Tobijah Perkins (Selectmen
Solomon Gould (of Topsfield
Richard Towne J
A Tme Copy of y® Notification Attest. Jacob Peabody Town Cle :
At A Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield November y* 6*" 1745
1 Lieu* Benjamin Towne is Chosen Moderator for this Meet
ing Voted
2 Mr George Bixby is Chosen to Serve on y® Grand Jury at
the Next Superiour Court to be holden at Salem Voted
3 Mr Thomas Baker was Drawn out of y® Box to Serve on
the Jury of Tryalls at y® next Superiour Court to be holden at
Salem and no More business Done at Said meeting
November y® 9*" 1745 There is taken up by Simon Gould of
Topsfield a Stray horse of a Dark Sorrill Colour, with a very
Light Coloured Main and TaU, and a Strip of White in his face
Down to his Nose : but has Neither brand nor Ear Mark.
Att a Meeting of the Selectmen of the Town of Topsfield

48 TOWN RECORDS OF
and Ipswich and have Renewed & Confirmed all the former
Bounds Between the Said two Towns as Witness our hands this
23'* Day of December : Anno Domini 1745
Aaron Potter
Mark Haskell
John Kimball
John Wildes
Tobijah Perkins
This is a Tme Copy Attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
Boston 27 : Dec' 1745 Reed of m' Nath" Porter Constable of
Topsfield Twenty four pounds Eighteen Shillings ten pence Last
Emission in full W : Foye Treasurer
This is a True Copy Attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
The Freeholders and other Inhabitants of y® Town of Tops-
field Such as are Quallified as the Law Directs for voting, are
hereby Notified and Warn* to Assemble and Convene together
att the Meeting House in Topsfield on Tuseday y® fourth Day
of March Next Ensuing the Date here of at Nine of the Clock in
ye forenoon
1 To Choose a Town Clerk, Constables, Selectmen Town
Treasurer and other Town Officers as the Law Directs.
2 To See if the Town will Receive the Selectmens Reckoning
with the Town Treasurer
3 To See What the Town will Allow the Reverend mr John
Emerson, More than what he has already had for y® year A :
D: 1744
4 To See if the Town will give the Reverend Mr John Emer
son one hundred pounds old Tenor for the year past viz from
the 2"* of March 1744/5 to March y® 2"* : 1745/6 Provided
that the Rev* Mr John Emerson will give a full Discharge to this
time for the time past
5 To See What Method the Town will Come into for the Sup
port of the Reverend mr John Emerson for the future
6 To See if y® Town will abate Nicholas Crees & Samuel
Masties Rates for the year 1744 in mr Nathaniel Porters Rates
7 To AUow BiUs of Charge.
Dat* Topsfield Feb'^ 21=* 1745/6
Jacob Perkins Daniel Redington"^
Constable of Topsfield John Wildes
Tobijah Perkins
Solomon Gould
Richand Towne
This is A Tme Copy of y® notification attest Jacob Peabody T : Cler

.Selectmen of Topsfield

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 49
At A Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield March ye 4*" 1745/6
1 Cap* John Wildes is Chosen Moderator for this meeting Voted
2 Jacob Peabody is Chosen Town Clerk for y® year Ensuing Voted
3 Jacob Averill & John Towne are Chosen Constables for
y® year Ensuing voted
4 Jacob Peabody is Chosen Treasurer for y' year Ensuing voted
5 Cap* John Wildes, Cap* Tobijah Perkins Richard Towne
Solomon Gould & Daniel Redington are Chosen Selectmen for
the year Ensuing Voted
6 Epraim Wildes Luke Averill & Israel Clarke are Chosen
Tj^hingmen for ye year Ensuing Voted
7 Joseph Edwards is Chosen Sealer of Leather for ye year
Ensuing Voted
8 Jacob Robinson, Samuel Bradstreet & Aaron Estey are
Chosen Surveyers of highways for the year Ensuing Voted
9 Comelious Balch Cap* Joseph Gould & Jonathan Perkins
are Chosen fence viewers for y® year Ensuing Voted
10 Joshua Towne & Phillip Towne are Chosen to Prosecute
the breakers of the Late Law Concerning Deer, for ye year
Ensuing Voted
11 Matthew Peabody & WiUiam Rogers are Chosen Hogreaves
for ye year Ensuing Voted
12 The Town Accepted of the Selectmens Reckoning with the
Town Treasurer, and now remains in S* Treasurers hands Not
Ordred out three hundred and Twelve pounds Sixteen Shillings
13 The Town agreed to Give to the Reverend Mr John
Emerson fifty pounds old Tenor for y® year 1744. Voted
14 The Town agreed to Give to the Reverend mr John
Emerson one hundred pounds old Tenor for ye year 1745 viz
from ye 2"* Day of March 1744/5 to the 2"* Day of March
1745/6 Provided the S* Mr Emerson wiU give the Town a
Discharge in full for his Salary to the 2"* Day of this Instant
March Voted
15 The Town agreed to give to the Reverend mr John
Emerson one hundred pound : old Tenor for the year Ensuing :
from the Second Day of this Instant March to the 2"* Day of
March 1746/7
16 The Town agreed to abate Samuel Masties & Nicholas
Crees Rates as they were Rated in mr Nathaniel Porters List in
ye year 1744 Voted

50 TOWN RECORDS OF
17 The Town allowed three pounds Eight Shillings old Tenor
to Nathaniel Hood for Timber & Plank to mend the Bridge by
Jacob Dormans in the year 1744 3 — 8 — 0 Voted
18 The Town AUowed to Thomas Gould five pounds four
Shillings and Seven Pence old Tenor for Timber & Plank to
Mend the River Bridge Last September Voted 5 — 4 — 7
19 The Town allowed to Cap* John Wildes fourteen Shillings
old tenor for two Casks to put the Towns bullets in, and one
pound Ten shillings for his attendance at Court about the fish
Corses Voted 2—4—0
20 The Town allowed to Ephraim Wildes fifteen Shillings &
Ten pence old Tenor for plank & Timber to Mend 4 bridges in
1745 Voted 0—15—10
21 The Town allowed To Israel Clarke and Dan Clarke
fifteen pounds old Tenor for Making Twenty Rods of stone
wall about the parsonage voted 15 — 0 — 0
22 The Town allowed to Samuel Howlet Jun' three shillings
old Tenor for Mending the pound Voted 0 — 3 — 0
23 The Town allowed to Daniel Redington three pounds old
Tenor for one hundred & ahalf of White oak Plank for Bridges
Voted 3—0—0
24 The Town allowed to Jonathan Standly two pounds Ten
shiUing old Tenor for Sweeping the Meeting house the year
past Voted 2—10—0
25 The Town Allowed to Stephen Town four ShiUings old
Tenor for Timber to mend Wheel brook Bridge Voted 0 — 4 — 0
26 The Town agreed to Abate the Rates of Nathaniel Towne
Jun' for ye year 1744, he haveing Lost his Life at Cape briton
Voted & is 1—14—0
27 The Town Allowed to Jabob Peabody two pounds old
Tenor for Serving Town Treasurer for three year past
Voted 2—0—0
The Several officers y* were Chosen at ye above S* meeting
of whom an oath is Required were aU Sworn to the faithful
Discharge of their Several offices on y* 4*" and 7*" Days of
March 1745/6
The freehelders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Tops-
field Such as are QuaUified for Voting as the Law Directs are
hereby Notified and Warned to Assemble together at the meet
ing house in Topsfield on Munday the Seventeenth Day of
March Currant at two Of Clock in the after noon
1 To Chuse Jury men to Serve at Ipswich Court according
to Warrant

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 51
2 To See if the Town will Choose a Committee to Supply the
Town with a School for the year Ensuing and Give ye S* Com
mittee Instmctions :
3 To See if the Town will Give Liberty for Swine to go at
Large y® for year Ensuing
4 To Allow Bills of Charge
Datd Topsfield March y® 12*" A D 1745/6
Jacob AveriU Daniel Redington"^
Constable. John Wildes o i ^
Tobijah Perkins V ? x f ,^
Solomon Gould H Topsfield
Richard Towne ^
This is a Tme Copy of the Notification
attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk.
At A Lawfull Town Meeting in Topsfield March 17*" 1745/6
1 Cap* John Wildes is Chosen Moderator for this Meeting Voted
2 Richard Towne is Chosen Clerk for this present meeting &
Sworn Ensuing
3 Cap* Tobijah Perkins is Chosen Grand Jury man for y^ year
Ensuing 4 Dan Clark And Simon Gould were Chosen as the Law Directs
To Serve on y* Jury of Tryalls at y® next Inferiour Court to be
holden at Ipswich
5 Nath" Averill Jun' John Perkins Jun' & Thomas Gould Jun'
are Chosen a Committee to Supply the Town with a School for
y® year Ensuing Voted
6 The Town Voted, that Swine Should go at Large provided
they are yoaked and ringed as the Law Directs
7 The Town Allowed To Jacob Perkins Jun' forty Shillings
old Tenor for forty two hose Posts and Carting Eighty five rails
and Erecting fifty Lengths : of fence about the Parsonage voted 2—0—0
8 The Town allowed to Andrew Bradstreet So Much as he
was Rated in y® year 1745 Voted
9 The Town Allowed To John Gould and Elijah Porter School
Committee Seventy two pounds old Tenor to pay the School
Master for nine Months Service in keeping School Voted 72—0—0
The freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Tops-
field Such as are Quallified for Voting as the Law Directs are
hereby Notified and Warned to Assemble and Conveen together

52 TOWN RECORDS OF
at the Meeting house in Topsfield on Munday the Nineteenth of
May Currant at three of the Clock in the after noon
1 To Chuse a Representative according to precept
2 To see if the Town wiU answer the Petition of Lieu* Benja
min Towne as to set of him and his Estate to Middleton
3 To allow Bills of Charege
Dated Topsfield May y® 8*" Anno Domini 1746.
John Towne Daniel Redington^
Constable of Topsfield John Wildes I Selectmen
Tobijah Perkins ^^f Topsfield
Solomon Gould ^
Richard Towne J
A Tme Copy of Notification attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk.
Att a LegaU Town Meeting in Topsfield May y« 19*" 1746
1 Jacob Peabody is Chosen Representative
S* Peabody Ref useing to Serve and then the Selectmen put the
Question to the Town Whether they would proceed to Choose
any other person to Represent them at y® General Court and it
passed in y® Negative
1 And then Cap* John Wildes was Chosen Moderator for other
affairs of this meeting Voted
2 And after Some Debate on y® Petition that Lieu* Benjamin
Town Sent to the Selectmen Desireing that he and his Estate
might be Set off to Middleton.
The Question was put whether the Town would Sett off
S* Towne with his Estate to belong to Middleton. Voted in
ye Negative
j 3 The Town AUowed to y" School Committee viz to John
Gould & Elijah Porter three pounds old Tenor for house Rent
for y® School four months fifty Shillings thereof for Mr Capens
house 3 Months and Ten shillings for Cornelius Balch one
Month Voted 3—0—0
4 The Town Allowed fifteen shiUings to Cap* Wildes for two
Locks one for ye pound, and the other for the powder Room
Voted 0: 15: 0
5 The Town allowed fourteen Shillings to Jonathan Standly
for Mending the parsonage fence Last Aprill 0 — 14 — 0
Topsfield Sep* ye 16*" 1746 Received of Deacon Jacob Pea
body Town Treasurer ye Sum of fifty pounds old Tenor y® full
of y® within written Order : and also in f uU for my Salary, for
aU times past : that is to Say tiU y® 2°* of March 1745/6
by me John Emerson Clerk

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 53
This is a True Copy of the Receipt
Attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
The freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Tops-
field Such as are Quallified for Voting as the Law Directs are
hereby Notified and Warn* to Assemble and Convene together
at ye Meeting house in Topsfield on Tuseday the Sixteenth Day
of September Currant at two of the Clock in y® aftemoon
1 To Choose two good and Lawfull Men to Serve on y® Jury
of Tryals at Newbury Court according to Warrant
2 To See how Much Money the Town will Raise to Defray
the Charges of the Town for the year Ensuing
3 To See if the Town will give Liberty to the Selectmen to
give an order to y® Town Treasurer to pay the County Tax for
this present year
4 To Allow Bills of charge
Dat* Topsfield Sep* y® 1=* 1746
Jacob Averill Daniel Redington^
Constable John Wildes I Selectmen
Solomon Gould (of Topsfield
Richard Towne J
At A Lawfull Town Meeting in Topsfield Sep* y® 16*" 1746
1 Cap* John Wildes is Chosen Moderator for this meeting Voted
2 John Perkins Jun' & Elijah Porter are Appointed agreeable
to the Law to Serve on y® Jury of Tryalls at the next Inferiour
Court To be holden at Newbury
3 The Town Agreed that the Selectmen shall Leviy of a Tax
of three hundred and Twenty pounds old Tenor (Excluding mr
Emerson Salary) for the Defraying of the Charges of the Town
the year Ensuing Voted
4 The Town allowed to Joseph Peabody one pound Nineteen
shilling and Eight pence old Tenor it being an abatement of
John Lef avours Rates for y® year 1744 Voted 1 — 19 — 8
5 The Town allowed to the School Committe viz to Nathaniel
Averill Jun', John Perkins Jun' & Thomas Gould Jun' Six pounds
and Ten shillings old Tenor to pay y® School master for one
Months Schoolling this year Voted 6 — 10 — 0
Topsfield Sep* y® 16*" 1746 I the Subscriber then Received of
Jacob Peabody the Sum of Six pounds & Ten Shillings old Tenor
bills of Creditt being Due from y® Town of Topsfield for one
Months Schooling in the present year. Nathaniel Averill Jun'

54 TOWN RECORDS OF
The above receipt is a Tme Copy
attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
Topsfield January 17*" 1746/7 Rec* of Deacon Jacob Peabody
Town Treasurer y® Sum of Sixty two pounds old Tenor in full
of the within written order, and in full for my Salary to Septem
ber 2°* : 1746 by me John Emerson Clerk.
A Tme Copy Attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
Boston January 23 : 1746 Received of Mr Joseph Peabody
Constable of Topsfield Sixteen pounds nine ShiUings & Seven
pence in full for M' Treasurer Foye P Eben' Swan
The freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Tops-
field Such as a[re] Quallified for Voting as the Law Directs are
hereby Notified and Warned to Assemble and meet together at
the meeting house in Topsfield on Tuseday the third day of
Febmary next Ensuing the Date hereof at three of the Clock in
the after noon
To Choose an agent or agents to answer the presentment for
want of a School on the Tenth Day of Febmary next at Salem
upon the Adjournment of the Court
Dated Topsfield January 29*" 1746/7
John Towne John Wildes ] Selectmen
Constable of Topsfield Solomon Gould Vr t^^^^^ij
Richard Towne j°* Topsfield
At A LegaU Town Meeting Topsfield ffeb : y® 3'* 1746/7
1 Cap* John Wildes is Chosen Moderator for this Meeting voted
2 Richard Towne is Chosen Clerk for this Meeting Voted
3 The Town Made Choice Cap* John Wildes, Lieu* Benjamin
Towne And Mr George Bixby to answer at Salem Court for
want of a School the year past
John Wildes Moderator for Said meeting
Richard Towne Clerk for S* meeting
Rec* of Dea" Jacob Peabody five pounds Seventeen Shillings
in full for the Town of Topsfield, proportion as the County Tax,
for the present year. Feb 23'* 1746
Daniel Appleton County Trea"
A Tme Copy Attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
The Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Tops-
field Such as are Quallified for Voting as the Law Directs are

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 55
hereby Notified & Warned to Assemble and Convene together
at the Meeting house in Topsfield on Tuesday the third Day
of March next Ensuing the Date hereof at Nine of the Clock in
the Morning :
1 To Choose a Town Clerk, Constables Selectmen Town
Treasurer And other Town Officers as the Law Directs
2 To See how [much] Money the Town will allow the Rev
erend Mr John Emerson More than his Stated Salary for the
year Ensuing
3 To See if the Town wUl Accept of the Selectmens Reckon
ing with the Town Treasurer
4 To See if the Town WiU Answer the Petition of Mr Samuel
Bradstreet. in giving him the Room in the Meeting house where
his Pew Stands
5 To AUow Bills of Charge
Dat* Topsfield Febmary 23'* 1746/7
John Wilds "]
Tobijah Perkins I Selectmen
Solomon Gould (of Topsfield
Richard Towne J
A Tme Copy of the Notification attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk.
At A LegaU Town Meeting in Topsfield March 3'* 1746/7
1 Cap* John Wildes is Chosen Moderator for this Meeting. Voted
2 Jacob Peabody is Chosen Town Clerk for y® year Ensuing. Voted
3 Jacob Peabody is Chosen Town Treasurer for y® year
Ensuing. Voted
4 Samuel Towne & John Gould are Chosen Constables for
y® year Ensuing Voted
5 Cap* John Wildes mr Richard Towne mr Thomas Baker
Mr Benjamin Towne & mr Nathaniel Averill Jun' are Chosen
Selectmen for y® year Ensuing Voted
6 Mr Jacob Robinson, mr Joseph Dorman & Mr Solomon
Gould are Chosen Tythingmen for y® year Ensuing Voted
7 Mr Joseph Edwards is Chosen Sealler of Leather for y® year
Ensuing Voted
8 Mr Thomas Symonds, mr Samuel Smith Ju' and mr Mat-
9 thew Peabody are Chosen Surveyers of highways for y® year
Ensuing Voted
10 Mr David Commings & mr Samuel Curtis are Chosen to
prosecute the breakers of the Late Act Concerning Deer Voted

56 TOWN RECORDS OF
11 Mr Elijah Porter, mr Jeremiah Towne, & Mr Luke AveriU
are Chosen fence viewers for y® year Ensuing Voted
12 Cap* Tobijah Perkins & mr Eliezer Gould are Chosen Hog
reeves for the year Ensuing Voted
13 The Town Agreed to give to the Reverend mr John Emer
son one hundred pounds old Tenor besides his Stated Salary
for the year Ensuing viz from the Second Day of March Currant
to the Second Day of March 1747/8 provided Mr Emerson wiU
give a Receipt in full for his Salary at the years End Voted
14 The Town accepted of the Selectmens Reckoning with the
Town Treasurer & there Remains yet in the S* Treasurers hands
one hundred & Thirty nine pounds & one ShilUng old Tenor
131 — 1—0 Not ordered out Voted
15 The Town Accepted of Mr Israel Clark to Serve as Con
stable in the room and Stead of Mr Samuel Towne Voted
17 The Town Allowed to m' Joseph Peabody five ShiUings
and 0 — 5 — 8 Eight Pence it being an Abatement of WiUiam
Lampsons Rates for the year 1744 Voted
16 The Town Allowed to mr Joseph Peabody two pounds
fourteen ShiUings old Tenor it being an abatment of John
Prichards Rates 2—14—0 for y® years 1743 & 1744 Voted
18 The Town allowed to Deacon Hovey Ten shilling old Tenor
0 — 10 — 0 for Timber to Mend the Bridge by the great pond in
1746 Voted
19 The Town aUowed to Michael Dwinel Constable one pound
Sixteen Shillings and Six pence it being an abatement of William
Mckittrys Rates for y® year 1745 Voted 1 — 16 — 6
20 The Town allowed to Jacob Perkins Constable one pound
Sixteen Shillings & Six pence old Tenor it being an abatement
of Zacheriah Dwinels Rates for y® year 1745 voted
f-^ 21 The Town allowed to the School Committee viz to mr
John Perkins Ju' and mr Nathaniel Averill Ju' Thirty two pounds
old Tenor to pay for four Months Schoolling Voted 32 — 0—0
22 The Town allowed to Jonathan Wildes one pound Sixteen
ShUlings and Six [pence] it being an abatement for his poll Tax
for y® year 1745 1 — 16 — 6 voted
23 The Tovsm allowed to Cap* Tobijah Perkins one pound two
ShUlings old Tenor for plank to mend the Bridge by Howletts
in 1746 Voted
24 The Town Allowed to Jacob Averill Ten ShiUings old Tenor
0 — 10 — 0 for a String piece & Eleven feet of plank to mend Mile
Brook bridge Voted
25 The Town allowed to John Redington five Shillings old

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 57
Tenor 0 — ^5 — 0 for mending Latch of the Meeting house Door Voted
26 The Town allowed to Samuel Howlett Jun' two pounds
Twelve Shillings old Tenor for Sweeping the meeting house the
year past and for mending the Door Voted
The Several Officers Chosen at the above S'' meeting were all
Sworn the faithfull Discharge of their Respective oflftces before
the Selectmen on the third & on the Twelveth Days of March
1746/7 Except Cap* Tobijah Perkins Entered by order of y® Select
men The Free holders and other Inhabitants of Topsfield Quallified
for Voting are hereby Notified and warned to Assemble and
meet at the mee[t]ing house in Topsfield on Tuseday the
Twenty fourth Day of March Instant at two of the clock in the
after noon
1 To Chuse Jury men for Ipswich Court according to warrant
2 To Choose a School Committe for y® year Ensuing
3 To Choose a Committe to take Care of the parsonage fence
for y® year Ensuing
4 To Choose a Committe to answer a presentment for want
of a School at Ipswich Court next
5 To See if the Town wUl agree that Swine Shall go at Large
the year Ensuing as the Law Directs
6 To See if the Town wUl SeU the room in the Meeting
house that is between Cap* Tobijah Perkins pew & the Pulpit to
Thomas Perkins
7 To allow bills of Charge
Dated Topsfield March 16*" 1746
John Wildes
Benj* Towne
Richard Town
Nath" Averill Jun'
Tho= Baker
In obedience to the Law I have Notified the freeholders and
other Inhabitants of the Town of Topsfield to Meet at time and
place within Mentioned, by putting this Notification as Usual
Per me John Gould Constable of Topsfield
This is a Tme Copy of the Notification and retum thereon
Attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
At A LegaU Town Meeting in Topsfield March 24 1746/7
1 Cap* John Wildes is Chosen Moderator for this Meeting Voted

Selectmenof Topsfield

58 TOWN RECORDS OF
2 Cap* John Wildes is Chosen to Serve on y® Grand Jury for
the year Ensuing Voted
3 Mr Luke Averill & mr William Perkins are Appointed to
Serve on y® Jury of Tryalls at the next Inferiour Court to be
holden at Ipswich
4 Mr Solomon Gould & mr Samuel Bradstreet are Chosen to
take Care off and repair the parsonage fence for y®year
Ensuing Voted
5 Cap* John Wildes & mr Benj^ Towne are Chosen agents
for the Town to appear at Ipswich Court at the Next General
Sessions of the peace they or Either of them, to answer the
Towns presentment for want of a School, in y® year past Voted
6 The Town agreed that Swine shall go at Large this year
according as the Law Gives Liberty Voted
7 The Town AUowed two pound & two Shillings 2—2 — 0 To
Ephraim Towne it being an abatement of his Rates for the
year 1746 Voted
The Town allowed Ten pounds old Tenor to the School Com
mittee viz Nathaniel Averill Jun' & John Perkins Jun' to pay for
one Months SchooUing which is not yet Compleated. Voted £ 10—0—0
The freeholders and other Inhabitants of y® Town of Tops-
field Quallified for Voteing as the Law Directs are hereby Notified
and warned to Conveen & Assemble att the meeting house in
S* Topsfield on Thursday the fourteenth Day of May Instant;
at three of Clock in the after noon.
1 To one person to Serve at y® Great and General Cotirt
y® year Ensuing
2 To See if y® Town wiU make Choice of Some Meet persons
to Serve the Town as School Committe the year Ensuing or See
if the Town wUl agree upon a Man for a Schoolmaster the year
Ensuing 3 To See if the Town will Grant Liberty in our Meeting
house below for pews in y® East & South & west parts of Said
house and to be five feet Deep and Six feet in Length also to
see whether the Town Will Sell aU their right in the room all
the Convenient Room for pews to the highest bidder : which is
the Towns So as be Record may appear aU to the highest
bidder whether the pews are now built or, to be built
4 To Allow BiUs of Charge
Dat* Topsfield May y® 7*" 1747.

TOPSFIELD, MASS. ~ 59
John Gould Constable John Wildes "j
of Topsfield Benj* Towne (Selectmen
Nath" Averill Jun' [of Topsfield
Richard Towne J
the above is a Tme Copy of the Notification
attest Jacob Peabod[y] Town Clerk
Att A Lawfull Town meeting in Topsfield May fourteenth
1747. 1 Jacob Peabody is Chosen Representative for y® year Ensu
ing Voted there being other business to be Done therefore
2 Voted that Cap* John Wildes shall be Moderator for this
meeting 3 And the Question was put whether the Town would Sell
y® Room for Pews as Mentioned in the Notification it passed in
the Negative
4 the Town Allowed four Shillings & three pence old Tenor
to Mr George Bixby it being an abatement of George Dodges
Rates in 1743. Voted 0—4—3
5 The Town Allowed three pounds & Six Shillings old Tenor
to Cap* John WUdes for Court Charges about the Towns pre
sentment for want of a School master y® Last year 3 — 6 — 0
Voted
6 The Town Allowed Seven Shillings and Six pence to
Cap* John Wildes for A Latch for the Meeting West Door
Voted 0—7—6
Boston 28 May 1747 Rec* of mr Jacob Perkins Constable of
Topsfield Twenty Pounds seven shillings 4* in full
W" Foye Treas'
This is a True Copy Attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
Topsfield June 4*" 1747 Rec* of Jacob Peabody Tovm Treas
urer The Sum of Eight pounds old Tenor and of Nathaniel
Averill Jun' one of the School Committee the Sum of forty
shillings old Tenor, in full for Serving the Town of Topsfield as
Schoolmaster. Benj"" Rogers
This is a Tme Copy Attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
Topsfield March y® 17*" 1746 : Rec* of mr Jacob Peabody
Town Treasurer the Sum of Ten pounds old Tenor in fuU for
My keeping School in this Town I Say Rec* by me
Nathaniel Rogers
This is a True Copy attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk

60 TOWN RECORDS OF
The free holders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Tops-
field Quallified for Voting as the Law Directs are Notified to
Meet and Assemble At the Meeting house in S* Topsfield on
Tuseday the Twenty Second Day of September Instant at two
of the Clock in the aftemoon on S* Day
1 To Choose Jury men for Newbury Court
2 To Raise Money to Defray Town Charges the year Ensuing
3 To See if y® Town will Grant y® Petition of John Lef avour,
as to a house Lot
4 To allow BiUs of Charge
Topsfield September y® 2"* 1747
John Wildes "^
Richard Towne 1 Selectmen
Nath" Averil Jun' [of Topsfield
Thomas Baker J
This is a Tme Copy of y® Notification,
attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
h. A LavirfuU Town meeting in Topsfield September 22"* 1747
1 Mr Benjamin Towne is Chosen Moderator for this meeting Voted
2 mr Ephraim Wildes & mr Thomas Symonds are appointed
to Serve on the Jury of TryaUs at y® next Inferiour Court to be
holden at Newbury and then the Town Voted that this Meeting
should be adjourned to thefifthDayof October next Accordingly
the moderator Adjourned the Meet to S* Day at three of jr® Clock
in the aifter noon
At A Legall Tovm nieeting in Topsfield by Adjournment from
the 22"* of Sep* Last to the fifth of October 1747 and being met
1 Town Agreed that the Selectmen ShaU Raise a Tax of four
hundred pounds old Tenor (Excluding the County Tax,) to De
fray the Charges of the Town for y® year Ensuing, besides Mr
Emerson Salary voted
2 Town Allowed to Cap* John Wildes Eight pounds Ten ShiU
ings and Eight pence to pay for the mending the meeting house
glass voted 8 — 10 — 8
3 The Town allowed to mr Matthew Peabody Ten shillings
old Tenor for Timber to mend the River bridge 0 — 10 — 0
4 The Town Allowed to Cap* John Wildes thirty shillings old
Tenor for four Days tendance at the Courts to answer y® present
ment for want of a School Voted 1 — 10 — 0
The free holders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Tops-
field Quallified for Voting as the Law Directs, are warned to

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 61
Meet at the Meeting house in Said Town on Munday the Second
Day of November next at two of the Clock in y® after noon
1 To Choose Jury men for Salem Court according to warrant
2 To See if the Tovm wiU Make any further Addition to
the Reverend Mr Emerson More than his Stated Salary from
March Last to March Next
3 To See if the Town will answer the Prayer of the Petition
of mr John Prichard.
4 To See if the Town will give Leave that the Select Men
Draw the money out of the Town Treasury to pay the Towns
fine for want of a School which is Six pounds thirteen Shillings
& four pence New Tenor
Dat* Topsfield October y® 27*" 1747
Israel Clark John Wildes ) „ i
Constable of Topsfield Thomas Baker Pf^"'"!",.
Richard Towner* Topsfield
This is a Tme Copy of the Notification,
Attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
The free holders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Tops-
field Quallified for Voting as the Law Directs, are warned to
Meet at the Meeting house in Said Town on Munday the Second
Day of November next at two of the Clock in y® after noon
1 To Choose Jury men for Salem Court according to Warrant
2 To Raise Money to Defray Town Charges the year Ensuing
3 To See if y® Town will grant y® Petition of John Lef avour,
as to a house Lot
4 To allow Bills of Charge John Wildes ^
Richard Towne I Selectmen
Nath" Averil Jun' (of Topsfield
Thomas Baker J
This is a Tme Copy of y® Notification,
attest Jacob Peabody Tovra Clerk
At A LawfuU Town Meeting in Topsfield November y® 2"* 1747
1 Mr Thomas Baker is Chosen moderator for this meeting ,
voted
2 Mr Benjamin Towne is Chosen to Serve on y® Grand jury
at y^ next Superiour Court to be holden at Salem. Voted
3 Cap* Joseph Gould is appointed to Serve on the Jury of
Tryalls to be holden at Salem, on y® 2"* Tuseday of November
Instant 4 The Town agreed that the Selectmen Should Draw Money

62 TOWN RECORDS OF
out of Town Treasury to pay the Towns fine for want of a
School. Voted
The Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Tops-
field Quallified for Voting as the Law Directs are hereby Notified
to meet and Assemble at the Meeting house in Topsfield afore
S* on Tuseday the first Day of March next Ensuing at Nine of
the Clock in y® forenoon on S* Day
1 To Choose a Town Clerk, Constables and other Town
officers as the Law Directs
2 To See what the Town wiU give the Reverend mr John
Emerson More than his yearly Salary besides what is already
Voted him for y® year A : D : 1747
3 To See what the Town will give the reverend mr John
Emerson more than his yearly Salary the year Ensuing
4 To See if the Town will agree to build a School house or
School houses for the Town and Choose a Committee to Do the
Work and Say where they shall Stand
5 To See in what way or manner the Town will have Town
Meetings Warned for the future
6 To Accept of the Selectmens Reckoning with the Town
Treasurer 7 To Allow Bills of Charge
Dated at Topsfield Febmary 11*" 1747 :
Israel Clarke Constable Benj* Towne ) c i ^
of Topsfield Nath" Averill Ju' h^Sr™|",,
Tho® Baker [of Topsfield
At A LegaU Town meeting in Topsfield March 1=* 1747/8
1 Lieu* Benjamin Towne is Chosen Moderator for this
Meeting. Voted
2 Jacob Peabody is Chosen Town Clerk for y® year Ensuing Voted
3 Jacob Peabody is Chosen Town Treasurer for y® year
Ensuing Voted
4 Samuel Perkins and Stephen Towne Are Chosen Constables
for the year Ensuing Voted
5 Cap* John Wilds Richard Towne Nath" AveriU Jur, Thomas
Baker & Lieu* Benj^ Towne are Chosen Selectmen for y® year
Ensuing Voted
6 Simon Gould, John Davis, and Thomas Perkins are Chosen
Tything men for y® year Ensuing Voted
7 Joseph Edwards is Chosen Sealler of Leather for y® year
Ensuing Voted

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 63
8 Elisha Towne, Thomas Symonds & Zacheus Gould are
Chosen Surveyers of highways for y® year Ensuing. Voted
9 Dan Clarke, Joseph Peabody & Jeremiah Towne are
Chosen fence Viewers for y® year Ensuing Voted
10 Matthew Peabody & William Rogers are Chosen to
Prosecute the Breakers of y® Late Act Concerning Deer Voted
11 Jacob Robinson & Jacob Dorman are Chosen Hogreeves
for the year Ensuing Voted
12 The Town accepted of y® Selectmens Reckoning with the
Town Treasurer and there remains in S'' Treasurers hand not
ordered out Three hundred Twenty Eight pounds five Shillings
and ten pence
13 The Town accepted of Israel Clarke to Serve as Constable
in Stead and for Samuel Perkins Voted
14 The Town allowed to Solomon Gould one pound Seventeen
ShiUings for Twenty rails & ten Days work in repairing the
parsonage fence the Last year in old Tenor 1 — 17 — 0 Voted
15 The Town Allowed to Samuel Bradstreet Seven pounds
old Tenor for Thirty Posts and thirty raUs and Carting them
and three Days work in repairing the parsonage fence the Last
year Voted 7—0 — 0
16 The Town Allowed to Solomon Gould one pound for
Timber to mend the Highways Voted 1 — 0 — 0
17 The Town allowed to Nathaniel Hood Seventeen shiUings
And Nine pence for Thirty feet of Plank to mend the Bridge
over Howlets Book (So Called) the Last year Voted 0—17—9
18 The Town Allowed to the Selectmen one pound & nine
Shillings old Tenor for their Expences when Middleton forgave
us their part of our fine for want of a School. Voted 1 — 9 — 0
19 The Town aUowed to John Prichard four pounds old Tenor
for mending and Sweeping y® meeting house Voted 4 — 0 — 0
20 The Town agreed that the Selectmen Should Give a War
rant to the Constable or Constables to warn Town meetings
Except when they May be warned on stated Lecture Days Voted
21 The Town Allowed to John Batchelder five Shillings old
Tenor for a Plank to Lay on falls Bridge (So Called) in y® year
1745 Voted 0—5—0
22 The Town AUowed to Jacob Averill one pound Twelve
shillings And Six old Tenor it being an abatement of John
Prichards Rates for the year 1746 Voted 1 — 12—8
23 The Town allowed to Thomas Symonds one pound
Eighteen ShiUings for Plank and Timber to mend the highways
y® Last year Voted 1 — 18 — 0

64 TOWN RECORDS OF
24 The Town Allowed to mr Nath" Rogers forty pound old
Tenor for Serving the Town as School master in y® year past
Voted 40—0—0
Elish Towne being Chosen field Driver for Stickey Meadow
Common fields was Sworn before the Selectmen of Topsfield
March 1»* 1747/8
The Several officers that were Chosen at y® above S* meeting
were all Sworn to faithfull Discharge of their Respective offices
on y® first and fourth Days of S* March Except William Rogers
& Stephen Towns and Entered by order of the Selectmen
Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
To Israel Clarke Constable in Topsfield Greeting, in h is Majes
ties Name you are Required to warn all the Freeholders and
other Inhabitants of the Town of Topsfield QualUfied for Vot
ing as the Law Directs to Assemble & meet at the Meeting house
in S* Topsfield on Thursday the Twenty fourth Day of March
Instant at three of the Clock in y® aftemoon
1 To Choose Jury men to Serve at Ipswich Court
2 To see if the Town wiU Make any further addition to the
Reverend mr Emersons Salary for the year 1747. and what
they will add to his Salary for y® year Ensuing.
3 To See if Town will accept of a man to Serve as Constable
in y® room of Stephen Towne 4'^ To Choose a School Com
mittee for y® year Ensuing
5 To Choose a Committe to take Care of the Parsonage fence
and for the Town to give instmctions about it
6 To See if y^ Town will agree y* y® Swine go at Large 3^ year
Ensuing and Make retum of this warrant to one or more of the
Selectmen as you will answer the Contrary at the perriU of the
Law. Dat* Topsfield March 15*" 1747
Richard Towne ) ^ 1 ^
Nath" Averill Jun' [^^^^"^f,.
Tho= Baker j °* Topsfield
A True Copy of y® warrant attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
Topsfield March 22* 1747 by vertue of this warrant, I have
notified the Inhabitants Duly QuaUified for Voting as the Law
Directs to appear at time and place within mentioned
Israel Clarke Constable of Topsfield
At A LegaU Town Meeting in Topsfield March 24*" 1747/8

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 65
1 Cap* Joseph Gould is Chosen Moderator for this Meeting Voted
2 Mr Matthew Peabody is Chosen Grand Jury man for y® year
Ensuing Voted
3 Mr Jacob Averill & Phillip Towne are appointed to Serve
on the Pettit Jury at the Next Inferiour Court to be holden at
Ipswich Voted
4 The Town Accepted of mr Dan Clarke to Serve as Consta
ble in Stead and for Stephen Towne who was Chosen Constable
on y® first Instant Voted
5 Mr Israel Clarke John Baker & Thomas Perkins are Chosen
a Committee to provide a School Master for y® Town for y® year
Ensuing. Voted
6 Mr Aaron Hovey and Samuel Smith are Chosen to take
Care of the Parsonage fence the year Ensuing Voted
7 Inasmuch as the prise of y® Necessaries of Life have greatly
Risen Since Last March Therefore Voted that there be allowed
and paid out of the Town Treasurey one hundred pounds old
Tenor to the Reverend Mr John Emerson to make Good his
Salary for the Last year Ending the Second Day of this Instant
March. 8 The Town agreed to Give to the Reverend mr John
Emerson one hundred & fifty pounds old Tenor besides his
Stated Salary in full for his Salary the Next half year viz from
the Second Day of this Instant March to the Second Day of
September Next Voted
9 The Town agree that Swine May Go at Large this year
According as the Law gives Liberty Voted
Mr Dan Clarke was Sworn to the office of Constable for
Topsfield March 24 1748
Boston 6 AprUl 1748 Rec* of mr Jacob Averill Constable of
Topsfield Twenty two pounds one ShiUings 8* in fuU for 1746
W" Foye Treas'
Boston 6 Aprill 1748 Rec* of mr John Towne Constable of
Topsfield Thirty Seven pounds two shiUings L E Full
W" Foye Treas'
The two receipts above written are Tme Copies
Attest Jacob Peabody Town Cle
Mr WUUam Rogers was Sworn to the faithfull Discharge of
his office Viz To Prosecute y® Breakers of the Late act Con
cerning Deer. May 16*" 1748

66 TOWN RECORDS OF
Rec* of Cap* John Wildes, Sixteen ShUlings & Six pence New
Tenor for Cost of the Town of Topsfield being presented for
Deficiency of a School Aprill 27 : 1748. John Appleton
Ipswich March 31 : 1748 Received of Cap* John Wildes Seven
pounds Sixteen Shillings & Ten pence in full for the Town of
Topsfields proportion of the County Tax for y®year 1747
Dan' Appleton County Trea
the two Last receipts above written are Tme Copies
attest Ja" Peabody Town Clerk
We the Subscribers being appointed & Impowered be the
Selectmen of both Towns Namely of Topsfield & Wenham to
Perambulate & Renew the bounds between our S* Towns;
Have this Day Met, and have Renewed the bounds between our
Said Towns as followeth Begining at a White oak Stump near
Theophilus Fisks bam it being Salem Northerly Comer bounds,
thence Easterly to A Stake and heap of Stones on y® West Side
of the Road Leading from Wenham Causeway to Bunkers
Meadow by the Stone wall, from thence to the Plump of Maples
So Called : but now a Stump : and thence as the Brook runneth
to a Stake and heap of Stones at the Going over the Brook :
from thence to the Southeasterly Comer of Pigdens Meadow
(So Called) and So to the River all Which is according to the
Settlement in the year 1740 and in Confirmation of all above
written we have hereunto Set to our hands Dat* Aprill
y® 18*" 1748
Richard Towne ) ^ t, ^ ,, David Batchelder ^ ,
Thomas Baker | ^^^ Topsfield g^^^^j Batchelder ^^ ,
Samuel Tarbox Jun' j Wenham
A True Copy Examined P Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
We the Subscribers being appointed and Impowered to
Perambulate and Renew the Bounds between Salem and Tops-
field, according have mett on the third Day of May A : D : 1748
and Renewed the bounds as followeth Begining at a White oak
Stump with a heap of Stones about it Near Wenham Causeway,
and from thence to a black or Red oak Stump with a heap of
Stones Standing in Sam" Gotts orchard ; and from thence to a
heap of Stones near the Comer of Thomas Dwinels pasture
Late of Topsfield Deceased, and from thence to a heap of
Stones near Nickolses Brook and So on the Same Course tUl it
Comes to the Brook

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 67
Matthew Peabody Israel Andrews
Aaron Estey James Putnam
Richard Towne Stephen Putnam
David Putnam
A Tme Copy of the return Attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
To Israel Clark one of the Constables of the Town of Tops-
field Greeting you are Required to warn & Notifie all the free
holders and other inhabitants Quallified as the Law Directs for
voting belonging to the North Ward in S* Topfield To Convene
and Assemble at the meeting house in Said on Monday the
16*" Day of May Currant at three of the Clock in the after
noon on S* Day first to Choose one Good and Lawfull Man to
Represent the Town at the Great & General Court the year
Ensuing. Secondly to see if the Town will Grant Liberty for
Mr Joseph Peabody to Erect a Gate a Crose the way that Leads
to S* Peabodys Mill by bird Swamp So Called thirdly to allow
Bills of Charge and make retum of this warrant unto one of
the Selectmen as you will Answer v® Contrary
DafJ Topsfield May y® 10*" 1748'
John Wilds ) Selectmen
Richard Towne }-r T„„^r;^ij
Nath" AveriU Jun' [of Topsfield
Topsfield May 14*" 1748 by virtue of this warrant I have
Notified all the Inhabitants that are Quallified for Voting in the
ward within mentioned to appear at time and Place according
to warrant Israel Clark Constable of Topsfield
The south ward were warned in Like manner & retum made
At a Legall Town Meeting in Topsfield May 16*" 1748
1 Jacob Peabody is Chosen to Represent the Town at the
General Court the year Ensuing Voted
there being other business to be Done at S* meeting
2 Cap* Ivory Hovey is Chosen Moderator for this Meeting Voted
3 The Town Gave Liberty to Mr Joseph Peabody to hange a
Carte Gate A Crose the way that Leads to Sd Peabodys Mill by
or near bird Swamp from Said peabodys Pasture to Mr Bord-
mans fence And to Stand two years Voted
4 The Town Allowed to John Towne a former Constable two
pounds & two Shillings old Tenor it being an abatement of
Noah Curtises Rates for y® year 1746 Voted 2 — 2 — 0

68 TOWN RECORDS OF
5 The Town allowed to Cap* John Wildes one pound & four
Shillings for Makeing return to the Court of the wamning of
Several persons out of Town Voted 1 — 4 — 0
6 The Town allowed to the Selectmen Seven pounds old
Tenor 7 — 0 — 0 to pay Mr Nathaniel Rogers for keeping School
in y^ Last year Voted
7 The Town allowed to Jacob Perkins a former Constable
two pounds & one shilling it being an abatement of John
Prichards Rates for the year 1745 Voted 2 — 1 — 0
To Israel Clarke one of the Constables of Topsfield Greeting
In his Majesties Name you are required to Notify and warn
the freeholders & other Inhabitants in the North ward in Tops-
field QuaUified for Voting as the Law Directs To Assemble and
Meet together at the Meeting house in Topsfield on thursday
y® Twenty Second Day of this Instant September, at two of the
Clock in the afternon on S* Day
1 To Choose Jury men for Newbury & Salem Courts accord
ing to Warrants
2 To See how much money the Town will raise to Defray
the Charges for the year Ensuing
3 To See how much money the Town will allow the Reverend
mr John Emerson More than his Stated Salary from September
1748 to March 1748/9
4 To allow Bills of Charge. And make timely return of this
your Warrant to one or more of the Selectmen of Topsfield
Dated Topsfield Sep* y® 15*" 1748
John Wildes ) ^ i ^
Nath" AveriU Jun' Pf^^*""!",^
Richard Towne [of Topsfield
Topsfield September 21=* 1748 By Vertue of this warrant I
have Notified the Inhabitants within mentioned to appear at
time and Place according to Warrant
Israel Clarke Constable of Topsfield
This is a True Copy of the warrant, and retum Jacob Peabody
T: Clerk
At A Legal Town meeting in Topsfield Sep* 22"* 1748.
1 Mr George Bixby is Chosen Moderator for this meeting Voted
2 Tho° Baker is Chosen Clerk for this meeting Voted
3 mr Simon Gould & mr Samuel Smith were Drawn out of
y® box to Serve on the Jury of Tryals at Newbury Court

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 69
4 The Town agreed to Raise five hundred pounds old Tenor
to Defray Town Charges the year Ensuing Voted
5 The Town agreed to give to the Reverend mr Emerson one
hundred and fifty pounds old Tenor More than his Stated Salary
from the Second Day of Sep* 1748 to the Second Day of March
1748/9 Provided mr Emerson will give a Receipt in full for the
year 1748 Voted
6 The Town allowed to y® School Committe Viz Israel Clarke
Thomas Perkins and John Baker fifteen pounds old Tenor
Voted 15—0—0
7 The Town allowed to Samuel Smith three pounds Eleven
ShiUings & Six pence old Tenor for mending the parsonage
fence this year Voted 3 — 11 — 6
8 The Town aUowed to Aaron Hovey three pounds &
one Shilling old Tenor for Mending the parsonage fence this
year Voted 3—1—0
9 The Town allowed to Deacon Hovey four Shillings old Tenor
for a String piece for a Bridge Voted 0 — 4 — 0
10 Mr Daniel Redington is Chosen to Serve on y® Grand Jury
at the next Superiour Court to be holden at Salem Voted
11 Mr George Bixby is Drawn out of y® box to Serve on the
pettit Jury at the Next Superiour Court to be holden at Salem
Thomas Baker Clerk
George Bixby Moderator.
Topsfield October 17*" 1738 then Rec* of mr Israel Clarke
Constable the Sum of thirty four pound & one ShUling in full
for his Rates Committed to him to gather and pay into Self I
Say received by me Ivory Hovey Town Treasurer
Boston Aprill 25 : 1739 Rec* of mr Israel Clarke Constable
of Topsfield P hand of Cap* Gould Twenty Seven pounds Six
teen ShiUings & Six pence in full W" Foye Treas'
the two Receipts above written are True Copies
attest Jacob Peabody Town Cler
We the Subscribers being a Committee apointed by the Towns
of Topsfield & Boxford to Perambulate on & Renew the bounds
between the S* Towns and this Day we have met & Renewed
the Bounds as followeth in the Apple tree in Asa Perleys field,
then at a Stake & heap of Stones at the South Easterly Corner
of Bakers farm in Boxford. then where the watter Runs throw
the Dam Call Andrews Dam near mr Thomas Goulds house

70 TOWN RECORDS OF
then at a Stake & a heap of Stones by the fishing Brook on the
Easterly Side of the Rivolet Runing into S* Brook then as the
Brook now Runs into Ipswich River, then up S* River to Mid
dleton Line.
Dated this 17*" Day of May Anno Domini 1748
Joseph Dorman
Jacob Smith
Tho= Baker
Joshua Andrew
The above Written is a Tme Copy of the Retum of Peram
bulation with Boxford attest Jacob Peabody T : Cler
We have Perambulated and Renewed y® Bounds between
Topsfield and Middleton as followeth viz Begining at a heap of
stones in jr® Brook near the Saw Mill, from thence as the Brook
Runs to a SmaU Elmn Tree at y® Northeasterly Branch of Said
Brook, thence as the Northeasterly Branch Runs to a heap of
Stones by the River.
Topsfield May y® 19 : 1748
Benjamin Knight ]
Daniel Robinson > Committee
Samuel Symonds Jun' )
A Tme Copy attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
Topsfield December 16*" 1748 Rec* of mr Jacob Peabody Town
Treasurer the sum of fifty pounds old Tenor the full of y® with
in written order and in full for my Salary to March Second :
1747/8 by me John Emerson Clerk
This is a Tme Copy of the receipt Attest Jacob Peabody T : Cle
Boston 11*" Jan" 1748 Rec* of Mr Israel Clarke Constable of
Topsfield Thirty pounds L E in fuU for 1747 W" Foye Treas'
this is a Tme Copy of y® province Treasurers Receipt
attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
Topsfield March 7*" 1748/9 Rec* of mr Jacob Peabody Town
Treasurer the Sum of Seventy pounds old Tenor in full for my
Salary tiU September 2"* 1748 by me John Emerson Clerk.
This is a True Copy of mr Emersons Receipt
attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 71
The Freeholder and other Inhabitants of the Town of Tops-
field Such as are Quallified for Voting as the Law Directs are
hereby Notified & Warned to Assemble and Convene together
at the Meeting house in Topsfield on Tuseday y® Seventh Day
of March next Ensuing the Date hereof at nine of the Clock in
the Morning
1 To Chuse a Town Clerk, Constables, Selectmen and other
Town officers As the Law Directs
2 To See What y® Town will AUow the Reverend mr John
Emerson besides his Stated Salary for y® year Ensuing
5 To See if the Town will appoint a Day for those who have
Stray Sheep to bring them to y® Town pound that y® owners
may the more readdily find them
4 To Allow BiUs of Charge
Dat* Topsfield Febmary y® 23"^ 1748
Dan Clarke John Wildes ^
Constable of Topsfield Benj- Towne Selectmen
Nath" AveriU Jun' >. ^  ^^^i j
Thomas Baker fof Topsfield
Richard Towne J
The above written is a Tme Copy
attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
At A Lawfull Town Meeting in Topsfield March y® 7*" 1748/9
1 Mr George Bixby is Chosen Moderator for this meeting Voted
2 Jacob Peabody is Chosen Town Clerk for y® year Ensuing Voted
3 Mr George Bixby is Chosen Town Treasurer for ye year
Ensuing Voted
4 Mr John Davis & Jeremiah Towne are Chosen Constables
for 3^ year Ensuing Voted
5 Mr Richard Towne Cap* John Wildes, David Balch, John
Gould and George Bixby are Chosen Selectmen for jr® year En
suing Voted
6 the above S* Selectmen are Chosen Assessors for y® year
Ensuing Voted
7 Mr Samuel Smith Zacheus Gould & Joseph Perkins are
Chosen Tythingmen for jr® year Ensuing
8 Mr Joseph Edwards is Chosen Sealer of Leather for y® year
Ensuing Voted
9 Mr Thomas Baker Israel Clarke and Elijah Porter are
Chosen Surveyers of high ways for y® year Ensuing Voted
10 Mr Dan Clarke Matthew Peabody & Luke AveriU are

72 TOWN RECORDS OF
Chosen fence Viewers for 5^ year Ensuing Voted
11 Mr Daniell Redington & Cap* Joseph Gould are Chosen to
prosecute the brakers of y® Late Act Concerning Deer for y® year
Ensuing Voted
12 Mr Solomon Gould & Comelious Balch are Chosen Hog
reeves for y® year Ensuing Voted
13 The Town Accepted of y® Selectmens Reckoning with
y® Town Treasurer and there is in S* Treasurers hand Not ordred
out 330—0—7 Voted
14 The Town Allowed fifteen pounds old Tenor to Thomas
Perkins & Others the School Committee to pay the School
master for one Months Service in keep School Voted 15 — 0 — 0
15 The Town allowed three pounds & ten shiUings old Tenor
to Israel Clarke for Warning three Town Meeting y® year past
Voted 3—10—0
16 The Town Allowed one pound Twelve Shillings old Tenor
to Zacheus Gould for Timber & Plank to mend y® River Bridge
Voted 1—12
17 The Town Allowed to Cap* John Wildes four pound
thirteen Shillings and three pence old Tenor to pay for mend
ing the Meeting house Glass in y® year past Voted 4 — 13 — 3
18 The Town allowed to John Prichard one pound old Tenor
for Sweeping the Meeting house three months Voted 1 — 0 — 0
19 The Town allowed Nathaniell Towne three pounds old
Tenor for Sweeping y® Meeting House Nine Months Voted 3—0—0
20 The Town aUowed to Dan Clarke two pound old Tenor
for warning two Town Meetings & for keeping a glazer & his
horse while he Mended the Meeting House glass in y® year past
Voted 2—0—0
21 The Town Allowed to John Hood one pound & two Shill
ings for Timber & Plank to mend y® bridge by y® great Pond
Voted 1—2—0
22 The Town Allowed to John Gould one pound old Tenor
it being an abatement of Samuel Masties Town Rate for 174 —
Voted 1—0—0
23 Mr Solomon Gould is Chosen to Serve on y® grand Jury
for j^ year Ensuing Voted
24 Mr Aaron Estey & Stephen Towne are appointed to Serve
on y® Jury of Tryals at y® next Inferiour Court to be holden at
Ipswich The Several officers that were Chosen at the above Said
meeting were all Sworn before the Selectmen on y® S* 7*" &

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 73
y® 14*" and the Twenty first Day of Said March : Except the
Assessors : and Entered by order of the Selectmen :
attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk.
To Mr John Davis Constable of y® Town of Topsfield you are
Required In his Majesties Name To wam the freeholders and
other Inhabitants of this Town belonging to the North Ward So
Called. Quallified for Voting as the Law Directs. To appear
at y® Meeting house in Topsfield on Tuseday the Twenty first
Day of this Instant at two of y® Clock in the after noon on Said
Day 1 To Chuse Several Selectmen in ye room of them that Re
fuse to Serve
2 To See What y® Town will Do Relating to Reverend mr
Emersons Salary for ye year Ensuing
3 To Chuse Men to take Care of the Parsonage fence
4 To Chuse a School Committee for ye year Ensuing
5 To See if the Town will give Liberty for Swine to go at
Large this year
6 To Choose a man or more to Mend the pound
7 To see what the Town will Do in Answer to a Petition
Concerning two pews in the Meeting house Hereby you are
not to fail as you will answer the Contrary at y® Prerrill of y®
Law : and make return at time and Place to one or More of y®
Selectmen. Given under our hands at Topsfield this fourteenth
Day of March 1748/9 David Balch ) ^ i i.
John Wildes ^Selectmen

John Gould ) of Topsfield
This is a Tme Copy of ye warrant as attest
Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
A proper Retum being made of warning the Inhabitants ye
meet[ing] follows
At A Lawful Town Meeting in Topsfield March 21st 1743/9
1 Capt John Wildes is Chosen Moderator for this Meeting voted
2 Mr Matthew Peabody & mr Samuel Smith are Chosen
Selectmen in y® room of Mr George Bixby and mr Richard
Towne Voted
3 Capt Joseph Gould & mr Ephraim WUdes are Chosen to
take Care of the parsonage fence the year Ensuing Voted
4 Voted that mr Aaron Hovey mr John Bradstreet & Cor
nelius Balch be a Committee to provide a School master for y®
Town for y® year Ensuing

74 TOWN RECORDS OF
5 Mr Simon Gould is Chosen to Mend the Pound Voted
6 The Town Agreed to give five pounds old Tenor to mr John
Baker provided he will give to the Town all the right which he
Claims to the pew which is Next y® Pulpit Stairs in the Meeting
house Voted 5—0—0
7 Voted That the Pew which Mrs Priscilla Capen Late of
Topsfield Deceased Use to Sit in Which is next the pulpit Stairs
ShaU be for the Reverend Mr John Emersons use for Mrs Em
erson and family to Sit in During the time of Ministry amongst
us : provided Mr Emerson wiU Quit the pew Mrs Emerson now
Sits in and Leave it for the Town.
8 Capt Joseph Gould Capt John Wildes and Jacob Peabody
are Chosen a Committee to Inform Mr Emerson what the Town
have Done Relating to the pews above mentioned Voted
To the Town of Topsfield. Gentlemen, whereas at your
meeting in March 21 : 1748/9 you were please to Vote to My
use the pew that Mad"" Capen Late of Topsfield Deceased, was
wont to Sit in : provided I Quit the pew wherein my wife used
to Sit. Now this is to Signify that I accept the Vote as you
have passed it
Topsfield March 30*" 1749 John Emerson Clerk
This is a Tme Copy of mr Emersons answer :
attest Jacob Peabody T : Cle
Topsfield Aprill 3 : 1749 Rec* two hundred pounds old Tenor
ye fuU of My Salary to March 2 : 1748/9 by me
John Emerson Clerk
this is a Tme Copy of Mr Emersons Receipt
attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
Rec* of mr Matthew Peabody the Sum of five pounds Seven
teen Shillings and three pence in full for the Town of Topsfield :
their Proportion of the County Tax for the year 1748
this 29t" of March 1749 Dan Appleton County Treas.
This is a Tme Copy of y® County Treasurers Receipt
attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
Topsfield Aprill 3'* 1749 Rec* of Jacob Peabody Town Treas
urer five poimds old Tenor in fuU for aU My right title and In
terest which I have or may and lay Claim Challenge or De
mand in or unto the pue which is next ye Pulpit Stairs in the
Meeting House agreeable to the Vote of the Town Relating to
Said pue by me John Baker
This is a Tme Copy of Mr John Bakers Receipt
attest Jacob Peabody T : Clerk

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 75
Topsfield December ye 7th 1743 Rec* of mr John Gould Con
stable of Topsfield the Sum of Ninty pounds thirteen Shillings
in full by me Jacob Peabody Town Treasurer
Boston December 21 : 1748 Rec* of Mr John Gould Constable
of Topsfield Thirty two pounds Nine Shillings Six pence L E
full W" Foye Treas'
These two Last are True Copies
attest Jacob Peabody Town Clerk
Att a Legall Towne meeting in Topsfield May 17*" 1749 M'
Jacob Peabody is Chosen to Represent y® Towne at the Generall
Court The year Insuing
there Being other Business to be Don[e] at Said Meeting Capt
John Wildes is Chosen Moderator for this meeting Voted
The Towne allowed to M' George Bixby one Pound five Shill
ings old Tenour for a String Peice for y® Towne Bridge ouer
the River voted
The Towne allowed to the School Committe Thirteen Pound
old Tenour to Pay y® School master for Keeping School one
Month Last Spring voted
The Towne allowed to Jacob Perkins a former Constable one
Pound four Shilling old Tenor it being an abatment of Jonathan
Dressers head
The Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Tops-
field Qualified for Voting as the Law Directs are hearby Notified
Warned to assemble and meet Together at y® meeting house in
Said Town on Wednesday the Seuenteenth Day of May Instant
at Two of the Clock in the after noon on Said Day
lly To make Choice of a man to Represent y® Town at the
grate and generall Court according to Presept
21y To alow Bills of Charges John Willdes ^
David Balch [selectmen
jJhn Sum r^ Topsfield
Sam" Smith
Dated Topsfield may y® 2"* 1749 Jeremiah Towne Constable
It is to be Under Stood yt the Notefication Should have Been
Entered before the Trancesacion of the aboue Said Day before
mentioned Entred By order of the Select men of Topsfield
This is a True Copey of the Notification
attest Richard Towne Town Clerk

76 TOWN RECORDS OF
The free holders and other Inhabitance of the Town of Tops-
field QuaUfied for Voting in Town Meetings as The Law Directs
are hearby Notified and Warned to assemble and meet Together
at the Meeting house in Said Town on Thursday the Seuenth
Day of September Next at one of 5^ Clock in the after noon on
S*Day 1 To Chuse a Suitable Person to Represent the Tovm at the
Sessions of the Generall Court according to Precept
2 To Chouse of a Town Clerk as the Law Directs
3 To Chouse Jury men for Newbury Court according To
Precept 4 To See What money the Town wiU Raise to Defray the
Charges of the Town for the year Insuing
5 To See after what Manner the Town will Dispose of the
old Timber of the old Pound
6 To allow Bills of Charge
Dated Topsfield august y® 28t" 1749
Jeremiah Towne John WUdes ^
Constable Mathew Pebody I Selectmen
John Gould [of Topsfield
Sam" Smith J
A Tme Copy of the notification attest Rich* Towne Town Clerk
At a Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield Sep* y^ 7t" 1749
The Town assembled together to make Choise of a Repsentiue
and it was Put to Vote and it Past in The negtive and their
Being other Things to be Done
1 Capt John Willdes was Chosen Modrater to order the affars
of Said meeting Voted
2 Richard Towne is Chosen Town Clerk Voted Swome
3 The Town made Choise of m' Joseph Peabody and Nathen
Hood for Jury men to Serve at Newbury Court
4 The Town agreed yt the Selectmen Should Lay a Tax of
Sixty Three pounds in the Last Emishion on the Inhabitance
of the Town To Defray the Charges of Said Town for the year
Insuing Voted
5 The Town allowed to Elisha Towne for Slabes To mend
Sum Bridges v?ith fifteen Shillings old Tenor Voted
6 The Town aUowed to the School Commitee Viz To Aaron
houey and Comealus Balch Twenty fine pounds old Tenor In
parte Voted
7 The Town abated George Dwinells Rates for the year one
Thousand Seuen hundred and forty Eight in mr Dan Clarke
former Constabels Rates Voted

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 77
Essex as To M' John Davis Constable of ye North Ward in
the Town of Topsfield Greeting
In his Majesties Name you are Required forthwith
To Warn all ye freeholders and other Inhabitants Within
your ward Qualified for Voting in Town meetings as y® Law
Directs to assemble and Conven Together att the meeting House
in Topsfield afore S* on Tusday ye Tenth Day of October
Instant at Two of the Clock in the after noon on Said Day
1 To Chuse Jury men for Salem Court according to Warrant
2 To aUow Bills of Charge
hearof you are not to fail and make Retum of your Doings
hearin at the time and place above mentioned as you will
answer ye Contrary at y® Perill of y® Law
In that Case Provided Dated Topsfield October ye 2nd 1749
The South Ward was Warned in Like manner & Return made
John Daves
John Willdes ^
David Balch ^ 1 4.
Mathew Peabody •<^ ^f ,?F™^^ ,
John Gould 1 °f Topsfield
Sam" Smith
A Tme Coppey of the Warrant and the Return
attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
Att a Legal Town meeting in Topsfield October ye IQt" 1749
1 Capt John Willdes is Chosen Moderator for this meeting Voted
2 The Town made Choice of m' John Gould to Serve on The
Grand Jury at ye Next Supear Court to be holden at Salem Voted
3 Capt Thomas Baker was Drawn out of the Box for a Jury
man at the next Supear Court to be holden at Salem
4 The Town allowed to m' Aaron Hovey and others School
Commttee Twenty five Pounds old Tenor for the School Master Voted
5 The Town alowed to mr Daniel Redington Thirteen Pounds
old Tenor for Plank for the Reuer Bridge Voted
Topsfield October y® 2'" 1749 Rec* of M' Dan Clarke Consta
ble ye Sum of one hundred Twenty Eight Pounds Eight Shillings
and four Pence old Tenor In full of all his orders aggreeable to
Warrant I Say Rec* by Me George Byxby Town Treasurer
A True Coppey attest Rich* Towne Town Clerk

78 TOWN RECORDS OF
Topsfield Febuary y® 8t" 1749 Receued of mr George Bixby
Town Treasurer ye Sum of Twenty Three Pounds five ShiUings
ye full of ye within written order and in full for my salary to
March y® 2"* 1749 by me John Emerson Clerk
A Tme Copey attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
The Freeholders And Other Inhabatance of y® Town of Tops-
field Qualified for Voting as the Law Directs are hearby Note- •
fied and warned to assemble And Conven together att the Meet
ing House in Said Town on Tuesday y® 6*" Day of March Next
Ensuing att nine of y^ Clock in y® fore noon on Said Day
1 To Chuse A Town Clerk Constables Selectmen and Other
Town officers as the Law Directs
2 To See if y® Town Will Except of y® Selectmens Reckening
With the Town Treasurer
3 To Chouse Juory men for Ipswich Court according to
Warrant 4 For ye Town to Bring Their Votes for a County Treasurer
5 To alow Bills of Charge
Dated Topsfield Febuary y® 20t" 1749
John Willdes
David Balch
Mathew Peabody
John Gould
Sam" Smith
In Obedence to y® Law I haue Notified y^ freeholder^ and
other Inhabatance of ye Town of Topsfield to meet att Time
and Place Within mentioned by Posting this Notification as
Usual Per me Jeremiah Towne Constable of Topsfield
A Tme Copey of y® Notification and of the Retum
attest Rich* Towne Town Clerk
Att a Legal Town meeting in Topsfield March y® 6t" 1749/50
1 Capt John WiUdes is Chosen modrater for this meting Voted
2 Richard Towne is Chosen Town Clerk for y® year Ensuing Voted
3 M' Samuel Smith m' Simon Gould are Chosen Constables
for the year Ensuing Voted
4 Lent Beniamon Towne m' John Gould mr Matthew Pea
body Capt John Willdes m' Elijah Porter are Chosen Selectmen
for y® year Ensuing Voted
5 Leut Benja Towne Is Chosen Town Treasurer for The year
Ensuing Voted

Selectmen
of Topsfield

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 79
6 M' Thomas Symonds M' Aaron Hovey M' Nathan Hood
are Chosen Tything men for y® Year Ensuing Voted
7 Mr Joseph Edwards is Chosen Sealer of Lather for y® year
Ensuing Voted
8 Mr Luke Auirel Deacon Daniel Gould M' Uzziel Rea M'
David Towne are Chosen Surveyers of High Ways for y® year
Ensuing Voted
9 M' Jacob Perkins m' John Bathelder m' Nathaniel Porter
are Chosen fence Vewers for y® year Ensuing Voted
M' John Bradstreet M' Joseph Perkins are Chosen to Prose
cute y® Brakers of y® Late Act Consening Deers Voted
10 M' Dan Clark M' Jacob Robinson are Chosen Hog reaues
for y® year Ensuing Voted
11 The Town Excepted of y® Selectmens Reckoning with The
Town Treasurer Voted
12 The Town aUowed to Capt Thomas Baker 1—4—6 It
being an abatment of his Son John Head he being not with
age Voted
13 Leut Joseph Dorman is Chosen Grand Jury [man] for y ® year
Ensuing Voted
14 M' John Perkins J' and M' Elisha Towne was Drawn out
of y® Box for Jury of Tryals at y® next Infearer Court to be
holden at Ipswich
15 The Town Alowed to Israel Clarke Constable 1—13—0
It being an abatment of Thomas Aurill Rate In the year 1748
16 The Town alowed To M' Aaron Hovey and others School
Committee for y® School master Voted 12 — 10 — 00
17 The Town alowed to m' Eliezer Lake for 180 feet of Plank
for the Reauer Brige Voted 2—10—0
18 The Town alowed to m' Matthew Peabody for Bording
the Wid Cree Ten Weaks 2—10—0 Voted
19 The Town alowed to Cap* Joseph Gould for fencing Stuff
and Laber about y® Parsonage 0 — 15 — 0 Voted
20 The Town alowed to M' Benja Rogers for house Room
for Children at School 0—5—0 Voted j
21 The Town alowed to John Hood for Two Casements for
y® Meeting House Voted 0 — 5 — 0
22 The Town alowed to Ephram WiUdes for one Day work a
mending y® Parsonage fence 0 — 3^) Voted
23 The Town alowed to Samuel Phippen for finding House
room for the School 0 — 5 — 0
24 The Town alowed to Capt Wildes money Paid for a
Gleasuer mending y® meeting House Glass 1 — 4 — 6 Voted

80 TOWN RECORDS OF
25 The Town alowed to Nathaniel Towne for Sweeping the
Meeting House y® year Past 1 — 0 — 0
The Several officers that ware Chosen at the abousd meeting
ware all Sworn before y® Selectmen on y® Sixth and ninth Days
of jr® Said march by order of the Selectmen
attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
Essex ss To Simon Gould one of y^ Constables of the Town
of Topsfield Greeting
You are hearby Required in his majestes Name forth with to
wam all the freeholders and other Inhabatances in the South
ward in Topsfield Qualified as the Law Directs for Voting To
Convean together att the meeting house in Said Topsfield on
Fryday the Thirtyeth Day of march Instant at Three of The
Clock in the after noon
1 To Chuse a Committee to Supply Said Town with a School
Master for the year Insuing
2 To Choose a Commitee to Repair the Parsonage fence for
the year Ensuing
3 To See if the Tovsti wUl Giue Liberty for the Swine to go
at Large the year Ensuing as the Law Directs
4 To alow biUs of Charge
and you are Required to make Retum of this your warrant
and Doings to one or more of the Selectmen at Times and aboue
mentioned as you will answer the Contrary at the Perral of the
Law Dated Topsfield March y® 23^* 1749
John WUldes "|
Benja Towne \ c ^ , 
»/r„A,„ T>„ u J I Selectmen

Mathew Peabody

of Topsfield

John Gould
Elijah Porter
This is a Tme Coppey of y® warrant
attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
A proper Retum Being made of woming ye Inhabatances
meet as foUows att a Legall Town meeting in Topsfield March
30th 1750
1 Capt John WiUdes is Chosen modrator for this meeting Voted
2 The Town Made Charges of ye Selectmen to provide the
Town with a School Master for the year Ensuing Voted
3 Mr Luke Aurvel Mr Ephram Willdes are Chosen a Com**® To
Repar the Parsonage fence for ye year Ensuing Voted
4 The Town agreed yt Svrine Should go at Large the year
Ensuing according as the Law Gives Liberty Voted

.Selectmen of Topsfield

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 81
5 The Town alowed Twelve pounds Ten Shillings to mr Simon
Gould for Erecting a New pound in Topsfield in the year 1747
The Freeholders and other Inhabatance of the Town of Tops-
field that are qualified by Law for Voting are hearby Notified
and warned to Convean and meet Together att ye Meeting house
in Said Topsfield on Tuesday the fifteenth Day of This Instent
May att Two of Clock after noon
1 To Choose a Repersentive according to Precept
2 To See what the Town will Do to Pervent the Rever war
ing away The Ground and Causeway on the Northly Side of the
Rever Bridge
3 To alow Bills of Charge
Dated Topsfield May 1st 1750
Simon Gould John Willdes
Constable of Topsfield Benja Towne
Mathew peabody
John Gould
Elijah Porter
This is a True Copey of ye Notefication attest Rich* Towne Town Clk
Att a Legal Town Meeting In Topsfield may the 15th 1750
The Town Brought in Their Votes for a Representive Sundry
Times and was so Devided in There Choise yt thay Choose none
and There being other Busness to be Done
1 Cap John Willdes was Chosen modrator for sd meeting Voted
2 Voted yt the Selectmen Shall order ye Survayors what to
do In order to prevent the Revers wareing away the Ground
and Causaway on the Northerly Side of the Rever Bridge
3 The Town alowed Ten Shillings Lawfull money to mr
Mathew Peabody for Keeping ye widow Cree five weaks
0—10-0 Voted
Essex ss To Simon Gould one of the Constables of the Town
of Topsfield you are hearby Required in his Majesties Name
fourthwith to worn all the Freeholders and Other Inhabatances
yt are qualiefied by Law for Voting in said Topsfield to Conven
together at the meeting house in said Topsfield on Tuesday the
Eighteenth Day of September Next at one of ye Clock aftemoon
1 To Chouse Jury men for to Serve at Newbary Court accord
ing to worrant
2 To See how much money the Town will Raise to Defray
The Town Charges the year Insuing

Selectmen
^of Topsfield

82 TOWN RECORDS OF
3 To See what ye Town Will Do about Reparing ye meeting
House 4 To See how much money ye Town WUl Give ye Rev. Mr
John Emerson for his Sallary this Present Year
5 To See if the Town will alow Simon Gould any more money
for Bulding the Pound then thay have allredy Voted him
6 To alow bills of Charge
and you are to make Retum of of this your Worrant With
your Doings to one or more of the Selectmen at Time and Place
above mentioned
Topsfield Augest 27 1750 John WiUdes
Benja Towne
Matthew Peabody
John Gould
Elijah Porter
A Tme Copy of the worrant Attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
A proper Retum of woming thelnhabatence ye meeting follows:
Att a Legal Town Meteing in Topsfield September ye 18th 1750
Mr John Bathalder Mr Thomas Gould was Drown out of the
Box to Serve on ye Jury of Tryals at the Next Infearer Court
to be holden a Newbary
2 and Their being other Bisness to be Dun Lard* Benja Towne
is Chosen moderater for this meeting
3 The Town voted that the Selectmen Should a Tax of Eighty
Eight Pounds Lawfull Money To Defray the Charges of The
Town the year Ensuing
4 The Town agreed to Lay out ye other Province money
That is in ye Treasurer hand To Repare ye meeting House Voted
5 The Town Voted if ye Selectmen shall order to the Reveand
Mr John Emerson fifty Three pounds ten ShiUings and Eight
Pence Lawfull money from march A D 1749/50 To March A D
1750/51 6 The Town allowed to ye widow Hannah Herrick Two
Pounds Thirteen Shillings and four pence Lawfull money for
Taking Care of Sam" Tutoos Ten Weeks in his Last Sickness Voted
Essex ss To Mr Simon Gould one of ye Constables of ye Town
of Topsfield you are hearby Required in his majesties Name
forethwith to Wom all ye freeholders and other Inhabatance of

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 83
Said Town that are qualified for Voting as the Law Derects to
Convean and meet Together at ye meeting house In sd Tops-
field on Tuesday ye Ninth Day of this Instant October att Two
o'clock aftemoon
1 To Choose Jurymen according to worrant to Serve at the
Next Sup' Court att Salem
2 to See If ye Town will omitt Wharfing ye Rever of from
The Causey on the North Side of ye Rever Bridge for the year
by Reason of the Lateness) and in Case the Town Do not omitt
it then to See wether the Town will wharfe The water of with
Wood or Stones and to See If it shall be Done att ye Town
Charge by Laying a Tax for it
3 To See if the Town will Choose one man or two to Lay out
the Money yt was Voted to Repare the meeting house for Nec
essary Things to Repair the said house
4 to allow Bills of Charge
and make Retum of this worrant with your Doings to one or
more of ye Selectmen at Time and please above mentioned
Topsfield October ye 3rd 1750 Benja Towne "]
Matthew Peabody (Selectmen
John Gould [of Topsfield
Elijah Porter J
A True Copy of the worrant Attest Rich* Towne Town Clerk
a proper Retum being made of woming the Inhabatants of
the Town The meeting followers
Att a Legal Town meeting In Topsfield October ye 9th 1750
1 Cap Joseph Gould is Chosen Modrater for this meeting
2 Decn Daniel Gould is Chosen Grand Jury to Serve att ye
Next Sup' Court to be holden att Salem Voted
3 Mr David Balch is Drawn out of the Box to Serve a Jury
man att the Next Sup' Court to be holden att Salem
4 The Town Voted to omitt ye whorfing the Rever for this
present year by reasing of the Latness of the Season Voted
5 The Town agreed to omitt the Chosen of a man or men to
Lay out the other province money yt is in the Treas" hand for
the present Voted
6 The Town alowed to ye Selectmen Ten Shillings and Eight
Pence for ye Diging of a Grave and Coffen for Samuel Tutoos
£0 10 8
Essex ss To mr Simon Gould one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting you are Required In his majestes

84 TOWN RECORDS OF
name forthwith to worn all the freeholders and other Inhaba
tance That are qualiefied by Law for Voting in the South ward
In Said Topsfield to Conven and meet Together att the meeting
house in Said Topsfield on Thiersday the Thirty first Day of
January Insteant att Two O Clock afternoon
1 ly To See if ye Town will Give the Selectmen Liberty to
Draw money out of the Town Treasurer to pay ye County Tax
It being Three Pounds Eighteen Shillings and Two Pence
Lawfull money
2 ly To See If the Town Will Chuse a Commitee To New
Seat The People in the Meeting house and to Give Them
Instriections 3 ly to alow Bills of Charge
hearof fail not and make Retum of this worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen at Time and place
above mentioned
Topsfield January ye 23rd 1750 Matthew Peabody ) Selectmen
John Gould ^ f^ I ,^
Elijah Porter j of Topsfield
A Proper Retorn being made of Woming ye Inhabantes thay
meet as follows
att a Legal Town Meeting In Topsfield January ye 31st 1750/1
-1 ly Luv* Benjamon Towne is Chosen Modrator for this
meeting Voted
2 ly The Town Voted that the Selectmen shall Draw money
out of the Town Treasurer So much as the County Worrant
is to pay This Present County Tax £3 18 2 Voted
3 ly Mr Jacob Robinson Mr Jacob Auirel Mr Nath®' porter
Mr Dan Clarke and Mr Samuel Smith are Chosen a Committe
To Seat the People in the meeting hous Voted
4 ly The Town alowed to Dec" Daniel Gould for mr David
Balch one Shilling and Six pence for 12 foot of plank 0 16 Voted
5 ly The Town alowed to Israel Clarke former Constable
one Shilling and four Pence It being an abatment of sum part
of Nath' Willdes Rate 0 14
6 ly The Town alowed to Ephram Willdes for one Day and
a half Work about the Parsonage fence 0 5 0 Voted
7 ly The Town alowed to Samuel TapUe for keeping the
Widow Cree 0 6 2 Voted
8 ly The Town alowed to ye Selectmen Twelve pounds Sixteen
Shillings It Being for the School master for Six months School
ing £12 16 0

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 85
Boston 6 Feby 1750 Rec* of Mr Jere. Towne Cont. of Tops-
field Eighty pounds Eleven Shillings and Eleven pence in full
for 1749 for my Husband Wm Foye Treasurer Eliz^ Foye
A True Coppey of ye Records attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
Essex ss To Sam" Smith one of the Constables of the Town
of Topsfield Greeting
You are hearby Required in his Majestes Name fourthwith
To Wom all the Inhabatance and other freeholders that are
Qualified by Law for Voting in the North Ward in said Tops-
field to Conven together att the meeting house in said Topsfield
on Tuesday the fifth Day of March Next Ensuing the Date
hereof at Nine O Clock in the fore Noon
1 ly To Chouse a Town Clerk Constables Selectmen and
Other Town Officers as the Law Directs
2 ly To Chuse Jury men to Serve at Ipswich Cort according
to Worrant
3 ly for the Town to Bring in their Votes for the Choise of
a County Register and County Treasurer
4 ly To See What the Town will Do With the out Province
Bills that is in the Town Treasurery
5 ly to allow Bills of Charge
Hearof fail not and make Return of this Worrant With your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of Said Town at Time
and place above mentioned
Topsfield Febr. 14th 1750 Benja Towne ^
Matthew Peabody I Selectmen
John Gould Cof Topsfield
Elijah Porter J
This is a True Copy of ye Warrant as
Attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
A Proper Retum being made of worning the Inhabatance
the meeting followeth
Att a Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield March ye 5th 1750/1
1 Leut Benja Towne is Chosen Modreater for this meeting Voted
2 Voted yt the Meeting Should be ajornd to ye 12th Day of
March Currant at Nine O Clock in the fore Noon and accord
ingly it was adjomed Attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
At a Legal Town Meeting In Topsfield Held by an adjornmint
To the 12 Day of March 1750/1

86 TOWN RECORDS OF
1 Richard Towne is Chosen Town Clerk for ye year Ensuing Voted
2 Messrss William Rogers Jacob Robinson are Chosen Con
stables for the year Ensuing Voted
3 Mr Elijah Porter Leut Benja Towne Mr John Gould Mr
Sam" Smith Mr Mathew Peabody are Chosen Selectmen for ye
year Ensuing Voted
4 Leut Benja Towne is Chosen Town Treasurer ye year
Insuing Voted
5 Mr Jeremiah Aurvel Mr Stephen Forster mr WiUiam Per
kins are Chosen Tything men for the year Insuing Voted
6 Mr Joseph Edwards is Chosen Sealer of Lather for the year
Ensuing Voted
7 Mr Thomas Symonds Mr Thomas Dwinel are Chosen Sur
veyers of Highways for the year Insuing Voted
8 Mr David Balch Mr Jacob DwineU Mr Dan Clarke are
Chosen fence veuers for The year Ensuing Voted
9 Capt Thomas Baker Mr Stephen Towne are Chosen Hog
reaves for the year Ensuing Voted
10 Mr Jacob Auirrel is Chosen Grand Jury for the year En
suing Voted
11 Mr Matthew Peabody Mr Dan Clarke are Drawn out of
ye Box To Serve as Jurymen at the next Infear Cort to be
Holden at Ipswich Voted
12 Deacon George Bixby is Chosen to Lay out the other
provinece money that is in his hands for to git nessary Stuf
for the meeting house Voted
13 The Town alowed to Mr Dan Clarke 2 Shillings it being
an abatment of Samuel Porter Ju' Rate Voted
14 The Town alowed to Mr John Davis former Const 13s and
one peny it Being an abatement of David Pritchard head Voted
15 The Town alowed to Jeremiah Towne former Constable
0 13 1 It being an abatment of Sam" Master Reat Voted
16 The Town alowed to Doct Dexter Three Shillings 0 3 0
for Doctren Sam" Tutoo in his Last Sickness Voted
17 The Town alowed to Jeremiah Towne Seiven pence hap-
peny 0 7 1/2 It being an abatment of Daniel Robinson Rate
Voted
18 The Town alowed to Mr Simon Gould Thirteen Shillins
& 4d more for the Pound Voted 13 4
19 The Town alowed to Mr Luke auirrel for Timber to mend
the Town Bridge nine ShiUings and four pence Voted 0 9 4
20 To 179 foot of Two inch and quarter Plank Voted 0 18 8

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 87
21 and To 75 foot of Two inch Plank Voted 0 5 0
22 The Town allowed to Sam" Phippen Seven pence hap-
peny 0 0 7 1/2 it being an abatment of a Cows head not with
age Voted
23 The Town alowed to Mr Luke Avirrel for work Don at
the Personage 1750 one Day and an half at 2s per Day 0 3 0
To his Tame one Day one Shilling and four pence 0 14
To Sixteen Posts Five Shillings and Eight pence 0 5 8 Voted
24 The Town alowed to Mr Luke Auivrel for Timber to mend
Milebrook Bridge in the year 1750 five Shi" and Six pence 5 6 Voted
25 The Town alowed to Nath®' Towne Sixteen ShiUings
0 16 0 for Sweping the meeting House in the year 1750
The Several officers Chosen att ye above said meeting ware
all Sworn to the faithfull Discharge of their Respective offices
Before ye Selectmen and Town Clerk as the Law Directs Except
ing Massrs David Balch Stephen forster WiUiam Perkins Jere
miah Auirel Thomas DwineU Jacob DwineU and Dan Clarke
David Balch Dan Clark and Thomas DwineU have Taken thier
Respective oaths
Rec* of Mr Benja Towne Three Pounds Eighteen Shillings
and 2* in fuU for ye Town of Topsfield County Tax for ye year
1750 March 18 1750 Dan' Appleton County Treasurer
This is a Tme Copy Attest Richard Towne Towne Clerk
Boston Jany ye 29 1750 Rec* of Mr John Daves Const" of Tops-
field Seventy Three Pounds Ten Shillings & one penney Last
Emission in full for 1749 for my Husband Wm Foye Treaserer
Eliza Foye
This is a True Copey of ye Province Treasurer Recept
Attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
Topsfield May ye 15 Day 1751
We the Subscribers Being appointed by ye Towne of Topsfield
and Boxford to Prambelate and Renew ye Bounds Bettween
Each Town according to the Records of Each Town and Have
Prembelated and Renewed the Bounds according as the Law
Directs. Joseph Hale Jr
John Gould
Simon Gould
Aaron R 

88 TOWN RECORDS OF
This is a True Record of the Prambelations Between Tops-
field and Boxford Attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
We the Subscribers Being appointed and Impowered by the
Selectmen of Wenham and Topsfield to prambulate and renew
ye Bounds Between our Said Towns as followeth begining att
a White oak Stump near Theophilus fisk Bam it Being Salem
Northerly Corner bound thence Easterly to a Stake and heap of
Stones on ye West Side of the Road Leading from Wenham
Causaway to Bunkers medow by the Stone wall from Thence
to a Plump of Mapels So Called but now a Stump Thence as the
Brook Runs to a Stake and heap of Stones at the Going Over the
Brook from thence to ye Southersterly Comer of Pidgens medow
(so Called) and So to the River all Which is according to the
Settelment in the year 1740 and In Confirmation of above Writ
ten We have hearunto Set our Hands this 29th Day of April
1751 Matthew Peabody Thomas Tarbox
Jacob DwineU Theophilus ffisk
Richard Towne John Gott
A True Copy Attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
We the Subscribers being appointed to Preambulate and Re
new the Bounds Between Salem and Topsfield accordingly Met
on the Thirteenth Day of May 1751 Renew the bounds Be
gining at a Stump With a heap of Stones Round It near Wean-
ham Causway and from thence to a Black or Red Stump With
a Heap of Stones Round It Standing in Sam" Gott orchard and
from thence to a heap of Stones near Thomas Dwinells Comer
of his Paster and from thence to a heap of Stones Near To
NeckoUs Brook and So on the Same Corse to the Said Brook
Benja Towne Stephen Putnam
EUsha Towne Eleajer Porter
Elijah Porter David Putman
Henry Putnam
Eleazer Porter
George Gould
A tme Copy attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
Essex ss To Jacob Robinson one of ye Constables of the Town
of Topsfield Greeting Yea are hearby Required in his Majestes
Name forthwith to worn all ye free holders and other Inhaba
tance yt are Qualified by Law for Voting in ye South Ward in

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 89
Said Topsfield to Conven Together att ye meeting house In said
Topsfield on Tuesday the fourteenth of May Next Ensuing att
Two O Clock aftemoon
1 To Chouse a Repesentive to Serve att ye Greate and Gen
eral Court according to Preceypt
2 To Chouse a Comtee To Supply ye Town With a Schol
Master for the year Ensuing
3 To See if the Town Chouse a Comtee to Repare ye Meeting
House 4 To See if the Town will Sell or Seal the Pue yt Stands at
the Reight hand of the front Door in the meeting house
5 to See if the Town will Let Swine go att Large as the Law
Directs 6 To allow BiUs of Charge
hearof fail not and rriak Retum of this Worrant with your
Doings to one or more of ye Selectmen of Said Town at time
and Place above mentioned
Topsfield April 25th 1751 Benja Towne
Matthew Peabody
John Gould
Sam" Smith
Elijah Porter j
A Tme Copy of ye Worrant attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
A proper Retum being made the Meeting followers
At a Legal Town meeting in Topsfield May ye 14th 1751
1 The Town made Choise of Mr David Balch to Represent
the Town att the Great and General Court to be holden att
Boston the year Ensuing.
and their being other Bissness to be Done
Deacon George Bixby is Chosen modrater for this Present
Meeting Voted
3 Mr Luke AvriU Mr Elisha Wildes Mr Israel Avril are Chosen
a Commitee to provide the Town with a School for the year
Ensuing Voted
4 Voted that the Selectmen Should Be a Commitee to Repare
the Meeting house this Present year
5 The Town agreed To SeU ye Pue yt Stands at the Reight
hand of the front Door in the meeting- house Voted
6 the Town agreed yt Swine Should go att Large the year
Insuing Providing thay are as the Law Directs Voted

.Selectmen
¦^of Topsfield

90 TOWN RECORDS OF
We the Subscribers being appointed to pramblate and Renew
the bounds between Topsfield and Middleton accordingly met
on the thirteenth Day of may 1751 renewed the bounds begin
ing at a heap of Stones in the Brook near the Saw Mill which
is a bound Between Salem and Topsfield from thence as the
Brook runs to a small Elmn tree att the Northeasterly branch
of ye sd Brook Thence as the Said Northesterly branch Runs
to a heap of Stones by the River
Benja Towne Zorababel Peabody
EUsha Towne Jonathan Knights
Elijah Porter Isaac Kenney
A Tme Copy attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
Essex ss To Jacob Robinson one of ye Constables of ye Town
of Topsfield Greeting
You are hearby required in his majesties name forthwith to
wom all ye freeholders and other Inhabatance yt are Qualified
by Law for Voting in the South Ward in Said Town to Conven to
gether att the meeting house in said town on Tuesday the Ninth
Day of July Next att Three of ye Clock In the aftemoon
1 To See if the Town will whorfe the River of from the Causey
on the North Side of ye Rever Bridge this present year and to
See if the Town will whorfe said River with Stone or wood or
to agree upon any thing else what soever that wUl by any way
or means prevent the River waring away the said River and
Bridge and to See if the Town Will Defray the Charges of
Whorfing Said River by Laying a Tax for it or to agree Upon
any other proper meuthard to Perform Said Bisness
2 To See if the Town will new Cover the meeting House or
any Part of it this Present year and to Chuse a Comtee to new
Cover Said meeting house or any part of it that the Town shall
agree to new Cover
3 To Choose a man or two to Serve with the School Comtee
this Present year in the Room of any of Said Commitee yt
Refuse to Serve
4 To See If the Town will Reconsider the Vote that was
passed att the Last Town meeting for to Sell the Pue that
Stands att the right hand of the front Door in the meeting
house and to See if the Town will agree to have so many
persons seated in itt as will be Convenant to Set in it
5 To alow Bills of Charge
Hearof fail not and make Retum of this worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of Said Town att Time
and Place above mentioned

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 91
Topsfield June 17th 1751
Jacob Robinson Constable Benja Towne ^
Mathew Peabody r, , ^
John Gould '(Selectmen

1^

Elijah porter [of Topsfield
Sam" Smith J
A Tme Copy of the worrant Attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
Proper Returns being made on both worrants the meeting
followeth At a Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield on ye ninth Day of
July A D 1751
1 Capt Benja Towne is Chosen Moderator for Said Meeting
2 Elijah Porter is Chosen Clerk for said meeting and was
Sworn 3 Voted that the River Shall be Whorfed with wood or Stone
or both as the Surveyors of the heigh ways of said town Shall
think most Expedient and that the Said Survayers Shall wom
and Imply all the men in Said Town and Teams to work and
Whorfe said River — in the Same Manner and form as has been
the usuall practice of working at the Heighways in Said Town
4 The Town agreed to Repair the Easterly Gutters on the
Roof of the Meeting House Voted
5 Messirs Nathan Wood and Robert Smith is Chosen a
Comtee to repair Said Parts of Said Meeting House Voted
6 Mr Elisha Towne is Chousen to Serve with the School
Comtee this Present Year in the Room of Elisha Wilds Voted
7 Voted That the Town Reconsider the Vote that was passed
att the Last Town Meeting for to Sell the Pue that Stands att
the Right hand of the meeting house frunt Door
the above is the whole of what was acted at Said Meeting
pr Elijah Porter Clerk for sd Meeting
A True Copy attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
Essex ss To Jacob Robinson one of the Constables of ye
Town of Topsfield Greeting You are Required in his majesties
name fourthwith to Wom all the Freeholders and other Inhab
atance that are Qualified by Law for Voting In the South Ward
in Said Topsfield to Conven and meet together att ye Meeting
House in Said Topsfield on Tuesday the Seventeenth Day of
September Instant att Two of the Clock in the aftemoon
1 to Chouse Jurymen to Serve at Newbury Court as the Law
Directs

92 TOWN RECORDS OF
2 Whareas the Town Voted the Rev* Mr Emerson one Hun
dred Pounds in Bills of Publick Creedit or one hundred Pounds
of Such Other money as Should Be Passing for his Salary an
nually when he Settled in Said Town and whareas The money
is now Stated to See if the Town wUl alow the Said Mr Emerson
One Hundred Pounds money (and if not) then to See if ye Town
Comes to a new Settlement with ye sd Mr Emerson Respecting
Said Salary
3 to See how much money the Town wiU Raise to Defray the
Town Charges the year Ensuing
4 To alow bills of Charge
Hearof faU not and make retum of this worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of Said Topsfield at
Time and Place above mentioned
Topsfield Sept 3th 1751 Benja Towne ) g^j^^^^
J°h°,G°^J5 fof Topsfield
Elijah porter ; '^
A Tme Copy of the worrant attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
a proper retum Being made on Both worrants the meeting
followed Att a Legal Town meeting in Topsfield September ye 17th
1751 1 Capt Benja Towne Is Chosen Modrater for this Meeting Voted
2 Mr Thomas Perkins Mr EUjah Porter are Drawn out of the
Box to Serve as Jurymen att ye Next Infeurer Court to be holden
att Newbury and then the Town Voted yt ye meeting Should be
adjumed and Accordingly ye moderater adjumed sd meeting to
the first Tuesday of October next Ensuing at one of ye Clock
aftemoon Att a Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield held by adjumment
from the 17th of Sept to the first Day of October and Being Met
3 The Town agreed if the Selectmen Should Lay a Tax of one
Hundred and Ten Pounds Lawfull Money upon ye Inhabatance
of the Town to Defray the Charges the year Ensuing Voted
4 Capt Tobijah perkins is Chosen Grand Jury man to Serve
at ye next Supearer Court To be holden att Salem Voted
5 Capt Joseph Gould is Drawn out of ye Box to Serve a Jury
man att the Next Superer Court to Be holden at Salem
6 the Town aUowed to Mr Thomas Gould and Mr John Gould
fifteen Shilling and Ten Pence for fencing Stuf and Laber about
the personage Voted £0 15 10

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 93
Essex ss To William Rogers one of ye Constables of ye Town
of Topsfield Greeting You are hearby required In his majesties
Name forthwith to wom all the freeholders and other Inhabatance
that are Qualified by Law for Voting In the North ward in said
Town to Conven Together att ye meeting House in Said Town On
Monday ye Twenty fifth of November Instant att one of ye
Clock in the afternoon
1 To Chouse a Commitie To Treat with the Rev* Mr Emer
son in order to Know upon what Terms he will Establish a
Settled agreement with ye Town respecting his Salery and when
they have so Don to Lay Before ye Town as Soon as may be
what his Terms of agreement are for the Town Exceptance If
thay See Cause and in Case no agreement Can be Made By this
meathed then to See how much money the Selectmen Shall
order The Town Treasurer to Pay ye sd Rev'* Mr Emerson for
his Salary from the Second of march 1750 to the Second Day of
March 1751
2 To See if the Town will repare any part of the meeting
house before the Spring of the year and to Chouse a Committee
to Repare Such Parts of said meeting house as ye Town Shall
agree to Have Repared
3 To alow Bills of Charge
Hearof fail not and make Return of this worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of said Town att Time
and Place above mentioned
Topsfield November 13th 1751 Benjamon Towne^
Mathew peabody (Selectmen
Elijah Porter [of Topsfield
Samuel Smith J
A Tme Copy of the worrant attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
proper retums being made on Borth worrants the meeting
follows At a Legal Town Meeting In Topsfield November ye 25th
1751 1 Capt Benja Towne is Chosen modreater for this meeting Voted
2 Voted that the Selectmen Shall order the Town Treasurer
to Pay to the Rev* Mr Emerson fifty Three Pounds Six Shillings
and Eight pence Lawfull money in full for his salary from March
ye 2nd 1750 to march the 2nd 1751 Provided Mr Emerson Gives
a Receipt in full for said year

94 TOWN RECORDS OF
The Town aUowed to Mr Israel Aurvel and others School
Comtee Six Pounds LawfuU money for to Pay the School Master
for Three Months Schooling the Summer Past £6 0 0
Wee the Subscribers a Comtte Appointed By the Selectmen of
Topsfield and Ipswich To Pramblelate the Line Between the
Towns have perambulated Said Line and Renewed the Boimds
Between Topsfield and Ipswich as formerly
Dated Topsfield Deer 17th 1751
Samuel Rogers |comtee for Benja Towne ) ^^^ ^^^
This is a Tme Copy attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
The Freeholders and other Inhabatance of the Town of Tops-
field that are Qualified by Law for A'oting are hearby notefied
and womed to Conven and meet Together att the meeting house
in Said Town on Tuesday the Third Day of March next Ensuing
the Date hearof at nine of the Clock in the forenoon
1 To Choose Selectmen and a Town Clerk and aU Other Town
Officers as the Law Directs for the year Ensuing
2 To Choose Jury men as the Law Directs
3 to Except of the Selectmens Reckining with the Town Treas
urer 4 To aUow BiUs of Charges
Topsfield Febr 21st 1752 Benja Towne ^
EUjah Porter 1 Selectmen
Matthew Peabody

'

John Gould I of Topsfield
Samll Smith J
A True Copy of ye notification attest Rich* Towne Town Clerk
A Retum being made of woming the said meeting foUows
Att a Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield March ye 3rd 1752
1 Capt Benja Towne is Chosen Modrater for this meeting Voted
2 Mr Jacob Avirel Capt Benja Towne Clerk Samll Smith Mr
EUjah Porter and Qurt Dan Clarke are Chosen Selectmen for
the year Insuing Voted
3 Richard Towne is Chosen Town Clerk for the year Ensuing Voted
4 Mr John Balch is Chosen Constable for the year Ensuing
Voted and Stephen Perkins is Chosen Constable to Serve in the
Rum and Stead of his father John Perkins Voted

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 95
5 Capt Benja Towne is Chosen Town Treasurer for the year
Insuing Voted
6 Jacob DwineU Elisha Towne John Bradstreet Stephen ffoster
Thos Perkins are Chosen Surveyers of highways for the year
Ensuing Voted
7 David Balch Jr John Bordman and David Towne are Chosen
Tything men for the year Ensuing Voted
8 Joshua Towne Junr is Chosen Sealer of Lather ye year En
suing Voted
9 Ephraim Willdes Aaron Estey and Thomas Symonds is
Chosen fence veuirs for the year Ensuing Voted
10 Michael DwineU Junr and Joseph Hovey is Chosen Hog
reaves for the year Ensuing Voted
11 Leut Luke Auvrel is Chosen to Serve on the Grand Jury
for the year Ensuing Voted
12 Jeremiah Towne and Thos Symonds are appointed to Serve
on the Jury of Tryalls att the Inferer Court to be holden att
Ipswich 13 The Tovsm allowed to mr John Davies former Constable
what John Redington was Rated in said Davies List when he
was Constable Voted
14 the Town alowed to Israel Clarke former Constable John
Redington Rates for the year A D 1747 A D 1748 Voted
15 The Town alowed to Jeremiah Towne one shilling and
Eleven pence it being an abatment of Samll porters Reats
Voted 0 1 11
16 The Town alovfed to Samll Smith former Constable five
Shillings and Three pence it being an abatment of Nath' Hood
Reat Voted 0 5 3
17 the Town allowed to the School Commitee that is Luke
Auvrel and others nine pounds 9 0 0
18 The Town alowed to Sundry Parsons for Bording the School
Master Six Pounds four Shillings 6 4 0
and to Nathi Towne for Sweeping the meeting house Sixteen
ShiUings 0 16 0
The persons above said to which an Oath Belonged was
Sworn to the Faithfull Discharge of their Ofices on the third Day
of march A D 1752 Excepting Capt Towne John Bordman Aaron
Easty and Michael DwineU
May ye 16 : 1752 Capt Benja Towne Toke the Oath of a
Town Treasurer Michael DwineU Junr Was Sworn to the Office
of a hog Reaver on the third Day of March 1752 as Jacob Auvrel
Dan Clarke and Elijah porter the present Selectmen Entred by
order Richard Towne Town Clerk

96 TOWN RECORDS OF
Essex ss To Stephen Perkins one of the Constables of ye Town
of Topsfield Greeting You are required in his Majesties name
forthwith to Wom ye freeholders and Other Inhabantes that
are qualified by Law for Voting in the North ward in Said Town
to Conven Together att the Meeting house in Said Town on
Tuesday the Twenty fourth of March Instant att Two of the
Clock in the after noon
1 To Choose a Comtee to Supply the Town with a School
Master for the year Insuing
2 to Choose a Comtee to repare the Personage fence the year
Ensuing 3 to Choose a Comtee to Treat with the rev"* Mr Emerson in
order to Know Upon What Termes he will Discharge the Town
for his Sallary for the two years Past and also from year To
year Dureing ye time of his ministry amongst us and when thay
have So Don to Lay before the Town What his Terms of Settle
ment is to See if the Town will Except of them
4 to See if the Town Will Lett Swine go att Large as ye Law
Directs the year Ensuing
5 for the Town to Bring in their votes for a County Treasurer
6 To alow BiUs of Charge
hearof fail not and make retum of this worrant With your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen at time and place above
mentioned Topsfield March ye 10th 1752

Benja Towne
Jacob Avirel

Selectmen

Dan Clarke rrrj. c u
Elijah porter [of Topsfield
Sam" Smith _,
A Tme Copy of the Worrant attest Richard Towne Tovsm Clerk
A Proper Retum being made on Both Worrants of Woming
the Inhabatance of the Town the meeting followeth
Att a Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield March the 24th 1752
1 Capt Benja Towne is Chosen Mordrator for this meeting Voted
2 Voted that the Selectmen are Chosen a Comtee to Supply
the Town With a School Master the year Ensuing
3 Capt Thomas Baker Mr Simon Gould and Mr John Bord
man are Chosen a Comtee to Reparer the Personage fence the
year Insuing Voted
4 Mr David Balch Leu* Joseph Dorman and Mr Nath" Porter

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 97
are Chosen a Comtee to Treat With the Revn^ Mr Emerson and
to Know upon what Terms he will Settel his Sallary Voted
5 Voted that Swine Should go at Large the Year Ensuing
Providing thay are yoaked and ringed as the Law Directs
Essex ss To Stephen Perkins one of ye Constables of ye
Town of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name You are
required to Worn all the freeholders and other Inhabatants
of Said Town that are quallified by Law for voting to Conven
and meet Together att the meeting House in Said Town on
Wendesday the thirteenth Day of May next Insuing att Two
of the Clock afternoon
1 To See if the Town Will Except of the Comtee Return that
Was Chosen to Treat with ye rev* Mr Emerson Respecting his
Salary 2 To Choose a Repersentive according to Presecpt
3 To See if ye Town Will Repare ye Meeting House and in
Case the Town agrees to repare sd House then to See if the
Town Will Sell all the room round the Inside of the Said House
that is Conveanant to have Pues bult in to Such of the Inhabatats
of Said Town as will Bid most for Said room and in Case ye
town agrees to have said house repared and the said room Sould
as above said then to see if ye Town will Choose a Comtee to
repair said House and to Lay out said room and sell it as afor
sd 4 To See if the Selectmen shall Draw money out of ye Town
Treasurer to pay the County Taxes Which ye Town is required
to pay by the Last Day of July Next it being five pounds Twelve
Shillings and nine pence
5 To See if the Town Will make a new regulation of mens
Names in ye Boxes for Jurymen as the Law Directs
6 To allow Bills of Charge
Topsfield April 28 1752 Jacob Auvrer
Dan Clark (Selectmen
Elijah porter r'of Topsfield
Sam" Smith J
hearof fail not and make return of this worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen at time and place above
mentioned A Tme Copy of the Worrant attest Rich* Towne Town Clerk
a proper Retum being made of worning the inhabatance the
meeting follows

98

TOWN RECORDS OF

At a Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield may ye 13th 1752
1 Elijah Porter Was Chosen Clark for said meeting and Sworn
2 Capt Benja Towne was Chosen morderator for this said
meeting 3 The Town voted that the Selectmen shall Draw money out
of Town Treasury to Pay the County Tax it being five pounds
Twelve Shillings and nine pence
The Names of the Serveaarl persons which the Town voted
to Serve att the Seupearer Court Capt Tobijah perkins Capt
Benja Towne Miss's George Bixby Daniel Gould David Balch
Richard Towne Capt Thos Baker Leut Joseph Dormon Leut
Thos Gould Cor David Commings Ens NathU Auvrell Qur Dan
Clarke Miss's John Bathalder Elijah porter

The Names of ye
serve at ye Infearer
Leut Luke Auvrel
Joseph Peabody
Jacob Robinson
John Gould
Simon Gould
Jacob Avirell
Samll Towne
John Davies
Aaron Eastey
Jeremiah Towne
Matthew Peabody
NathU Porter J'
Jacob Perkins Jun'
Stephen Foster
Zacchuas Gould

Several persons which ye Town Voted to

Court Nathan Hood
Elisha Towne
Thos Perkins
John Perkins
Thos Symonds
Samll Smith
Thos DwineU
Jacob DwineU
David Towne
Dan" Byxby
Benja Byxby
David Balch Jr
John Balch
William Rogers
Elieser Gould
Elijah Porter

Israel Auvrell
Joshua Towne Jun'
Thos perkins Jun^
Stephen Perkins
David Perkins
Robert Perkins
John Bradstreet
Jeremiah Auvrell
Elisha Cummings
Aurther Brown
John Willdes
EUsha Willdes
Aaron Hovey
Jabes Towne
Cler for said meeting

E^ex ss To John Balch one of ye Constables of ye Town of
Topsfield Greeting In his majesties name you are required
fourthwith to Wom all the freeholders and other Inhabatance that
are Qualified by Law for voting in the South ward in said Town
to Conveen together att the meeting house in Said Town on
Tuesday the Second Day of June Next Insuing the Date hearof
at Two of ye Clock aftemoon
1 to See What answer the Tovra WiU Retum to the Rev*
Mr Emerson Conseming the Proposals he sent to the Town by
the Commtee that Was Chosen to Treet With him Respectting
his Sallary

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 99
2 To See if the Town Will Repair the meeting house
3 To Choues a Commitee to Repair Said house and to give
them Instmctions how thay Shall Repair Said house
4 To See if the Town will Sell all the Room round the Inside
of the meeting house yt is Conveanient to have pues Bult on to
Such of the Inhabatances of Said Town as Will Give most for
Said Room
5 to Choues a Comtee to Lay out all the Said Room that is
Convenient to have Pues Boult on and to Sell it as afforesaid
6 To See What Meathod the Town wUl Come into in order
to preserve the River Bridge and Causaway from the Distruc-
tion of the Water
7 To allow BUls of Charge
hearof fail not and make Retum of this worrant With your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of Said Town at time
and Place above mentioned

Selectmen
of Topsfield

Topsfield May 26th 1752 Benja Towne
Jacob Avirel
Dan Clarke
Samll Smith
Elijah porter
a True Copy of the worrant attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
proper retums being made of Woming the Inhabatance of
the Town of Topsfield the meeting followeth
At a Legal Town Meeting In Topsfield June 2nd 1752
1 Capt Thos Baker is Chosen modrater for this meeting Voted
2 It was Put to vote to See if the Town Will allow the Rev^
Mr Emerson any more money for the Two years Last past and
it past in the Negetive
3 The Town Voted to Repair the meeting house
4 Decn George Bixby Capt Tobijah Perkins Decn Daniel
Gould Mr Nath" Porter and Mr John Bordman are Chosen a
Comtee To Repair the meeting house
Voted yt the meeting should be adjumed and then the sd
modrator adjum* said meeting to the ninth Day of June Instant
att Two of ye Clock in the after noon
At a Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield held by adjurnment
from the Second Day of June to the ninth of the Same Mounth
& then met
5 The Town voted the Instmctions Given to the Comtee above

100 TOWN RECORDS OF
said is to mend the Glass and to stop the Leaks in the Roof of
the meeting house
6 It was put to vote to see if the Town will SeU the Room in
the Inside of the meeting house Conveanent for puse and it past
in the Negetive
7 Voted that ye present Survoyers shaU Do their Indever to
pervent the Water Waring away the Bridge and Causey
Essex ss To Stephen Perkins one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties name you are re
quired forethwith to Wom all the freeholders and other Inhab
atance of said Town that are qualified by Law for voting to
Convean together att the meeting house in said Town one Tues
day the nineteenth Day of Sept next at one of the Clock after
noon 1 To Choose Juoryes for Newbury Court
2 in as much as ye Town appUed to the Rev* Mr Emerson to
Know upon What Terms he Would make a Settlement respect
ing his Salary and Whareas ye sd Rev* Mr Emerson made pro
posals to the Town Respecting his Salary to See What answer
ye Town Will make to ye sd proposalls and In Case the Town
Do not make a Direct answer to sd proposasals then to see if
ye Town will Choouse a Comtee too advise the Town What
answer to make to ye said porposalls
3 to See how much money the Town WiU Raise to Defray
ye Town Charges the year Ensuing
4 To See how much money the Town will Rais to Repare the
meeting house
5 To See if the Town will Repair ye meeting house by new
Covering the roof in the Same Shape it is in now or weather
thay will Cut of the Lucombs and make the Roof four Squar
or Weather thay will raise a principal at Each Comer so as to
make ye north and South Roofs the Whole Length of sd house
and so high as the platform to Each end of sd house and to see
if the Town will new Clabbord aU ye Sides of said house and
make new Winders or to repair any part of the Sides and win
ders as the Town shall agree to have Repared
6 to Choose a Comtee to Repare Said house as ye Town shaU
agree to have Repared
7 to allow BUls of Charge
hearof fail not and make retum of this worrant with your
Doings Therein to one or more of the Select men of sd Town at
time and Place above mentioned
Topsfield August 31st 1752

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 101

Benja Towne ^
Jacob Averell 01 4.
^, ^1 , I Selectmen
Dan Clarke >r T^^^f,^^J
Sam" Smith [of Topsfield
Elijah porter ^
A Tme Copy of the worrant attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
a proper Return being made of Worning the Inhabatance of
this Town the meeting followeth
att a Legall Town Meeting in Topsfield Sept ye 19th 1752
1 Capt Benja Towne is Choosen modrator for this meeting Voted
2 Mr Jacob Perkins and Mr Joshua Towne Jun' are Drawn
out of the Box to Serve on the Jury of tryalls att the next In
fearer Couart to Be holden at Newbury
3 Deacon George Bixby Mr Elijah Porter Capt Thos Baker
Capt lovery Hovey Capt Joseph Gould and Mr David Balch are
Chosen a Comtee to Draw up an answer to the proposalls of the
Rev* Mr Emersons porposalls and Lay it before the Town at the
next Town meeting for their Exceptance Voted
and then the meeting was adjumed to the firest Tuesday of
October next Insuing at one of the Clock in the afternoon
att a Legall Town Meeting in Topsfield held An adjurnment
from the nineteenth Day of September to the third Day of
October and then met
1 The Town agreed yt ye Selectmen shall Lay a Tax upon
the Inhabatance of the Town of one hundred pounds Lawfull
money To Defray the Charges of the Town the year Ensuing Voted
2 the Town voted to Rais money to Repare the meeting house
3 Mr Thos Symonds Mr David Balch Jun' are Chosen to Joyn
with Mr John Bordman one of a former Com'ee to Repair the
meeting house Voted
4 the Town alowed to the Selectmen for the School Master
Two pounds Two Shillings and Eight pence Voted
5 the Town alowed to Jeremiah Averel Ten Shillings and Two
pence Lawfull money it being an abatment of Moses Perkins
head money £0 10s 2p
Essex ss To John Balch one of ye Constables of the Town of
Topsfield Greeting in his Majesties name you are hearby re
quired forth With to Worn all the freeholders and other Inhab
atance in the South ward of said Town that are Qualified by

102 TOWN RECORDS OF
Law for Voting to Convean together at the meeting house in
said Town on Fryday ye theirteenth Day of October Instant att
Two of ye Clock aftemoon
1 to Choose Jurymen to Serve at the next Sup' Court to be
Holden at Salem as the Law Directs
2 To Choouse a Comtee to Informe the Rev* Mr Emerson
what Sum of money the Town Voted at the Last Town Meeting
in answer to the proposals he made to the Town Respecting his
Salary and also to retum answer to the Town from the Rev*
Mr Emerson Whether he will Excipt of Said Sum as it was vot
ed and In case ye Rev* Mr Emerson Will not Except of ye Sum
as it was Voted, then to See if the Town will Confirm the matter
by Voting that the Rev* Mr Emerson shall have the Sum of
money being Sixty Six pounds thirteen Shillings and four pence
on the Same Conditions as is mentioned in said vote : or to See
What ye Tovni will Do Respecting the Rev* Mr Emerson Salary
3 to allow BUls of Charge
hearof fail not and make retum of this worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of said Town at time
and place above mentioned
Topsfield Oct' 9t" 1752 Benja Towne^
Sam" Snith (Selectmen
Elijah porter [of Topsfield
Dan Clarke J
A Tme Copy of the Worrant :
attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
A proper Retum being made of Woming the Inhabatants of
ye Town of Topsfield the Meeting followed
Att a Legal Tovra Meeting in Topsfield Oct' ye 13t" 1752
1 Capt Benja Towne is Chosen modrator for this meeting Voted
2 Mr Aaron Eastey is Chosen to Serve on the Grand jury at
the next Sup' Couert to be holden at Salem Voted
3 Deacon George Bixby and Ensine Nath" Averel are Dravra
out of the Box to serve on the Jury of Tryalls at the next Sup
earer Court to be holden at Salem
4 The Town allowed to Jacob DwineU fifteen Shillings for one
Hundred forty and four foot of White oak plank which he had
of Leut Luke Averel £0 15s Od
Essex ss To John Balch one of the Constables of ye Town of
Topsfield Greeting In his majesties Name you are required

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 103
hearby required forthwith to Worn all ye freeholders and other
Inhabatants that are Quallified for voting by Law in the South
Ward in Said Town to Convean together at the Meeting House
in Said Town on Thursday the ninth Day of November Instant
att Two of ye Clock after noon
Whareas ye Rev* Mr Emerson has made Applacation to us to
Grant Orders to the Town Treasurer to pay to him ye Sum of
fifty pounds of money in part of his Salary according to Con
tract and the matter being unsetteled it also being Disputable
what the Tme Sum Desined in said Contract is and as their has
Been propossells made for a Settelment and we having no Direct
orders from the Town What Sum of money to order ye said
Town Treasurer to Pay the said Rev* Mr Emerson for his an-
nueall Sallary we therefore Lay Before the Town ye following
articules 1 To See if the Town will Give ye Rev* Mr Emerson the Sum
of Sixty Six Pounds Thirteen Shillings and four pence for his
annuall Sallary according to the advise of Capt Joseph Gould
Deacon George Bixby and others a Comtee appointed on pur
pose to advise ye Town in said affare and in Case ye Town shall
not agree to Give ye Rev* Mr Emerson ye Sum aforesaid then
2 To See if the Town will Leve the matter in Controvacrsy
respecting the said rev* Mr Emerson Sallary to the Determina
tion of a Comtee of our own Cloth mutually Chosen by the said
Rev* Mr Emerson and the Town and in Case ye Town Shall not
agree to Choose a Comtee as aforesaid then
3 To Choose said Comtee finally to Settel ye matter Between
the Rev* Mr Emerson and the town Respecting his said Sallary
& in Case ye Town shall not Agree to any of the above artucUes
then 4 for the Town to propose Sum proper meathard in order to
accomadate a Just Settelment Between ye revd Mr Emerson
and the Tovsti respecting his Sallary
Hearof fail Not and make Retum of this Worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen att Time and Place
above Mentioned
Topsfield November 8th 1752 Benja Towne ) ^ i ^
Jacob AvereUpflptmen
Sam" Smith [of Topsfield
A Tme Copy of the Worrant attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
Proper Returns being made of Woming the Inhabatance of
Town of Topsfield on both worrants the meeting foUowth

104 TOWN RECORDS OF
At a Legal Town meeting in Topsfield November ye 9th 1752
1 Capt Benja Town is Chosen modrator for this meeting Voted
2 it was put to Vote to See If the Tovra Will Give the rev*
Mr Emerson Sixty Six pounds Thirteen Shillings and four pence
and it past in the Negetive
3 and then it was Put to vote to See if thay would Chouse a
Comtee according to worrant and it past in the Negetive
and then the modrator adjum* said meeting to munday the
thirteenth Day of November Instant at one of ye Clock aftemoon
att a Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield held by adjumment
from the ninth Day of Nov™ Instant to the Thirteenth of the
same Mounth and then met
the forth artiule pased in the Negetive
Essex ss Stephen Perkins one of the Constables of ye Town
of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties name you are hearby
required forthwith to wom all the freeholders and other In
habatance in the North ward in said Town that are qualiefied
by Law for voting to Conven and meet Together att the Meet
ing House in said Town on Tuesday The fifth Day of December
Next att Ten of the Clock in ye foumoon
1 To See if the Town Will Give ye Rev* Mr Emerson ye Sum
of Sixty Six Pounds Thirteen ShilUngs and four pence for his
annuall Salary according to the advise of Capt Joseph Gould
Dec" Ivory Hovey and others a Comtee that was Chosen by the
Town for that purpose and in Case it be not Comply* with then
2 To See What Method ye Town Will porpose to the Rev* Mr
Emerson for to make a Just Settlement with him respecting his
Salary 3 To See if ye Town will Build one or more School houses
and to agre Whare they Shall be Sett
Hearof fail not and make retum of this worrant with your
Doing to one or more of ye Selectmen of Said Town at Time
and place above mentioned

Topsfield Novr 231* 1752 Benja Towne^
Dan Clarke , Selectmen
Sam" Smith j
A Tme Copy of the Worrant attest Richard Towne Town Clerk

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 105
Proper retums Being made of woming the Inhabatance of the
Town of Topsfield on Both Worrants the meeting followed
At a Legall Town Meeting in Topsfield December ye 5th 1752
1 Capt Tobijah Perkins is Chosen modrator for this meeting Voted
2 It was put to Vote Sundry times to see If the Town Will
Give the Rev* Mr Emerson Sixty Six pounds Thirteen Shillings
and four pence and It Past in the Negative
Essex ss To John Balch one of ye Constables of the Town of
Topsfield in his Majesties Name you are hearby required fourth
with to worn all the freeholders and other Inhabatance in the
South ward in said Town that are Qualified by Law for Voting
to Conven and meet together at ye meeting House in said Town
on Wednsday the Thirteenth Day of December Instant at Twelve
of ye Clock on said Day
1 To See if the Town will Give ye Revd Mr Emerson Sixty
Six Pounds Thirteen Shillings and four Pence Lawfull money
for his Salary as the former Comtee Reported or to See what
money the Town wiU Give the Revd Mr Emerson as Salary for
the present year according to the request of Capt Thomas Baker
and others
2 To alow Bills of Charge
Hearof fail not and make retum of this worrant with your
Doings to one or more of ye Selectmen of said Town at time
and place above mentioned
Topsfield December 5th 1752 Jacob AvereH
Dan Clarke (Selectmen
Sam" Smith (^of Topsfield
Elijah porter J
A tme Copy of the worrant attest Richard Towne Town Cler
proper retums being made of Woming the Inhabatance of ye
Town the meeting followeth
At a Legall Town Meeting in Topsfield December ye 13th 1752
1 Capt Benja Towne is Chosen modrator for this meeting Voted
2 It was put to Vote to See if the Town WiU Give the Revd
Mr Emerson Sixty Six pounds Thirteen Shillings and four pence
and it past in the Negative
3 The Town Voted to Give the Revd Mr Emerson fifty Three
pounds Six Shillings and Eight pence as Salary from march ye
2nd 1752 To March 1753 provided the Revd Mr Emerson Give
a Recept in full When he Rec* the Said Sum

106 TOWN RECORDS OF
4 The Town alowed to Mr John Bordman and Mr David
Balch Jun' for Citing the meeting house Glass Mended one pound
on Shilling and four pence Lawfull money Voted £1 Is 4d
5 the Town allowed to Stephen foster for Timber and fifty
four feet of Two Inch plank Six Shillings and Eight pence
Voted £0 6s 8d
Essex ss To Stephen Perkins one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name You are
required fourthwith to worn all the freeholders and other In
habatants of the said Town that are Qualified by Law for Vot
ing to Convean and meet together att the meeting House in
Topsfield on Tuesday the Sixth Day of March Next Ensuing
the Date hearof att nine of the Clock In the fore noon
1 To Choose Selectmen a Town Clerk and Constables and all
other Town Officers for the year Ensuing as the Law Directs
2 to See if the Town Will Exceept of the Selectmen Recken
ing With the Town Treasurer
3 To Choose Jurymen to Serve at Ipswich Court Next accord
ing to worrant
4 To allow Bills of Charge
Hearof fail Not and make retum of this Worrant With your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of said Town at Time
and Place above mentioned

Topsfield Febr 22nd 1753

Benja Towne^
Jacob Averel
Dan Clarke > ^ ^^ /- u
Sam" Smith [of Topsfield
Elijah porter J

Selectmen

A Tme Copy of the worrant attest Richard Towne Town Cli^
A Proper retum being made of worning the Inhabatance of
the Town of Topsfield the meeting followeth
Att a Legall Town Meeting in Topsfield March 6th 1753
1 Capt Benja Towne is Chosen Modrator for this meeting Voted
2 Capt Benja Towne Mess's Jacob Averel Sam" Smith Dan
Clarke Elijah Porter are Chosen Selectmen for the year Ensuing Voted
3 Richard Towne is Chosen Town Clark for the year Insuing Voted
4 Mrssrs Elisha Towne and John Bathalder are Chosen Con
stables for the year Ensuing Voted

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 107
5 Mr Nath" Porter is Chosen Town Treasurer for the year
Insuing Voted
6 Mr John Gould Elisha Willdes and Authur Brown is Chosen
Tything men for the year Insuing
7 Messrs Jeremiah Averel Jeremiah Towne Benja Bixby David
Balch Junr Aaron Hovey Are Chosen Suevoyers of highways for
the year Insuing Voted
8 Mr Joshua Towne is Chosen Sealer of Lather for the year
Insuing Voted
9 Messrs Nathan Hood John Bordman Elisha Commings are
Chosen fence vewers the year Insuing Voted
10 Messrs Joseph Peabody Thos Symonds are Chosen Hog
reaves for the year Ensuing Voted
11 The Town Exepted of the Selectmens Rickening with the
Town Treasurer and their Remains in Said Treasurer hand not
ordred out ninty Eight Pounds Theirteen Shillings and Three
Pence £98 13s 3d
12 Mr John Bordman is Chosen Grand Jury for the year
Ensuing Voted
13 Msrs's William Rogers Stephen forster are Chosen to Serve
on the Jury of Tryalls Next to Be holden att Ipswich
12 The Town allowed to Mr Thomas Symonds five Shillings
and four pence for Pine Bords to mend the Meeting House :
£0 5s 4d Voted
13 The Town allowed to Mr Simon Gould Nineteen Shillings
and one pence for fenceing Stufe and Laber about the Parsonage
to mend the said fence Voted £0 19s Id
14 the Town allowed to Mr Elisha Town four Shillings nine
pence Happance for Timber to Mend Robinson Bridge So Called
Voted £0 4s 9d 1/2
15 The Town allowed to Mr John Baker Sixteen Shillings for
Bording the School master one mounth Voted 0 16 0
16 the Town allowed to Mr Thomas Perkins Eight Pence for
Timber to mend a Bridge With by Capt Gould Voted 0 0 8
17 the Town allowed to Qur Dan Clarke for his Son Daniel
Sweeping the meeting House the year past Sixteen Shillings
0 16 0
18 The Town alowed to Nath" Hood Ten ShUlings and Two
Pence It being a Batement of his Rate in William Rogers List
Voted 0 10 2
19 the aUowed to David Prichard four Shillings and nine
Pence it being abatement of his Reate Voted 0 4 9
The Several Officers Chosen att the above said meeting of

108 TOWN RECORDS OF
whom an oath by Law is required Took their Respective oaths
one the Same Day of the above said meeting
Essex ss To Elisha Towne one of the Constables of the Town
of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties name you are hearby
Required fourthwith to wom all the freeholders and Other
Inhabatance in the South Ward in Said Town that are Qualified
by Law for Voting to Conven and meet Together att ye Meet
ing house in Said Town on Monday the Twenty Sixth of march
Instant att Two of the Clock aftemoon
1 To See if the Town wUl fence the Personage with Stone
wall whare the rail fence is by making Each Person of Said
Town Do his proportion of the fence within one year according
to the Rates they pay in Said Town and In Case ye above
articals be Complyed with then
2 to Chouse a Committe to measuer ye fence Round the
Parsonage and to Lay out Each Persons Proportion of Said fence
whare thay Shall Do it
3 to See if the Town will Give the Revd Mr Emerson Sixty
Six pounds Thirteen Shillings and four pence Lawfull money
for his Salary according to the advise of the Last Comtee that
was Chosen to advise the Town on that account or to See
Weither the Town Will Come into any meathard to make a
Settelment with ye Revd Mr Emerson Respecting his Salary
the above articul Was Inserted att ye Request of the Revd Mr
Emerson 4 to See if the Town WUl Come into a vote or meathard to
make and mend ye heighways and Rods in said Town by
Taxing the Inhabatance to Do the work or for said Inhabatance
to Pay their respective Tax In Case they shall neglect to work
on Due woming Given by ye Survoyers or to See if Said Town
will Come into any rules or meathards to make and mend Said
highways and rodes in Town
5 to See if the Town will build one or more School house or
School houses and to agree Whare ye said School house or
School houses shall be Seet
6 to Chouse a Comtee to Supply the Town With a School
Master the year Ensuing
7 to See if the Town will Let Swine go at Large as the Law
Directs 8 for the Town to Bring in their votes for a County Treasurer
9 to alow Bills of Charge
Hearof fail not and make Retum of this Worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of said Town

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 109
Topsfield March 20th 1753 Benja Towne^
Jacob Averel (Selectmen
Dan Clarke [^of Topsfield
Elijah Porter J
This is a True Copy of the worrant
attest Richard Towne Town CI'
A Proper Retum being made of worning the Inhabatants of
the Town one both worrants the meeting followed
At a Legal Town meeting in Topsfield March ye 26th 1753
1 Capt Benja Towne is Chosen modrator for the said meeting Voted
2 The Town Voted and the Revd Mr Emerson Excepted of
Sixty Pounds money as money now Stand for his annual Salary
Viz from march 1752 yearly and Every year So Long as he shall
Continuer his mnsfy amongst us Provided the said Revd Mr
Emerson Give the Said Town a Full Discharge yearly and Every
year when he is Paid the said Sixty Pounds
3 The Town Voted that the heighways and Rodes should be
mended by Laying a Tax upon the Inhabatance of the Town to
parfit the Said work Voted
4 the Town agreed yt Swine shall go at Large the year En
suing provided they are as the Law Directs Voted
Essex ss To John Bathalder one of ye Constables of the Town
of Topsfield Greeting In his majesties Name you are hearby
Requred forth With to wom all the freeholders and other In
habatance That are Qualified by Law for Voting in the North
Ward in Said Town to Conven and meet Together in the meet
ing house in said Town on Wednesday ye Twenty Third of this
Instant at Two of the Clock after noon
1 To Chouse a Represantitive according to precept
2 to See how much money the Town will raise to Defray the
Charges of mending the heighways the present year
3 to See how much money a teem shall be allowed pr Day for
working at the heighways and how much money a man shall
be allowed pr Day for working at the heighways this Present
year 4 to See if the Town fence the Parsonage with Stone-wall
by Laying a Tax to Defray the Charge of fencing Said Parsonage
5 to Chouse a Comtee to agree with any person or persons to
fence said Parsonage with Stone wall
6 To Chouse a Comtee to new Seat the People in the meeting
house annually as their may be ocation

110 TOWN RECORDS OF
7 to aUow BiUs of Charge
Hearof fail not and make Retum of this worrant with your
Doings to one or more of ye Selectmen at Time and Place above
mentioned Topsfield May 16th 1753 Jacob AvereU^
Dan Clarke I Selectmen
Sam" Smith [^of Topsfield
EUjah Porter J
this is a Tme Copy of the Worrant
attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
proper Retums being made of woming the Inhabatance of the
Town on Both Warrants the meeting foUowes
At a LegaU Town Meeting in Topsfield May ye 23rd 1753
1 The Town made Choise of Mr EUjah Porter to Repesent
the Town att the Great and Genarel Court to be holden at Boston
the year Insuing
their being other Bisness to be Done at said meeting
2 Capt Benja Towne was Chosen modrator for said meeting Voted
3 the Town Voted to Raise money to mend the heighways
with 4 The Town voted that the Selectmen shall assess the Inhab
atants of the Town in a Tax of Twenty poxmds of money one
poles and Estates Both Real and Parsonall
5 The Town Voted that one pare of oxen and a Cart Should
be Two ShiUing p' Day a working at the heigh ways the year
Ensuing 6 The Town agreed that a man shaU have Two ShiUings
pr Day at work att the High ways the year Ensuing Voted
7 the Town aUowed to Israel Clarke for Sixty Three foot of
white oak Plank Six Shilling and Eight pence £0 6s 8d
Essex ss To John BatchaUer one of the Constable of ye Town
of Topsfield Greeting In his majesties Name you are Required
forthwith to Wom aU the freeholders and other Inhabatants of
sd Town that are qualUfied for Voting by Law to Conven and
meet Together at the meeting house in Said Town on Tuesday
ye Eighteenth Day of September next at Two of ye Clock in ye
after noon
1 To Choose Jurymen to Serve at Newbury Court according
to precipt
2 To See how much money ye Town WiU Raise to Defray
the Town Charges this Present year

TOPSFIELD, MASS. Ill
3 To See if the Town will fence the whole of the Personage
With Stone wall Either by Chooseing a Comtee to Sett out
to Each Person their parte of fence to Do according to the
reats they Pay or to Cause ye work to be Don and Draw money
out of the Town Treasury to pay the Charges of Doing it
4 To allow Bills of Charge
Hear of fail not and make retum of this worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of Said Town att Time
and Place above mentioned

Topsfield August 27th 1753

Benja Towne
Jacob Averel
Dan Clarke y
Sam" Smith
Elijah Porter

Selectmen of Topsfield

a proper Return being made of woming the Inhabatants of
the Town the meeting followeth
Att a Legall Town meeting in Topsfield Sept ye 18th 1753
1 Capt Benja Towne is Chosen modrator for this meeting Voted
2 Mr Samll Smith Mr Jacob DwineU are Drawn out of ye
Box to Serve on the Jury of Tryalls at newbury Court
3 The Town Voted to fence the Parsonage with a Stone Wall
4 The Town Voted that the Parsonage fence shall be Done
according to the Rates thay Pay
5 Leut Luke Averell Mr John Gould and Mr David Balch Junr
are Chosen a Comtee to Lay out Each parsons proportion of
fence Round the Parsonage according to the Rates they Pay Voted
6 the Town allowed to Mr Samll Smith former Constable
Three Shillings and nine pence it Being an abatement of
Jonathan Perly Rate Voted
7 The Town allowed to Mr Samll Smith former Constable
five Shillings and nine pence it being abatement of Mr Richard
Masshall Rate Voted
8 the Town Voted yt the Selectmen shall Lay a Tax upon
the Inhabatance of the Town of ninty Pounds to Defray the
Charges the year Insuing
Boston October 2: 1753 Rec* of Mr John Balch Con^tta of
Topsfield Twelve Pounds four Shillings and Ten pence In full
H Gray Treas'
A True Copy of the Treasurer Recept
attest Rich* Towne Town CI''

112 TOWN RECORDS OF
At a Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield October 10th 1753
1 Capt Benja Towne is Chosen to Serve on ye Grand jury at
the Next Sup' Court To Be holdon at Salem Voted
2 Deacon Daniel Gould and Capt Tobijah Perkins are Drawn
out of the Box to Serve on the Jury of Tryalls att the Next
Sup' Court to be holden at Salem
Essex ss To Elisha Town one of the Constables of ye Towne
of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you are hearby
required fourthwith to worn all ye freeholders and other Inhab
atance in ye South ward in Said Town that are quallified for
voting to assemble and Conven together at ye meeting house
In Said Town on Tuesday ye fourth Day of December next att
Two of ye Clock after noon
1 To See if the Town Will Except of the Retum of the Comtee
that was appointed to Apportion ye Parsonage fence according to
the Town Vote and In Case the Said Comtee has not Effected the
matter that they was Chosen to do Then
2 To See if ye Town will Choose another Comtee to Effect
Said matter Either by Setting out to Each person their part to
Do in Stone wall according to the rates thay pay in said Town
on Cause ye whole of Said fence to be built in Stone wall and a
Tax to be Laid on ye Inhabatances of Said Town to pay for ye
Doing of it but If the Town Shall not agree to the above articule
Then 3 for the Town to Come into any other methard or meathards
for Said Parsonage fence to be Built into Stone Wall yt thay
Shall Think Proper
4 To See if the Town will Give Liberty for Such of ye Inhab
atances of sd Town as are Inclined to build Stables Next ye
meeting house
5 to allow bUls of Charge
Hearof fail not and make retum of this worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen at time and Place
above mentioned
Topsfield November 27th 1753 Benja Towne ^
Jacob Auverell (Selectmen
Dan Clarke [of Topsfield
Samll Smith J
a proper returne being made of worning ye Inhabatance of
the Town the meeting followed
Att a Legall Town Meeting in Topsfield Dec"" ye 4th 1753

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 113
1 Capt Benja Towne is Chosen modrater for this meeting Voted
2 The Town agrees that a Tax Shall be Laid by ye Select
men on Poles and Estates within the Town of Topsfield to De
fray ye Charge of Building the whole of the Parsonage fence
that is yett to build in Stone wall at the rate of four Shillings
pr rod their being 178 Poles and four Links yett to build in Stone
wall Voted
3 the Town agrees that Each Parson both for Poles and Es
tate That are in Said Town Shall have Liberty to Build their
proportinable Part of Said fence as a foresd Provided Thay Do
it by ye Tenth Day of June Next Voted
4 The Town agrees that Ens" Nath" Averell Leut Luke Aver
ell and Mr Ephraim Wildes shall be a Comtee to Sett out to Each
person and Estate in said Town their proportionable Part of
said fence to Do both for Quantity and quallity according to the
rates thay pay in Said Town Voted
5 The Town Gave Libity to Capt Benja Towne to build a
Stable att ye Surtherly End of Decn Byxbys Stable Voted
6 the Town allowed to Mr Samll Bradstreet Eight ShUlings for
Seventy foot of Two inch Plank Voted
Essex ss To Elisha Towne one of ye Constables of the Town
of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you are hearby
required fourthwith to worn all ye freeholders and other Inhab
atants of the South Ward in sd Town that are Qualified by Law
for Voting to assambel and Conven together att ye Meeting
house in said Town on fryday ye forth Day of January Instant
att one of ye Clock afternoon
1 To See if the Town will accept of the Return of the Comtee
that was Chosen to apportion the Parsonage fence according to
the vote of said Town and in Case The Town Shall accept of
said Commetees return Then
2 To See if the Town Will Give Every Person Libity that has
any part of said fence to Do to Dig and hall rocks of from the
Parsonage to buld their part of wall with
3 To See if the Town Will Chuse a Comtee to view the wall
that Each Person Shall build round the Parsonage and See yt
it is Don according to Law and to build Such persons parts of
said fence into Stone wall as may Neglect or refuses to it and
So Cause ye whole of ye Towns part of sd fence to be Built in
Stone waU by the Tenth Day of July next and also to Dispose
of ye rail fence whare whare said waU shall be built in such way
and manner as ye Town shall think Proper

114 TOWN RECORDS OF
4 To See if the Town WiU agree that Each Person that shall
produce a Cartifiecate from under ye Comtees hand that thay
have built their part of said wall agreeable to Law and the tme
Designe there of that ye Constables shall then Cross them out
of ye rate made to Defray ye Charge of fenceing ye Parsonage
With Stone WaU
5 To allow Bills of Charge
Hearof fail not and Make retum of this worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of sd Town at time and
Place above mentioned
Topsfield January 1st : 1754 Benja Towne")
Jacob Averel (Selectmen
Dan Clarke (of Topsfield
Samll Smith j
This is a tme Copy of ye worrant attest Richd Towne Town CI'
a proper retum being made of woming the Inhabetance of
the Town of Topsfield the meeting followeth
At a Legall Town Meeting in Topsfield January 4th 1754
1 Capt Benja Towne was Chosen moderator for sd meeting Voted
2 Samll Smith was Chosen and Sworn Clerk for sd meeting Voted
3 The Town Excepted of ye retum of the Comtee that was
Chosen to appotion to Each Person and Estates in sd Town
Their Proportionable part of fence round ye Parsonage to build
in to Stone wall according to the rates they pay in Said Town
as thay had Don it Voted
4 The Town agrees that Each Person that has any part of
fence to Do round ye Parsonage Shall have Liberty to Dig rocks
in and hall them of from the Parsonage to Build their Part with
Voted
5 The Town Agreed that Ensn Nath" Averel Leut Luke Aver
ell Mr. Ephram Willdes Ser Solomon Gould Mr Matthew Pea
body Shall be a Comtee to view the wall that Each Person Shall
buUd round ye Parsonage and See that it is Don according to
Law and to build Such Persons Part of fence into Stone wall
as may Neglect or refuse to Do it and So Cause the whole of ye
Towns part of Said fence to be built into stone wall by the Tenth
Day of July next Voted
6 the Town agreed that Each Person that Shall Produce a

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 115
Cartificate from Under ye Comtees hand that they have built
their part of Said wall agreable to Law and the Tme Designe
theirof that the Constables shall then Cross them out of ye rate
that is made To Defray ye Charges of fenceing ye Parsonage
into Stone wall Voted
Sam" Smith Clerk for sd meeting
This is a True Copy attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
We ye Subscribers being Chosen a Comtee by ye Inhabatants
of ye TovsTi of Topsfield Do Set out to Each Person and Estates
in sd Town their proportionable part of the whole of ye parson
age fence which is yit to be Built in Stone waU in said Topsfield
Both for Quantiey and Quality according to the rates they pay
in said Town as by a vote of said Inhabatantes Recorded in said
Town book may appear according to our Best SkUl and Judg
ment we have Done it in the following manner
Their Being Six parts or divisions the first Division Begins
att ye norwesterly end of the Town wall by Land of Samll Smith
and from thence runs Norwesterly by Land of sd Smith to Bare
hill plain the Second Division begins att a Round O at the mid
dle of ye Rail fence Between sd plain and the Personage thence
runs Northeasterly by sd plan to the Stone wall The Third
Devision begins near to the westerly Comer of Land of Jacob
Perkins Jur thence runs Southeasterly to the Divisional Bounds
Between sd Perkins and the Personage the forth Division be
gins at the Comer by Prichards thence runs Southeasterly by
Prichards and by the County Road to the Rev"* Mr Emersons
Lott wharein is his Bam the fifth Division beging at the Comer
of the fence between sd Lot and the personage thence runs
Southerly to the middel of ye fence By said Lott the Sixth
Division begins at the Norwesterly Comer of the Northermost
Stable thence runs Southerly and then weastwardly by the Road
Leading from the meeting house to Decn Goulds and for further
Explaineing the matter we have Six CoUoms for the Siting forth
of Each and Every mans Lott of fence against sd parsonage the
first CoUom Shews the number the second the Lott the Third
the name the fourth ye Rods the fifth the Links the Sixts the
Tenths of a Link

116

TOWN RECORDS OF

N L Names rods Links
the first Lot in the first division
is set out to SamU Smith
ye 2 Lot to Capt Benja Towne
ye 3 Lot to Capt Ivory Hovey and Aaron
4 Lott to Simon Gould
5 Lott to Leut Thomas Gould
6 Lott to Joseph Gould
7 Lot to Decn Daniel Gould
8 Lot to Stephen Towne
9 Lot to Jabes Towne
10 Lot to Jabes Tov^ne Junr
11 Lott to Elisha Townes
12 Lott to Elijah Porter
13 Lot to Thomas Porter
the first Lott in the Second Division
is to Isreal Clarke
2 Lott to Isreal Clarke Jur
3 Lott to Joseph Brown
4 Lott to John Balch
5 Lott to Joseph Hovey & MarsheU
6 Lott to Nathan Hood
7 Lott to WiUiam Hood
8 Lott to John hood
9 Lott to Cor David Commings
10 Lott to John Clarke
the first Lott in the Third Division
is to Jacob Dormon
2 Lott to Jacob Dorman Jur
3 Lott to ye wid Abigail Dorman
4 Lott to Stephen forster
5 Lott to John Davis & Benja Woodbury 3
6 Lot to Capt Tobijah and John Perkins 5
7 Lott to Joseph Perkins
8 Lott to Jacob Perkins Jur
9 Lott to WiUam Perkins
10 Lot to Nathl Bordman
11 Lot to John Bordman
12 Lot to Sar. NathU Porter
13 Lot to wid hannah Harrick
14 Lot to Joseph Towne
15 Lot to NathU Low

lot"

1

11

6

3

10

5

2

4

2

1

16

0

2

0

5

2

11

2

1

21

0

1

0

0

1

2

0

0

10

7

1

3

5

2

2

5

0

10

5

1

18

0

0

9

0

2

20

5

1

13

0

2

7

5

1

1

0

0

9

0

0

11

0

2

18

7

0

16

0

3

20

3

0

22

5

5

1

7

4

18

0

3

15

3

5

20

0

0

13

8

1

9

0

3

12

0

2

19

0

4

13

0

5

9

0

1

12

0

2

15

0

2

3

0

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 117

1 the first Lott in the forth Division
is set to Capt Thos Baker
2 Lot to Thomas Baker Jur
3 Lot to William Rogers
4 Lot to NathU Towne
5 Lot to Thomas Symonds
6 Lot to ye wid Ruth Dorman
7 Lot to Philip Neland
8 Lott to Phillip Neland Jur
9 Lott to Auther Brown
10 Lott to John Bathalder
11 Lott to Joseph Peabody
12 Lott to Dod micheal Dwinel
13 Lott to Micheal DwineU Jur
14 Lott to Jacob DwineU
15 Lott to Thomas DwineU
16 Lott to Benja DwineU
17 Lott to James DwineU
18 Lott to Bartholomew DwineU
19 Lott to Archelus DwineU
20 Lott to Uriel Rea
21 Lott to David Towne
22 Lott to John Willard
23 Lott to Edmond Putman
24 Lott to Thomas Mower
25 Lott to Jeremiah Towne
26 Lot to Benja Towne Jur
27 Lott to Samll Bradstreet
28 Lott to Samuel Bradstreet Jr
29 Lott to Elijah Bradstreet
30 Lott to John Bradstreet
31 Lott to out Town men
32 Lott to Jacob Perkins
33 Lott to Thos Perkins Jur
34 Lott to Robert & Amos Perkins
35 Lott to Elisha Commings
36 Lott to Samuel Potter
37 Lott to Ebeneser Averel
41 Lott to NathU Averel
42 Lott to Jacob Averel
43 Lott to Jacob Averell Jr
44 Lott to David Prichard
45 Lott to Samuel Phippan

2

13

8

0

9

6

1

13

5

0

7

2

1

12

5

0

3

2

0

18

0

0

7

2

0

24

5

1

5

4

1

0

7

0

19

2

1

1

5

0

24

0

1

4

0

0

13

0

0

14

0

0

7

2

0

7

2

0

21

6

0

24

0

0

9

6

0

18

8

1

6

2

1

0

7

0

19

2

2

16

6

0

7

2

0

7

2

1

1

9

5

3

0

1

8

7

1

0

7

1

18

7

1

5

8

0

11

2

0

13

6

0

22

8

1

8

7

0

9

2

0

7

2

0

7

2

118 TOWN RECORDS OF
38 Lott to Joseph Andrews
39 Lott to Joseph Andrews Jr
40 Lott to Luke Averell
the Three Last was Mist Plast
46 Lott to Jeremiah Averel
47 Lott to Ephram Willdes
48 Lott to John WiUdes
49 Lott to Elisha WiUdes
50 Lott to Nathan WiUdes
51 Lott to ye wid Edwards & Thos
Edwards
52 Lott to Samuel Perkins
53 Lott to John Perkins
54 Lott to Stephen Perkins
1 the first Lott m the fifth
Division to David Perkins
2 Lott to Samuel Towne
3 Lott to Samuel Towne Jur
4 Lott to PhiUp Towne
5 Lott to Doct Richard Dexter
6 Lott to Joshua Towne
7 Lott to Joshua Towne Jur
8 Lott to David Balch
9 Lott to David Balch Junr
10 Lott to Joshua Balch
11 Lott to Simon Bradstreet
1 the first Lott in the Sixth
Division to Qur Dan Clarke
2 Lott to John Cree
3 Lott to EUeser Lake
4 Lott to Elieser Lake Junr
5 Lott to Daniel Lake
6 Lott to Decn George Byxby
7 Lott to Daniel Bixby
8 Lott to Benja Bixby
9 Lott to Qur Matthew Peabody
10 Lott to John Peabody
11 Lott to Richard Towne
12 Lott to Aaron Easty
13 Lott to Isreal Averel
14 Lott to Jacob Robinson
15 Lott to ye wid Dorothy Riggs

0

23

6

0

22

8

1

19

5

1

8

6

1

18

7

0

21

6

1

7

0

0

17

6

1

2

3

2

3

9

1

2

0

1

0

2

1

1

8

0

20

8

0

7

2

1

3

0

1

19

5

0

8

0

0

21

6

1

5

0

0

16

8

0

16

0

0

12

8

2

3

0

0

20

8

0

7

2

1

1

5

1

20

7

1

3

0

1

2

0

1

2

0

1

9

0

0

7

2

1

3

0

2

9

7

0

19

6

1

0

0

0

4

5

TOPSFIELD, MASS.

1]

16 Lott to John Lefaver

0

8

0

17 Lott to Enos Towne

0

7

3

18 Lott to Joseph Towne Jur

0

7

3

19 Lott to Thomas Perkins

1

3

0

20 Lott to Enock Perkins

0

7

2

21 Lott to Zacchus Gould

1

8

0

22 Lott to William Gallap

0

7

2

23 Lott to Eliezer Gould

0

19

0

24 Lott to John Gould

1

10

5

25 Lott to Solomon Gould

1

12

5

26 Lott to Samuel Marster

0

7

2

27 Lot to Zebulon Willdes

0

19

2

In Conformation of all above Written we have hear unto set
our hands this Third Day of January anno Dom 1754 in ye
Twenty Eight year of his Majesties Reign
Luke Averell )
Nath" Averell >- Comtee
Ephram Willdes j
This is a Tme Copy attest Rich* Towne Town CI'
Essex ss To Elisha Towne one of the Constables of ye Town
of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you are hearby
required forthwith to Wam all the freeholders and other In
habatants in the South Ward in said Town that are Qualified
by Law for Voting to assemble and Conven Together at the
Meetin_g house in said Town on Tuesday the fifth Day of March
Next Ensuing at nine of the Clock in ye forenoon
1 To Chouse Selectmen a Town Clerk and all other Town
officers as the Law Directs
2 to See if the Town will advise the Selectmen to Lay out a
Town highway on ye South Side of the Rever from the rever
Bridge to wenham Line according to the petition of a Number
of the Inhabants of wenham and Beverly
3 To See if ye Town will Give Mr David Commings Libity to
Erect a Stable Near the meeting house
4 to See if the Town WUl Chuse a Comtee to Dispose of the
Postes and rails of the Parsonage fence for ye Towns Best
Use and Benefit
5 To Chouse Jurymen to Serve at Ipswich Court next march
according to Worrant
6 to See if the Town WiU Except of the Selectmen Recking
With the Town Treasurer
7 to aUow BiUs of Charge

120 TOWN RECORDS OF
hearof fail not and make retum of this your Worrant With
your Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of said Town att
Time and Place above Mentioned
Topsfield febr 20th 1754 Benja Towne^
Jacob Averel \ c , .
Vv /-I 1 I Selectmen
SamlfSh fo"opsMd
Elijah porter J
this is a Tme Coppy of the Worrant attest Richard Towne Town CI'
proper retums being made of woming the Inhabitance of the
Town the meeting followeth
Att a Legall Town Meeting in Topsfield March ye 5th 1754
1 Capt Benja Towne is Chosen modrator for this meeting Voted
2 Capt Benja Towne Mr Jacob Averel Qur Dan Clarke Mrsrs
Samll Smith and Elijah Porter are Chosen Selectmen for the
year Insuing Voted
3 Richard Towne is Chosen Town Clerk for the year Insuing Voted
4 Jabes Towne and Joseph Hovey are Chosen Constables for
the year Insuing Voted
5 Capt Thos Baker is Chosen Town Treasurer for the year
Insuing Voted
6 Elieser Lake Jur Elisha Commings and Thos DwineU are
Chosen Tything men for the year Insuing Voted
7 Daniel Byxby Jacob DwineU Robert Perkins Daniel Lake
and John Perkins Jur are Chosen Survoyers of the high Ways
the year Insuing Voted
8 David Perkins is Chosen Sealer of Lather for ye year In-
suing Voted
9 Solomon Gould John Gould and Joseph Gould are Chosen
fence viewers for the year Insuing Voted
10 John Cree and Joshua Towne Jur are Chosen Hogreaves
the year Insuing Voted
11 the Tovra agreed that Each Person shall have the posts
and Rails that is against his Part of Stone wall Round ye par
sonage Voted
12 the Town Gave Libity to Mr David Commings to set up -
a Stable at the Northerly End of John Goulds Stable about Twelve
foot Long Voted
13 Nathanel Porter Jur is Chosen Grand Jury man for the
year Insuing Voted

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 121
14 Israel Averell and Jeremiah Averell are Drown out of the
Box to Serve on the Jury of Tryalls at the next Infear' Court
to be holden at Ipswich Voted
15 The Town abated Sam" Masster Rates in Constable Elisha
Townes List Voted
16 the Town abated Jonathan Willdes rates for the year
1753 Voted
17 The Town abated Elieser Gould rates which he was rated
in John Balchs List for his head Voted
18 the Town allowed to David Balch Juner for a plank 19
foot 1/2 to amend a Bridge with £0 Is 6d
and to Timber to mend a Brege with 0 14 Voted
19 The Article Conserning the heighway petitioned for by
Sum of Wenham and Beverly Which the Town Left for further
Considration Voted
the officers Chosen att the above said meeting to which an
Oath Belonged ware Sworn to the faithfull Discharge of their
officeis Before the Selectmen Immeditately after the meeting
was Over Execepting John Gould and Thomas DwineU
Essex ss To Jabes Towne one of the Constables of ye Town
of Topsfield Greeting in his Majesties Name you are hearby
required forthwith to Worn all the freeholders and other In
habitants in the South Ward in sd Topsfield that are qualified
by Law for Voting to Conven and Meet Together at ye meeting
house in sd Town on Tuesday the Ninteenth of March Instant
att Two of the Clock in the aftemoon
1 To Chouse a Comtee to Supply the Town with a School
Marster for the year Ensuing
2 To See if the Town wiU Chouse a Comtee to take Care and
Due up all the rail fence round the parsonage that is not made
into waU by the first Day of April next to ye Tenth Day of June
Next 3 To See if the Town will mend the heighways in sd Town
by a rate and to See how much more the Town wiU raise to
Defray the Charges of mending sd ways this present year
4 to See if the Town wiU advise the Selectmen to Lay out a
Private Town Way on the South Side of the rever in sd Town
from the County road to Wenham Line according to ye Petition
of a Number of the Inhabatants of Beavely and Wenham
5 To See if the Town will Lett out ye Pue on the right hand
of ye fmnt Door in ye meeting house in sd Town for the year
Ensuing to Such Person or Persons as wiU give most for it

122 TOWN RECORDS OF
6 to See if ye Town Will Lett Swine go att Large the year
Insuing as the Law Directs
7 To allow Bills of Charge
Hearof fail not and make Retum of the Worrant With your
Doings to one or more of ye Selectmen of sd Town att Time and
place above mentioned
Topsfield March 14th 1754 Benja Towne ^
Jacob Averell I s^ie^tmen
m£f^er fof Topsfield
SamU Smith J
A Proper Retum Being made of woming the Inhabitants of
the Town on both worrants the meeting followeth
At a Legall Town Meeting in Topsfield March 19th 1754
1 Capt Towne is Chosen Modrater for this Meeting Voted
2 Leut Thomas Gould Thomas Perkins Jur Sar Jacob Robin
son are Chosen a Comtee to Supply the Town with a School
Master the year Ensuing Voted
3 the Town agreed to rais forty pounds on poles and Estates
to Defray the Charges of mending the heigh ways the year In-
suing Voted
4 The Town advisd the Selectmen not to Lay out a highway
from the County Road to wenham Line untill Wenham Select
men had Layd out a high way to Topsfield Line so as they may
Know Whare to Lay Said road Voted
5 The Town agreed that Doct Dexter shall have the Libity he
and His famely of Seting in the Pue yt is att the Reight hand of
the fmnt Door in the meeting house Voted
6 the Town Gave Libity for Swine to go att Large the year In-
suing provided thay are as the Law Directs Voted
7 the Town allowed to Qur Dan Clarke Sixteen Shillings for
Sweeping the meeting house the year Insuing Voted
We the Subscribers Being appointed a Comtee to Prambulate
and Renew the Bounds Between Topsfield and Middliton and
accordingly We have met the 30th Day of Aprill 1754 and re
newed the Bounds as formerly thay ware
Comtee for f Benja Towne rr.Tr,tee fr^r- C John Wilkins
Topsfield I Nath" porter Jr ^om ^ J^J j J°^%V"'i''
(. Josa Wnght
this is a True Copy of ye Prambulation attest Rich* Towne Town CI'

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 123
Essex SS To Jabes Towne one of ye Constables of Topsfield
Greeting in his Majesties Name you are hearby required forth
with to worn all the freeholders and other Inhabatants of the
South Ward in Said Town that are Quallified by Law for voting
to Conven Together att the meeting house in Said Town on
Tusday the fourteenth Day of May next att Two of the Clock
in the aftemoon
1 to Chouse a Reperesentative according to the precept
2 To Chouse a Comtee to Supply the Town With a School
Master this present year
3 to See What the Town wiU allow for a mans working att
the Heighways pr Day this year and what for a pare of oxen pr
Day and what for a Cart pr Day
4 to allow Bills of Charge
Hearof fail not and make return of this Worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen att time and place
above mentioned
Topsfield April 30th 1754 Jacob Averein
Dan Clarke J Selectmen
Samll Smith | of Topsfield
Elijah porter J
this is a True Copy of ye Worrant
proper retums being made on both Warrants of woming the
Inhabatants of the Town meeting followeth
att a Legall Town meeting in Topsfield May 14th 1754
1 Capt Towne is Chosen Modrator for this meeting Voted
2 Mr Thomas Symonds Mr David Balch and Mr John Bord
man are Chosen a Comtee to Supply the Town With a School
Master the year Insuing Voted
3 The Town agreed that a man Shall have 2 Shillings pr Day
att work at the heighways and a paer of Oxen one Shilling pr Day
and a Cart or Tumbrell one Shilling pr Day and To proproson-
able as the Team is
4 the Town allowed to Leut Luke Averell one pound Twelve
Shillings for Bording the School Marster Two mounths in the
year 1753
att a Legall Town Meeting in Topsfield May ye 14th 1754
the Town Made Choise of Mr Elijah porter to represent the
Town att the Great and Genearel Court to be holden att Boston
the year Ensuing
We the Subribers being Autherised & Impowered to Pram
blate the Lines and Bounds between the Town of Topsfield &

124 TOWN RECORDS OF
The Districk of Danvers Begining att a white oak Stump with
Stones about it Standing about one Rod and one hah North
Easterly from the ophulus Folks Bam Near Wenham Causway
from thence to a Black or Red Tree Stump with a heap of
Stones Standing in Daniel Gotts orchard and from thence to a
heap of Stones near Thomas Dwnells paster from thence to a
heap of Stones near Nickeles Brook So on the Same Course to
Said Brook Near a Saw miU April 30th 1754
James prince ] Aaron Easty I Topsfield
Eleeser porter V Danvers Thos porter ) ^
Samuel putman ) Copy attest Richd Towne Town Clerk
We the Subribers being appointed and Impowered by the
Selectmen of wenham and Topsfield to prambulate and Renew
the Bounds Between the Said Town we have met and have
mutely agreed as followeth Viz Begining at the White oak
Stump of a Tree which is Danvers Northeasterly Comer Bounds
from thence to a Stake and heap of Stones By the heighway
Leding from wenham Causway to Bunkers Medow one the
West Side of the way from thence to a plump or Stump of
maples but now a heap of Stones in a Brook thence as the
Brook Runs to a Stake & heap of Stones att the Coining over
the Said Brook — from thence to the South Easterly Comer of
pigdons medow so Calld and So to the River aU which is agree
able to the Selectmen in the year 1740
Jacob DwineU \f ^^ ^ , ¦, Thomas Tarbox")
Richard Towne I f°^ Topsfield genja KimbeU l^^^^
Isaac Dodges [
SamU Tarbox J
this is a True Copy attest Richard Towne Town C'
We the Subscribers have this Day meet and have Preamblated
on ye Line and renewed the bounds Betwen ye Towns of Tops-
field and Boxford as foUoweth Begining att an appletree in
Mr Asa perley field from thence to a Stake and heap of Stones
att ye South Easterly Comer of Bakers farm so called thence to
whare ye water runs through ye Dam near Simon Goulds house
Called Andross Dam thence to a Stake & heap of Stones by the
fishing Brook on the Easterly Side of a rivellet runing into Said
Brook thence as sd Brook runs to Ipswich river so called thence
up said river to middelton Line Comtee for Topsfield and Boxford
Joseph Hale Juner Benja Towne
Thomas perley Jacob Averell
paul prichard Samll Smith

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 125
Essex ss To Jabes Towne one of the Constables of the Town
of Topsfield Greeting In His Majesties Name you are hearby
Required fourthwith to Worn all the freeholders and other In
habatants in the South Ward in Said Town that are Qualified
by Law for Voting to Conven and meet together att the meeting
house in sd Town on Tuesday the Seventeenth Day of this In
stant att Two of the Clock afternoon
1 to Chouse Jury men to Serve att Newbury Court
2 To See if the Town would have the Bill made into a Law
that is prepered by the General Court for an Excise to be paid
upon Spirrttuous Licquors that is Consumed in privet houses
3 to See if the Town will Except of the Comtee report respect
ing the Parsonage fence and to act any thing further that is
Nessary to be Don on Said affares
4 To See how much money the Town Will raise to Defray
the Town Charges this present year
5 to See what meathards the Town will Come into in order
to Establish a Just Settelment with the revd Mr Emerson Re
specting his Sallary
6 to allow Bills of Charge
hearof fail not and make return of this worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen at time and place above
mentioned Topsfield Sept' 9th 1754 Jacob Averel |g^j^^^^^^
ESJLfptter[°f Topsfield
this is a True Copy of the Worrant
attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
proper Retums being made of worning the Inhabitants of the
Town of Topsfield the meeting followeth
att a Legall Town meeting in Topsfield Sept 17th 1754
1 Capt Towne is Chosen modrator for this meeting Voted
2 David perkins and Simon Gould are Drawn out of the Box
to Serve on the Jury at the Next Infear Court to be Holden at
Newbury 3 the Town agreed that the Selectmen Shall Lay a Tax upon
the Inhabitants of the Town of Sixty Pounds to Defray the
Charges of the Town the year Ensuing Voted
4 The Town Excepted of the Comtee Report Respecting the
Parsonage fence Voted
5 The Town allowed to Mr thomas Symonds and Mr John
Bordman Two Pounds for the School Marster for one months
Keeping School £2 0 0

126 TOWN RECORDS OF
6 the Town allowed to Mr Stephen foster 0 6 5 for Eighty
foot of white oak plank to mend Briges with Voted
Topsfield Sept 13th 1754 to the Inhabitants of the Town of
Topsfield Gentlemen
We Haveing Ben Chosen and appointed a Comtee to Sirvay
the parsonage fence in sd Topsfield accordingly We have pro-
ceded and Servayd the same and Do Esteem to be a Soffisient
Stone wall fence in wittness whereof We have hear Unto Set
our hands the Day above Said Ephraim WiUdes )
Luke Averel V Comtee
Nath" Averell )
this is a Tme Copey of the Comtee Retum of the parsonage
fence attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
Essex ss To Joseph Hovey one of the Constables of the Town
of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you are hearby
required fourth With to Wom all the freeholders and other
Inhabitants That are Qualified for Voting in the North Ward in
sd Town to Conven together att ye meeting House in said
Town on Tuesday ye Eighth Day of October Instn att Two of
the Clock aftemoon
1 to See What Sum of money the Town will Give the Revd
Mr Emerson for his annual Sallary So Long as he Shall Continue
the work of ye ministry amongst us in said Town in lieu of ye
Sum mentioned in his former Contract made with said Town
and in Lieu of all the Sums of money that have att any time
heartofore been voted by Said Town to be paid to him for or
as Sallary and in case the Town ShaU agree to vote any Certain
Sum Then
2 To See if the Town Will Chuse a Comte to Lay ye Sum
voted Before the revd Mr Emerson for his acceptance or Re-
fussell and in Case he shall axcept of the Sum voted then for
Said Comtee to Cause a firme Settlement to be made with the
said Revd Mr Emerson respecting his said SaUary and Reccorded
in the Town Book in a proper manner
3 To See if the town will Give Edmond Putnam and his famely
Libity to Sitt in the Pue on ye right hand of the frunt Dore in
the meeting house — from this time to the first of next May
4 To Choose Jurymen for Salem Court according to precept
5 To See what the Town will Do Towards ye maintaintes of
Elesabeth DwineU and agree with Sum meet person to take
Care of her

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 127
6 to allow Bills of Charge
Hearof fail not and make retum of this Worrant with your
Doing to one or more of the Selectmen of Said Town att Time
and place above mentioned
Topsfield October 1st 1754 Jacob Averell ^
Dan Clarke (Selectmen
Elijah porter Coi Topsfield
Samll Smith J
this is a True Copy of the Worrant attest Richd Towne Town CI'
Proper Retums being made of worning the Inhabitants of
the Town of Topsfield on Both Worrants the meeting followeth
att a Legall Town meeting in Topsfield October 8th 1754
1 Mr Elijah Porter is Chosen modrator for this meeting Voted
2 The Town made Choise of Mr David Balch to Serve on the
Grand Jury att the Next Sup' Court to be holden att Salem Voted
3 Mr John Batchalder and Qur Dan Clarke was Drawn out
of the Box to Serve on the Jury of Tryalls att the next Sup'
Court to be holden at Salem
4 the Town allowed to Mr Joseph Hovey Eight pence pr week
from the first of May to the Eight of October for Keeping Elisa
beth DwineU and from the Eight Day of October So Long as
She Keeps att his house and not able to Support herself one
Shilling and four pence per week Voted
5 the Town allowed to Jeremiah Towne former Constable
Seven Shillings it being an abatement of George DwineU Rate
Voted
6 the Town allowed to Jeremiah Towne former Constable
Two Shillings and Eight Pence it being an abatement of John
and James Nickels Rate Voted
7 the Town allowed to Samll phippan What he was Rated in
John Batchalder and Stephen Perkins former Constables Rates
Voted
Essex ss To Joseph Hovey one of the Constables of the Town
of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you are hearby
required fourthwith to warn all the freeholders and other In
habitants that are Quallified by Law for Voting in the North
Ward in Said Town to Conven and meet Together att the Meet
ing house in Said Town on fryday the Tenth Day of January
Inst att one of the Cloock afternoon

128 TOWN RECORDS OF
1 To See what the Town will act relating to a petition of Mr
Jonathan porter of wenham and others respecting a highway
that is to be Laid out from Said Wenham to the County road
in Topsfield
2 To See what further meathard ye Town will Come into re
specting the maintances of Elisabeth DwineU
3 To allow Bills of Charge
Hearof fail not and make retum of this worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of said Town att Time
and place above mentioned
Topsfield January 7th 1755 Benja Towne ^
Jacob Averell I Selectmen
Dan Clarke (of Topsfield
Samll Smith J
a Tme Copy of the worrant attest Richd Towne Town CI'
proper retums Being made on both Worrants of woming the
Inhabitatts of the Town of Topsfield the meeting followeth
att a Legall Meeting in Topsfield January 10th 1755
1 Capt Towne is Chosen Modrator for this meeting Voted
2 The Town agreed to Give Samuell Tappley one Shilling
and four pence per week for keeping Elisabeth DwineU from
the Tenth Day of January to the first Town meeting in March
Next Insuing Voted
Wee the Subscribers being a Comtee apointed by the Town of
Ipswich and the Town of Topsfield to prambulate the Line
Between the said Towns mett to perambulate Said Line this
Sixteenth Day of Deer 1754 and Began by the River att the
mouth of Houletts Brook and so runs by Said Brook to a Stake
and heap of Stones in Nelands meadow and from Said Heap of
Stones to a heap of Stones on a Hill with a Stake and marked
1754 and from thence to a Stake Standing in a Great Spring
in Conants meadow from thence to a heap of Stones being about
Eight rods westward from the Brook near Stephen fosters house
from thence on a strait Line runing by Bumams Land to a
Black oak Tree att the Bottom of the hill being the Comer of
perkins land So on to the pond and so on a Straight Line to an
apple Tree and Stones about it the Comer bounds Between
Ipswich Topsfield and Boxford
co-tee for IST'poSr ^a^^l ^-^j,"'
Ipswich |j„t„smith SamU Smith (ToPs6d<l
this is a Tme Copy attest Richard Towne Towne Clerk

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 129
Topsfield March ye 1st 1755 Recived of Mr John Balch one
of the former Constables for sd Town the Sum of Six Pounds
Eleven Shillings and four pence in full of his Collection Rec* by
me Thos Baker Town Treasurer
this is a True Copy of the above sd Recept
attest Richd Towne Town Clerk
Boston Sept 22 1753 Rec* of Mr Stephen Perkins Constat
of Topsfield the Sum of fourteen pounds four Shillings Ten
pence in full J Gray Treas'
£14 4 10
Topsfield Febueary 20th 1755 Then Receuved of Mr Stephen
Perkins one of the former Constables Twenty one pound five
Shillings in full of what was Due to the Town of his Collection
Received by me Thomas Baker Town Treas'
these Two above sd Recepts are True Copys
attest Richard Towne Town CI'
Essex ss To Jabes Towne one of the Constables of the Town
of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you are hearby
Required fourthwith To Worn all the freeholders and other In
habatants that are Quallified by Law for voting in the South
Ward in Said Town to Conven and meet Together att the Meet
ing House in Said Town on Tuesday the fourth Day of March
Next at Nine of the Clock in the forenoon
1 To Choose Select men a Town Clerk Constables and all
other Town officers as the Law Directs
2 To Choose Jurymen for march Court according to venire
3 to allow Bills of Charge
Hearof fail not and make retum of this worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of Said Town at time
and place above mentioned
Topsfield Febry 20th 1755 Benja Towne )
Jacob Averell I Selectmen
Dan Clarke Coi Topsfield
Samll Smith J
This is a Tme Copy of the Worrant attest Richd Towne Town CI'
proper Retums Being made on Both Worrants of worning
the Inhabatants of the Town of Topsfield the meeting followeth
At a Legall Town Meeting in Topsfield on march the forth
Day anno Domini 1755

130 TOWN RECORDS OF
1 Capt Benja Town was Chosen modrator for the said meet
ing Voted
2 NathU Averell was Chosen and Sworn Clerk for said DayVoted
3 The Town Voted to adjum said meeting to Tuesday the
18th Day of March Instant att nine of the Clock before noon
and sd meeting was adjumed accordingly Voted
per NathU Averell Clark for sd Day
Benja Towne modratour for said meeting
The Said Meeting being adjumed to the Eighteenth Day of
the Said mounth and then meet and proseaded as followeth
1 Capt Towne Mr Dan Clarke Mr Elijah Porter Mr SamU
Smith Mr Jacob Averell are Chosen Selectmen for the year In-
suing Voted
2 Richard Towne is Chosen Town Cl^rk for the year Ifisuing Voted
3 Nathan Hood and Zacchus Gould are Chosen Constables
for the year Insuing Voted
4 Capt Thomas Baker is Chosen Town Treasurer for the year
Insuing Voted
5 Leut Thomas Gould Daniel Bixby Thomas Perkins Jur are
Chosen Tything men for the yeaf Ifisuing Voted
6 Joseph Gould John Balch Benja Towne Jur EUsha Commings
and David Perkins are Chosen Survoyers of ye Heighways for
the year Insuing Voted
7 Joshua Towne Jur is Chosen Sealer of Lather ye year In-
suing Voted
8 Leut Luke Averell Elisha Willdes and WiUiam Perkins are
Chosen fence vewers for the year Insuing Voted
9 Qur Dan Clarke and thomas perkins are Chosen Hogreaves
for the year Insuing Voted
10 Deacon George Bixby is Chosen Grand Jury man for the
year Insuing Voted
11 John Willdes and Auther Brown are Drawn out of the Box
to Serve on the Jury of Tryalls next to be holden att Ipswich
12 The Town allowed to mr Ephraim Willdes four Shillings
for mending the Parsonage fence in the year 1754 Voted £0 4s Od
13 the Town allowed to Qur Dan Clarke Sixteen ShUlings for
his son Daniel Sweeping the meeting House the year past
Voted £0 16s Od
14 the Town aUowed to Leut Luke AuereU four Shillings for
52 foot of white oak Plank Voted 0 4 0

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 131
the Offiecers Chosen att the above Said meeting to which an
oath is Required by Law was Sworn to the faithfull Discharge
of their offices Emiedly after the meeting was over Excepting
Elisha Commings Joshua Towne Ju' William Perkins Qu' Dan
Clarke and Thomas Perkins. Zacchus Gould took his oath on
March 21st 1755 before Joseph Bowditch Esq' Mr William Perkins
Mr Dan Clarke and Mr Elisha Commings was Sworn to the
faithfull Discharge of their offices before the Selectmen April
29th 1755
Deacon George Bixby was Sworn to the Office of Clark of
the propriters of the Plainfield medow so Called and John Cree
and Samll Towne Jur was sworn hawards of the above sd me
dow Before the Selectmen of Topsfield
Essex ss To Nathan Hood one of ye Constables of the Town
of Topsfield Greeting In his majestes Name you are required
fourthwith to worn all the freeholders and Other Inhabatants
in the North Ward in Said Town that are qualified by Law for
Voting to Conven and meet Together att the meeting house in
Said Town on Tuesday the Twentyeth Day of may next att one
of the Clock after noon
1 To Chuse a repersentative according to precept
2 To See if the Town will repair the meeting house by new
Covering the Whole or any part of ye outside in the Same Shape
that it is in Now and make new Winders
3 to See if the Town will Do any thing further towards mak
ing a Settelment with the Revd Mr Emerson respecting his Sal
ary 4 To See how much money the Town will raise to Defray the
Charge of mending the heighways this present year
5 to See if the Town Will Except of the Selectmen Recking
with the Town Treasurer for the year past
6 To See if the Town will Chouse a Comtee to Supply the
Town with a School Master this Present year
7 to See if the Town will Chouse a Comtee to View the Par
sonage fence and make up any part of the Towns fence that is
Deficient according to the Towns vote
8 To See if the Town will grant the Prayer of Sam" Phippens
petition for his Seting up a house on Sum part of the Towns
Land 9 to See What the Town will allow the Selectmen for making
the rates for mending the heigh ways
10 to See if ye Town will Let Swine go att Large as the Law
Directs

.Selectmen of Topsfield

132 TOWN RECORDS OF
11 to allow Bills of Charge
Hearof fail not and make retum of this worrant with your
Doings to one or more of ye Selectmen of Said Town att Time
and place above mentioned
Topsfield April 29th 1755 Benja Towne^
Jacob Clarke
Dan Clarke
Sam" Smith
Elijah porter^
This is a True Copy of the worrant attest Richard Tov/ne Town Cr
Proper Retums Being made of Woming the Inhabatants of
the Town on Both Warrants the meeting followeth
Att a Legall Town Meeting in Topsfield May 20th 1755
1 Deacon George Bixby is Chosen Modrator for the meeting Voted
2 the Tovm agreed to raise forty Pounds of money to mend
the Heighways With In the Same manner and form as thay
workd att the Heighways Last Year Voted
3 The Town Excepted of the Selectmens Rickoning with the
Town Treasurer and their remains in Said Treasurers hand not
ordred out one Hundred Pounds one ShiUing and Two f ardens Voted
4 Mr Jeremiah Averell Mr David Perkins Mr David Balch
Juner are Chosen a Comtee to Provide the Town with a School
Master this present year Voted
5 Mr Jacob Averell Mr John Bordman are Chosen to make
up the Deficient fence that is the Towns part about the Par
sonage Voted
6 the Tovsm Gave Mr Samll Phippen Libity to Set up a house
on that Part of the Towns Land whcu-e Mr John Prichard Bam
Stood and a Garden Spot Duering the Time of his and his wife Life
7 the Town Gave Libity for Swine to Go att Large Provided
theay are yocked and ringed as the Law Directs Voted
Essex ss To Zaccheus Gould one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting in his Majesties name you are
hearby required forthwith to wom all the freeholders and other
Inhabatants that are qualified for voting in the South Ward In
sd Town to Conven together att the meeting house in Said
Town on Tuesday ye Sixteenth of this Instant September att
Two of ye Clock aftemoon

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 133
1 To Chouse Jury men to Serve at Newbury Court
2 to Se if the Town will give the revd Mr Emerson Sixty
Six pounds thirteen Shillings and four pence annually for his
Salary During the Time of his ministry in Said Town from the
Second Day of Sept a. d. 1755 in Lieu of all former Contracts
he giveing a receipt in full for the time past when he has received
the Last half years Pay which is now Due to him
3 To See how much money the Town will raise to Defray
the Town Charges this present year
4 To allow Bills of Charge
Hearof fail not and make return of this worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of sd Town att time
and place above mentioned
Topsfield Sept 2nd 1755 Jacob Averel ^
Dan Clark [Selectmen
Elijah Porter (of Topsfield
Sam" Smith J
this is a true Copy of the worrant attest Richd Towne Town Clerk
proper Returns being made of worning the Inhabatants of
the Town of Topsfield the meeting followeth
At a Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield Sept 16th 1755
1 Capt Benja Towne is Chosen Modrator for this meeting
2 Mr Thomas Perkins Mr Aaron Hovey are Chosen by
Drawing out of the Box to Serve on the Jury of Tryalls at
Newbury Court next Insuing
3 the Town agreed by a Vote to Defire the porseeding about
Mr Emerson Salary Becase of the Smallness of the number of
the people
4 the Town agreed to raise Sixty Pounds to Defray the
Charge the Year Insuing Voted
5 The Town allowed to Mr Stephen Perkins former Consta
ble Eleven Shillings and Three pence it being an abatement of
Sam" Potters rate for the year 1752 Voted
6 the Town allowed to Mr Israel Averel Twelve Shillings for
Stones to mend the Heighways V/ith in the year 1754 Voted
7 Mr Elijah Porter is Chosen to Serve on the Grand Jury att
the Next Sup' Court to be holden att Salem Voted
8 Capt Thos Baker and Leut Thos Gould are Drawn out of
the Box to Serve one the Jury of Tryalls att the Next Sup'
Court to be holden at Salem
9 the Town allowed to Samuel Tapley one pound Eighteen

134 TOWN RECORDS OF
Shillings and Eight Pence for Keeping Eliesebeth DwineU Six
Months and Twelve Days vis from ye forth of march Last to
the Sixteenth Day of Sept att Is 4d pr week £1 18s 8d
Essex ss To Nathan Hood one of the Constables of ye Town
of Topsfield Greeting in his Majesties name you are hereby
required forthwith to worn all the freeholders and other Inhab
atants of the town yt are qualified by Law for Voting in the North
Ward in said Town on Munday the Twenty Second Day of
Sept Instant att one of the Clock in the aftemoon
1 To See if the Town will Give the revd mr John Emerson
Sixty Six Pounds Thirteen Shillings & four Pence for his Salary
annuly from ye Second Day of Sept A D 1755 Dureing ye time
of his ministry in sd Town in Lieu of all former Contracts he
givening a receipt in full when he has reed his Last half years
pay which is Now Due to him
2 To See if the Town WiU Chouse one or more agents to go
to Newbury Court -in behalf of the Town respecting ye Retum
of a Jury that has Laid out a heighway from Wenham a Cross
the river to the County Road in Said Town
3 To See if the Town will Chouse a Comtee to Inform ye
Revd Mr Emerson yt the Personage fence is don and See if he
will Except of it and take the whole Care of it for the futer
4 to See if the Town will allow Sam" Tapley one Shilling
and four pence pr week for takeing Care of Elisabeth DwineU
so long as she remains unable to take Care of her self
5 To allow bills of Charge
Hearof fail not and make retum of this worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of sd town att time
and place above mentoned
Topsfield Sept 16th 1755 Jacob Averel ^
Dan Clarke (Selectmen
Elijah Porter (of Topsfield
Sam" Smith J
this is a Tme Copy of the worrant
attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
proper retums being made of woming the Inhabatants of
the Town the meeting followeth
Att a Legall Town Meeting in Topsfield Sept 22"! 1755
1 Mr Elijah porter is Chosen Modrator for this meeting Voted
2 the Town made Choise of Deacon George Bixby and Mr
Stephen Perkins and att the adjumment of said meeting unto

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 135
the 29th of this Instant Sept made Choise of Capt Benja Towne
and Mr John Balch agents them or Either Two of them to peti
tion to the Next General Sessions of the Peace to be holden att
Newbury in Behalf of the Town Respecting the retum of a heigh
way Lately Laid out by a Jury from wenham a Cross the river
in Topsfield to the County road in Said Town Voted
att a Legall Town Meeting in Topsfield hield by an adjurn
ment from the Twenty Second Day of Sept to the Twenty ninth
of the Same Mounth and then met and proseeded as followeth
the Revd Mr Emerson personally appearing in the above sd
meeting and Excepted of the Towns Part of the Personage fence
and Saith he will take Care of said fence so long as he shall con
tinue his ministry amongst us in Said Town
2 The Town allowed to Samuel Tapley one Shilling and four
pence per week for takeing Care of Elisabeth DwineU So Long
as She remains unable to take Care of her Self Voted
3 the Town allowed to Mr Thomas Syinonds and Mr John
Bordman SchooU Comtee Ten Pounds for the School Master
Keeping School five months Last year att £2 0 0 pr month
Voted £10 Os Od
Received 5 Shillings in full for my Salary to March 2d 1755
as witness my Hand John Emerson Clerk
Topsfield October 7th 1755
Essex ss To Nathan Hood one of the Constables of the Town
of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties name you are required
forthwith to worn all the freeholders and other Inhabatants
that are Qualified by Law for voting in the North Ward in Said
Town to Conven together att the meeting House in Said Town
on Tuesday the Seventh Day of October Next at Three of the
Clock after noon
1 To agree and make a finall Settelment with the Revd Mr
John Emerson Respecting his Sallary
2 To allow Bills of Charge
Hearof faiFiiot and make return of this worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of Said Town at Time
and Place above mentioned

Topsfield Sept 29th 1755

Benja Towne^ srel Q
SamirSmlth [of Topsfield
Elijah Porter J

Jacob Averel r.^, .„
Dan Clarke ^Selectmen

136 TOWN RECORDS OF
a True Copy of the worrant attest Richard Towne Town CI'
Proper retums being made of woming the Inhabatants of the
Town of Topsfield
At a Lawful Town Meeting in Topsfield October 7th 1755
1 Capt Benja Towne is Chosen Modratorer for this meeting Voted
2 Voted that the Town Gives the Revd Mr John Emerson
Sixty Pounds LavsrfuU money as money now Stands for his Sall
ary annually from the Second Day of September A D 1755 to
Support him in the work of the Ministry So Long as he shall
Continue in the Ministry amongst us in Lieu of the Hundred
Pounds that was Voted to him in the former Contract when he
Settled in said Town and in Lieu of all other Towns votes of
money to him
I acepet of the above Written Sum of Sixty Pounds Money as
money now Stands for my Annual Salary as to money part and
Shall upon the Recept of Said Sum yearly give a Discharge in
full as wittness my hand John Emerson Clerk
Topsfield October 7th 1755
3 The Town allowed to Capt Benja Towne and Mr Stephen
Perkins Twelve Shillings and Eight Pence for what [they] paid to
an attorney they being agents for the Town at Newbury Court
. Respecting a Heighway Lately Layd out Voted
4 the Town allowed to mr Daniel Bixby for Two Plank for
the River Bridge four Shillings and Eight Pence Voted
5 The Town allowed to Capt Benja Towne and Mr Stephen
Perkins Sixteen Shillings for their Time and Expense Voted
Essex ss To Nathan Hood one of the Constables of the Town
of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you are hearby
required forthwith to wom all the freeholders, and other Inhab
atants that are Qualified by Law for Voting in the North Ward
in Said Town to Conven together att the meeting House in said
Town on Tuesday the ninth of December Instant att one of
the Clock aftemoon
1 To Chouse one or more agents to go to the Court of Genei
Sessions of the Place to be holden att Salem In December
Instant in behalf of the Town and to Indeavour to provent the
Said Court accepting of the return that a Jury has made of
their Laying out a Heigh way from Wenham a Cross the river
to the County Road in Said Topsfield or to act any thing Else

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 137
respecting Said Heighway that the Town shall think proper
2 To Consider and act any thing that the Town shall think
proper respecting the meeting House Either for repairing of It
or Consult and agree upon what measuers to Com into for
Building a new meeting House
3 To allow Bills of Charge
Hearof fail not and make return of this Worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of said Town att Time
and Place above mentioned
December 1st 1755 Benja Towne ^
Jacob Averell 1 c i ^
Dan Clarke Pf^'*"'^ , .
Elijah Porter ("^ Topsfield
Samll Smith J
this is a True Copy of ye worrant attest Richd Towne Town CI'
proper retums Being made of worning the Inhabatants of
Said Town
Att a Legall Town Meeting in Topsfield December 9th 1755
1 Capt Benja Towne is Chosen modrator for this meeting Voted
2 the Town voted that Capt Benja Towne Missirs George
Bixby Elijah Porter and Stephen Perkins be agents in Behalf of
the Town or any Two of them to go to the Court of Gene' Ses
sions of the Peace to be holden at Salem in Deer Instant and
Endeavouer to prevent the Court accepting of the Jurys return
of their Laying out a Heighway from Wenham a Cross the River
to the County road in Topsfield
2 The Town Unanimusly voted that they ware against the
Jurys retum being accepted of their Laying out a heighway
from Wenham a Cross ye river to the Country Road in Tops-
field and that thay were Willing the Court Should Lay Out a
way from Wenham to Come into the Country road on the Back
of Mr Matthew Peabodys house or Near to Wheal Brook to go
through Convenient gates or an open way as the Court Shall
think Best
3 Jacob Averell Juner is Chosen to put up Bords in the Broken
Winders in the meeting house Voted
4 the Town allowed to Mr John Bordman & Mr Thos Symonds
School Comtee for Bording the School Master five months Last
year as followeth vis
To one month att ye Revd Mr Emerson £0 6s Od

138 TOWN RECORDS OF
to one month att Mr Sam" Bradstreet 0 6 0
To one month at Mr Benja Byxbys 0 6 0
to Two months att Mr John Bordman 0 12 0
5 the Town aUowed to Mr Jacob Averell and Mr John Bord
man for mending the Parsonage Wall 0 13 0
Essex ss To Zaccheus Gould one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you are
hearby required forthwith to wom all the freeholders and other
Inhabatants that are Qualified by Law for Voting in the South
Ward in Said Town to Conven together att the meeting House
In Said Town on Tuesday the Second Day of March next att
nine of the Clock in the forenoon
1 To Chouse Selectmen Constables a Town Clerk and aU other
Town Officers for the year Insuing as the Law Directs
2 To See If the Town Will accept of a retum made by the
Selectmen of their Laying out a Private Town way through
part of Mr Nathaniel Bordmans Land Don att the Desier of Mr
EUsha Commings
3 To See if the Town Will Chouse a man or men and by the
Consent of the Revnd Mr Emerson to made a Gap and hang a
Cart gate In the Parsonage wall near the Gravel pit for the bene
fit of the Town to Git Gravel
4 To See if the Town wUl accept of the Selectmen Rickon
ing With the Town Treasurer
5 For the Town to proceed and act in any further method
Respecting the Heighway that is Laid out from Wenham a Cross
the River to the County Road in Topsfield that they shall think
Proper and also to se if the Town WiU Lay out a Heighway
from the County road in said Town to Wenham Line Whare the
Town shall think proper
6 To Chouse Jurymen for March Court according to precept
7 to allow BiUs of Charge
Hearof fail not and make retum of this Worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of sd Town att Time
and Place above mentioned
Topsfield Febmary 23d 1756 Jacob Avirel
Dan Clarke (Selectmen
EUjah Porter fof Topsfield
Samuel Smithy
this is a Tme Copy of the worrant attest Richard Towne Town Q'

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 139
their Being Proper retums being made of on both worrants
of woming the Inhabatants of the Town of Topsfield the meet
ing followeth
At a Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield March 2nd 1756
1 Deacon George Bixby is Chosen modrator for the said
meeting Voted
2 Cornt Matthew Peabody Capt Thomas Baker Leut Nath"
Porter Mr John Gould and Mr David Balch are Chosen Select
men for the year Insuing Voted
3 Mr Stephen Forster Mr David Towne are Chosen Constables
fr the year Insuing Voted
4 Richard Towne is Chosen Town Clerk for the year In-
suing Voted
5 Richd Tovrae is Chosen Town Treasurer for the year In-
suing Voted
6 Leut Luke Averell Mr Elijah Porter Mr John Balch are
Chosen Tj^hing men for the year Insuing Voted
7 Deacon George Bixby Mr John Bordman Mr Thos Perkins
Junr Mr Simon Gould and Mr Jeremiah Towne are Chosen Ser-
veyors of the Heighways the year Insuing Voted
8 Joshua Towne is Chosen Sealer of Lather for the year In-
suing Voted
9 Mr Joseph Andrew Mr John Perkins Junr Mr John Willdes
are Chosen fence vewers for the year Insuing Voted
10 Mr Jacob DwineU Mr Elisha Commings are Chosen Hog
reaves for the year Insuing Voted
11 the Town allowed to Mr Philip Neland what he was rated
for his head in the Province rate the year past Voted
12 the Town Excepted of the Selectmen Laying out a Heigh
way for Mr Elisha Commings through Mr NathU Bordman Land
Voted
13 the Town advisd the Selectmen to Lay out a heighway
from the Contrey road Begining at Mr Balchs Gate through the
Pasters in or near the old Road to Wenham Line Voted
14 Capt Benja Towne is Chosen Grand Jury man for the year
Insuing Voted
15 Mr Stephen Perkins and Mr David Balch Junr are Drawn
out of the Box to Serve on the Jury of Tryalls next to be Holden
at Ipswich
16 Mr Jacob Averel is Chosen to hang a Cart Gate in the
Personage Wall near the Gravel Pit for the Bennefit of the
Town Voted
17 the Town allowed to Samll Tapley for Keeping his mother

140 TOWN RECORDS OF
EUsabeth DwineU from the Sixteenth of Sept Last to the Sixteenth
of febmary Last one Shilling and four pence pr week Voted
18 the Town allowed to Joseph Gould for Two SmaU Sticks
of Timber about Seven foot Long to mend a Bridge with Voted
19 the Town aUowed to Mrssrs David Perkins Jeremiah,
Avirell and David Balch Jur School Comtee for Six months
Schooling fourteen pounds Eight Shillings Voted £14 8s Od
20 the Town allowed to Mr Elisha Commings for one Hundred
feet of plank for to mend Bridges with £0 9 7
The Several Officers Chosen att the a foresaid meeting Which
the Law requiers to be Sworn aU Took the oath Belonging to
there respective offices on the afforesaid Second and third Day
of Said March
We the Subscribers Being Desired by Mr EUsha Commings of
Topsfield to Lay out a Privite Town way from the Gate Between
Mr Nathanel Bordmans House and Bam a Cross the Brook to
the Gate in the road that Leads to the Meeting House in sd
Town and being mett on the Spot we proceeded and Layd out
Said way as foUoweth viz
Begining att an appletree about Eight foot Distant to the
South ward from the Gate first mentioned from thence North
erly Two Rods in width Distance to the Southward from Said
Bordmans House and field fence as it now Stands to the Bridge
over Said Brook from thence more Westerly Eight foot Distance
to the Southward from the Trodden way as it now Goes to be
the Boundary Line on the Surtherly Side of Said way to the
Gate Last mentioned above Said road to Extend Two rods in
width to the Northward from Said Southerly Boimdary Line &c
Layd out by the Subscribers this 29nd Day of December A : D :
1755 Benja Towne ^
Jacob Averel ^ , _, 
Dan Clarke ^^^^^f,,
EUjah Porter (of Topsfield
Samuel Smithy
this is a Tme Copy of the Retum of the Selectmen Laying
out a way attest Richd Towne Town CI'
Essex ss To David Towne one of the Constables for the Town
of Topsfield Greeting you are hearby required in his Majesties
Name forthwith to Wom aU the freeholders and other Inhaba
tants that are Quallified by Law for voating in the South Ward
in Said Tovm To Conven and meet Together att the Meeting

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 141
House in Said Town on Wednesday the Twenty forth Day of
March Instant att Two of the Clock in the after noon on sd Day
1 To See if the Town Will Choouse a Comtee to Supply the
Town With a School for the year Insuing
2 To See if the Town will Come into any measuers that the
reconing of the former Selectmen With the former Town Treas
urer may Be Excepted and to Except Theirof
3 To See if the Town Will Buld a School house or houses as
thay Shall thing most Convenient for the Town and if any part
of Said Town has Been att Charge in Building alridey that it
may all be the Proper Charge of Said Town and for the Town
to Grant Land to Set Said house or houses on ^
4 To See if the Town will reconsider the Lateest Vote Passed
In the Town for the Laying out of a heighway on the South Side
of the River and advise the Selectmen to Lay out a private way
where the Town shall think proper
5 to See if the Town will Choouse a man or men to go to
Court to Inform as to the said way
6 To See how much money the Town Will Raise to mend the
Heighways the year Insuing
7 to Se if the Town Will Give in their voats for a County
register 8 To Se if the Town Will give Leave for ye Swine to go att
Large the year Insuing
9 To allow Bills of Charge
Hearof fail not and make return of this Worrant With your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen att or before sd Day as
you will answer the Contrary
Dated Topsfield March 16th 1756
David Balch
Matthew Peabody
Nath" Porter
John Gould
Thos Baker
this is a Tme Copy of the Worrant attest Richd Towne Town CI'
Proper Returns being made of Worning the Inhabatants of
the Town on both warrants the meeting followeth
Att a Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield March 24th 1756
1 Capt Thos Baker is Chosen modrator for this meeting Voted
2 the Town Excepted of the Selectmen Rickoning with the
Town Treasurer and their Remains in sd Treasurs hands 78 17

.Selectmen of Topsfield

l/

142 TOWN RECORDS OF
3 1/2 Exclusive of an order Entred in the Select Mens Book of
Two pounds Eighteen Shillings Voted
3 the Town Voted that the Freeholders and Other Inhaba
tants that Should See Cause to build a School house Should
have A Grant of Land to Set up Said house on near the meet
ing house so as not to Inchroach upon the Trayning field
4 The Town Voted to Reconsider that Vote Respecting the
Heighway Which the Town advisd the Selectmen to Lay out
from Mr Balchs Gate Through the Pasters to Wenham Line
5 the Town advisd the Selectmen to Lay out a Private way
from the Contery Road on the South Side of the River Begining
at Mr Balchs Gate and So in or near the ould road Through the
Pasters So to Wenham Line Voted
6 Capt Thomas Baker and Capt Tobijah Perkins are Chosen
agents to Inform the Court of what the Town advisd the Select
men Respecting a Priviteway to be Layd out from Mr Balchs
Gate to Wenham Line Voted
7 the Town agreed to Raise forty pounds to mend the Heigh
way With the year Insuing in the Same manner and form as
they work the Last year Voted
8 the Town agreed that Swine Should go at Large Provided
they are yoaked and Ringed as the Law Directs the year Insu
ing Voted
9 the Town allowed to Mr Dan Clarke Sixteen Shillings for
Sweeping the meeting house the year past Voted
10 the Town allowed to Capt Benja Towne and Den George
Bixby five shillings and four pence for atending the Court att
Salem respecting the Heigh way Voted
11 the Town allowed to Mr Elijah Porter for money Expended
Thirteen ShiUings "Which he paid to an attorney Voted
12 The Town abated James DwineU Rates What he was
rated In Mr Elisha Townes former Constable rate for his head
Voted
13 the Town abated Enoch Perkins for what he was rated
for his head the Last year Voted
14 the Towm allowed to Capt Thomas Baker Seven Shillings
and four Pence for Timber to mend a bridge with 0 7 4 Voted
Essex ss To Stephen Forster or David Towne one of the Con
stables of the Town of Topsfield you are hearby Required forth
with to wom all the freeholders and other Inhabatants of the
Town of Topsfield Qualified for voting as the Law Directs in the
North ward to assemble and meet together att the meeting

TOPSFIELD. MASS. 143
house in sd Town on Tuesday the Eighteenth Day of may In
stant att Two of the Clock in ye aftemoon on Said Day
1 To Elect and Depute one man to Serve them and Serve att
the Great and Generall Court the year Insuing
2 To See if the Town will Chouse a Comtee to Serve them in
makeing the meeting house in Said Town more Comfortable for
the People or to Repair Said house or to be in preparation to
Build a meeting house in Said Town
3 To See if the Town Will Choose a Comtee to Suply the Town
With a Grammer School master to Serve the Town In Teach
ing thier Children the year Insuing and to find houses where
the School may be Kept from time to time
4 to See if the Town will have and Except the report of the
agent Chose to Inform the Court in march of a way advised
to be Layd out on the South Side of the River in Topsfield and
to See if the Town will act any thing further as to Said way or
the way over the River
Hearof fail not and make return of this Worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen at or Before Said Day
as you will answer the Contrary
Dated Topsfield May the Sixth Ad 1756
David Balch "^
Matthew Peabody Selectmen
NathU Porter Jur )-^f i'^'^™! , ,
John Gould fof Topsfield
Thos Baker J
this is a Tme Copy of the Worrant attest Richd Towne Town CI'
Proper Returns Being made of Worning the Inhabatants of
the Town of Topsfield the meeting followed
1 At a Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield May 18th 1756
the Town made Choise of Mr Elijah Porter to Resepent the
Town att the Great and Generall Court to be holden att Boston
the year Insuing
and their Being other Bisness to be Dun
2 Deacon George Bixby is Chosen Modrator for this meeting Voted
3 Mr Nathan Hood Mr John Hood and Mr Jacob Averel Jur
are Chosen a Comtee to Stop the Leaks In the Meeting House
and to make It more Comfortable for the People Voted
4 the Town made Choise of the Selectmen as a Comtee to
provide the Town with a Grammer School Master the year In-
suing Voted

144 TOWN RECORDS OF
Essex ss To Stephen Forster one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield you are hearby required to wom all the free
holders and other Inhabatants of the Town of Topsfield Qual
lified for Voating as the Law Directs to meet and assemble att
the meeting house in sd Topsfield on Tuesday the Eight Day of
June next att four of the Clock in the aftemoon on Said Day
1 To Choose one man or Two or more as the Town Shall
See fit as an agent or agents to Go to the next Court of Gener
all Sessions of the Peace for the County of Essex to be holden
att Salem to See if the Town Can have any Relif as to the
Heighway Laid out over the River and that according to the
Instmctions that may at the Said Meeting be Given him or them
by the Town then Convend
2 To allow Bills of Charge
3 to See if the Town will answer the Petition of Jacob
KimbaU and Grant it
and make Retum of the Worrant with your Doings to one of
the Selectmen at or before Said Day
Topsfield May ye 27th 1756 NathU Porter Jur ^
Matthew Peabody (Selectmen
John Gould (of Topsfield
Thos Baker J
this is a Tme Copy of the Worrant attest Richd Towne Town CI'
A Proper Retum Being made of woming the Inhabatants of
the Town of Topsfield the Meeting followeth
At a Legall Town Meeting in Topsfield June 8th 1756
1 Deacon George Bixby was Chosen modrator for sd meeting Voted
2 Messrs Elijah Porter Matthew Peabody and Stephen Perkins
are Chosen agents to Go to the Next Court of Generall Sessions
of the Peace to be holden att Salem for the County of Essex re
specting a Heighway Lately Layd out by a Jury from Wenham
Line a Cross the River in Topsfield to the Cuntry Road
3 the Tovra Voated to Leve the affare Respecting to the
Heighway to the agents Chosen to use their Best Indevers in
takeing Counsel and Perpare a Petition to the Next General
Sessions of the Peace to be holden at Salem
4 the Town agreed to Sell Mr Jacob Kimball a Peace of Com
mon Land Laying against his Shoop Between Mr Emerson Stone
wall and the Country Road of forty foot in Length and Twenty
Six foot in Breadth Voted

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 153
ing vis Begining at the Stump Northward of Theophilus Fisk Barn
the North East Comer Bounds of Danvers from thence to a
Stake & Stones on the West Side of the Road Leading to Bunkers
meadow from thence to a heap of Stones Whare formerly Stood
a Plump of mapels from thence to a heap of Stones on the
West Side of Robinson Jr Land from thence To a heap of Stones
by Pigdons meadow and so to the River
Matthew Peabody "| . Thos Tarbox )
Aaron Easty Jr h™ ofipiH SamU Goodridge for
Michaal DwineU ) ^ Jeremiah Dodge >-Wenham
Josiah Ober
Edmond KimbellJ
this is a Tme Copy attest Richd Towne Town CI'
To Thomas Symonds one of the Constables of the Town of
Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you are hearby
required forthwith to wom all the freeholders and other Inhab
atants In the North ward in sd Town that are Qualified for
Voting to Conven and meet Together att the Meeting House in
said Town on Thursday the ninteenth Day of May Instant att
Two of the Clock afternoon
1 To See if the Town will Choose a man to Represent Said
Town att ye Generall Court the year Insuing
2 To See if the Town Will agree and Come into Sum proper
method to build a new Meeting House or to repair the old meet
ing house
3 for the Town to Chouse a Comtee to Supply the Town With
a School Master the year Insuing
4 To See how much money the Town will raise to Defray the
Charges of mending the High ways this present Year
5 To See if the Town will agree to Let Swine Go at Large
the year Insuing agreeable to Law
6 To See if the Town will Choose a man or men to Supply
the Town with Stocks as the Law Directs
7 To See if the Town WUl Grant the petition of Benja Towne
Jur 8 To See if the Town will Give the widow Abiel Tapley the
Sum of four pounds a year for Takeing Care of and providing
for her mother Elizabeth DwineU
9 To allow Bills of Charge
hearof fail not and make retum of this worrant with your
Doing to one or more of the Selectmen att Time and Place
above mentioned

154 TOWN RECORDS OF
Topsfield May 11th 1757 Matthew Peabody^
Elijah Porter (Selectmen
John Gould [of Topsfield
Samll Smith J
this is a Tme Copy of the Worrant attest Richard Towne Town CI'
Proper retums being made on both worrants of woming the
Inhabatants of the Town of Topsfield the meeting followeth
At a Legall Town Meeting in Topsfield May 19th 1757
1 the Town made Choise of Mr John Gould to Represent the
Town att the great and Generall Court to be holden att Boston
the Year Insuing
and their Being other Bisness to be Don
2 Mr Elijah Porter was Chosen modrator for said meeting Voted
3 Deacon George Bixby Capt Tobijah Perkins and Mr Nathan
Hood are Chosen a Comtee to Serch the Meeting House and
See if it were Worth Repering Voted
4 Messers Abraham Hobs John Perkins Jur and Elisha Com
mings are Chosen a School Comtee for the year Insuing Voted
5 the Town Voted to raise Twenty Pounds to Defray the
Charges of working att the Highways the year Insuing
6 the Town agreed that Swine Should go at Large the year
Insuing Provided thay are as the Law Directs Voted
7 the Town allowed to the widow Abiel Tapley after the
Rate of four pounds pr year for takeing Care of her mother
Elizabeth DwineU be it for a Longer or Shorter Time Voted
8 the Town Voted that Mr Elisha Willdes Should Put the
Irons on the Stocks and Bring them to the meeting House Voted
9 the Town allowed to mr Benja lerland five ShUlings and
one peny it being an abatement of part of his Rates Voted
10 the Town allowed to mr Zacchues Gould nine pence it
Being a batement of Part of James Nickels Rates Voted
11 the Town allowed to Mr Asa Bradstreet Thirteen Pounds
Sixteen Shillings for Keeping School five months and Three
weeks in the year 1756 Voted £13 16s Od
12 The Town allowed to Mr Joseph Bradstreet Two poimds
& Eight ShiUings for one months Keeping School in the year
1756 £2 8s Od
13 the Town aUowed to the widow Abiall Tapley Two
pounds for Keeping her mother Elizabeth DwineU from the
Eighteenth Day of Novr 1756 to the Eighteenth Day of May
1757 Voted

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 155
Topsfield March 1st 1757 Reed of Mr Richard Towne Town
Treasurer the Sum of Twenty Three Pounds Twelve Shillings
money for my Salary to September 2nd 1756 by me John
Emerson Clerk
this is a Tme Copey of Mr Emerson Recept
attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
Boston April 18 1757
Reed of Mr Stephen Foster Consti of Topsfield for 1756 Three
pounds one Shilling in full by the hand of Mr Jonathan Foster
H Gray treas'
Reed of Mr Stephen Foster Two Pounds Lawfull Money In
full for what he was to Collect of the Town of Topsfield County
tax for the year 1756
Ipswich May 28th 1757 Daniel Appleton County Treasurer
these two Recepts above are True Copeys
attest Richard Towne Town Clr
Topsfield June ye first Day 1757 We the Subscribers Haveing
Been this Day Notefied by Mr Israel Averell to Devide the
fence Laying between the Said Averell & Mr David Balch of Said
Topsfield have Devided as followeth to Vis begining att Cor"
Matthew Peabodys Paster — Runing Weastwardly Mr Isreal
Averell begins first Nine Rods 72 feet and half Mr David Balch
next 11 Rods 2 feet and half Mr Israel Averell next 3 Rods 15
feet and nine Inches Next Mr David Balch Runing Still Weast
wardly to the westwardly Comer of the Said Averell Paster then
Runing Northerly 32 Rods 13 feet 3 Inches to a Cartain
Divisionall Bound — then Said Averell Runing from thence 29
Rods fourteen feet and Six Inches to a Bound on the Surtherly
Side of the Bank of the River then Mr David Balch Begining
att the Last Bound — mentioned and runing into the River 2
Rods and 2 feet from thence sd Averell Runing 1 Rod and Six
feet to the Bank on the North Side of the River
Ephram Willds 1 fence vewers
Robert Perkins j of Topsfield
This is a True Copy attest Richard Towne Town CI'
Essex ss To Thomas Symonds one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties you are Required
forthwith to wom all the freeholders and other Inhabatants that
are Quallified by Law for Voting in the North ward in sd Town
to Conven Together att the meeting House in Said town on Tues-

156 TOWN RECORDS OF
day the Twenty Eight day of June Ins* att Two of the Cloock
after noon
1 To Consider and Come into Som Proper Measuers for take
ing Care of the French family in Said Town and to act any
thing the Town Shall think proper respecting sd family Being
provided for
2 To See if the Town will axcept of the Reporte of the
Comtee that was Chosen to Examine wether the meeting House
will admit of being Repared
3 to See if the Town will Greant the Petition of Jacob Aver
ell Junr
4 To See if the Town wiU Reconsider their vote of Raiseing
Twenty pounds to Defray the Charges of mending the highways
this year or otherwise to See if the Town will raise more money
for mending said ways
Hearof fail not and make retum of this Worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of Said Town att time
and place above mentioned Matthew Peabody^
John Gould (Selectmen
Elijah Porter [of Topsfield
Samll Smtih J
this is a True Copy of ye worrant attest Richd Towne Town CI'
Proper Returns being made of worning the Inhabatants of
the Town of Topsfield the meeting followeth
At a Legall Town meeting in Topsfield June 28th 1757
1 Mr Elijah Porter is Chosen Modrator for this meeting Voted
2 the Town Excepted of the Report of the Comtee Chosen Vis
Capt Tobijah Perkins Deacon George Bixby and Mr Nathan
Hood to Sarch the meeting House and that thare Report is that
the meeting house is not worth Reparing
3 the Town Granted Liberty to Mr Jacob Averell Juner to
Sett up a Shoop of Eighteen foot in Langth and fifteen foot in
width on the Towns Land where Mr Isaac Fitts Shoop Stood Voted
Essex ss To Thomas DwineU one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties name you are
hearby Required forth With to wom all the freeholders and
other Inhabatants that are Qualified by Law for Voting in the
South Ward In Said Town to assembel and Conven together att

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 157
the meeting House in Said Town on Tuesday the Sixth Day of
September next att Two of the Clock after noon
1 To Chouse Jury men for to Serve att Newbury Court accord
ing to the Venire
2 To See how much money the Town will Raise to Defray
The Town Charges this present year
3 To See if the Town will Chouse a Comtee to take Care and
Stop the leakeges of the meeting House
4 to allow Bills of Charge
Hearof fail not and make return of this Worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Select men of Said Town att time
and place above mentioned
Topsfield August 25th 1757 Matthew Peabody ) Sg,„„tjj,en
£3lmr [ofTopafield
this is a Tme Copy of the Worrant attest Richard Towne Town CI'
proper returns being made of woming the Inhabatants of sd
Town of Topsfield one Both Worrants the meeting followeth
Att a Legall Town Meeting in Topsfield Sept 6th 1757
1 Mr Elijah Porter was Chosen modrator for this meeting Voted
2 Mesiers John Balch Elieser Lake Jur are Drawn out of the
Box to Serve on the Jury of Tryalls att the next Infearer Court
to be holden att Newbury
3 the Town agreed to raise one hundred pounds to Defray
the Charges of the Town ye year Insuing Including Mr Emerson
Sallary in Said Sum Voted
4 The Town allowed to Leut Luke Averell five Shillings and
four pence for plank Voted
5 the Town allowed to Leut Luke Averell Eight Shillings for
114 feet of plank to Lay one the River Bridge Voted
6 the Town allowed Mr Israel Averell Eight Shillings for one
Tun of Timber £0 8s Od Voted
7 the Town allowed Cor Peabody four Shillings for half a
Tun of Timber £0 4 0 Voted
8 the Town made Choise of Mr Solomon Dodge to Serve on
the Grand Jury att the next Supr Court to be holden att Salem
9 Mesers Jacob Averell and Joseph Andrew are Chosen to
Serve on the Jury of Tryalls att the next Supearer Court to be
holden att Salem

158 TOWN RECORDS OF
Essex ss To Thomas DwineU one of the Constables of ye
Town of Topsfield Greeting In His Majesties Name you are
hearby required forthwith to wom all the freeholders and others
Inhabatants in the South ward in Said Town that are Qualified
for Voteing to Conven and meet Together att the meeting House
in Said Town on Tuesday the Twenty Second Day of November
Instant att Two of ye Clock after noon
1 To Chouse a man or men to answer the presentment for
the Towns not haveing a School
2 to See what measuers the Town Will Come into for to have
the french family in Said Town Supported under their Dificult
Surcomstantes 3 to aUow Bills of Charge
Hearof fail not and make Retum of this Worrant with your
Doing to one or more of the Selectmen of sd Town att Time
and Place above mentioned
Topsfield Novr 9th 1757 Matthew Peabody^
John Gould (Selectmen
Elijah Porter (of Topsfield
Samll Smith J
a tme Copy of ye Worrant attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
Proper Retums being made on both Worrants of woming the
Inhabatants of the Town the meeting foUoweth
Att a LegaU Town meeting in Topsfield Novr 22nd 1757
1 Mr Elijah Porter was Chosen Moderator for sd meeting Voted
2 The Town made Choise of Deacon Bixby and Mr Elijah
Porter to go to the next Court of Generall Sessions of the peace
to be holden att Salem to answer a presentment for want of a
School Voted
3 the Town allowed to the Selectmen four pounds four ShU-
Ungs and four pence for Two mounths Schooling and Bording
the Schol master Voted
4 the Town allowed to Mr Simon Gould for one Hundred and
Thirteen feet of white oak pland att the Rate of four pounds
per Thousand Voted
5 the Town aUowed to Mr Stephen Foster five Shillings for
Seventy Two feet of white oak plank Voted
Topsfield December 14th 1757 then Rec* of Mr Zaceheus
Gould former Constable Two pounds Three Shillings & Eight
Pence in full of his Collection
Rec* by me Richard Towne Town Treasurer

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 159
Wee the Subscribers Being Authoised and Impowered to Pram
belate ye Line and Bounds Between the Town of Topsfield and
the Town of Danvers have mett this 13th Day of December
1757 and Renewed sd Bounds or Line as followeth Vis begining
att a White oak Stump with Stones about it Standing about one
Rod and one half Northeasterly from Theophelius Fisks Barn
Near to Wenham Casuaway from thence to a Black or rad oak
tree Stump with a heap of Stones Standing in Daniel Gotts Or
chard from thence to a heap of Stones near Thos Dwinells paster
From thence to a heap of Stones near Nicholes Brook So on the
Same Course to Said Brook near the Low mills Commonly Called
Porters Saw Mill
John Preston ) Matthew Peabody ) ^ ^ , ,
Arch Deal V Danvers Benja DwineU j" lopsneld
SamuU putnam )
We the Subscribers being a Comtee appointed by the Towns of
Ipswich and Topsfield to Prambulate the Lines Betwen Ips
wich and Topsfield met this fifteenth Day of Deer 1757 and
Pramblated Said Line and Began by the River at the mouth of
Houletts Brook and So by sd Brook to a Stake and heap of
Stones in Nealands meadow and from thence to a heap of Stones
on a hill with a Stake marked 1754 and from thence to a Stake
Standing in a Grate Spring in Conants meadow from thence to a
heap of Stones Being about Eight rods Westward from the Brook
near Stephen fosters House from Thence on a Strait Line runing
by Bumams Land to a Black oak tree att the Botom of the hill
being the Comer of perkines Land So on to the pond and So on
a Strait Line to an appel tree and Stones about it the Corner
bound Betwen Ipswich Topsfield and Boxford
Elijah porter ) Comtee for David Low ) Comtee for
Abraham Hobs ) Topsfield Jeremiah perkins J Ipswich
We the Subscribers being a Comtee apointed by the Towns of
Topsfield & Boxford to pramblate the Line Betwen sd Towns
met this fifteenth Day of December 1757 and pramblated sd Line
& Began att an appel tree with Stones about it in Asa parleys
field from thence to a Stake and heap of Stones at the Southerly
Corner of Bakers farme (So Called) thence to whare the water
runs Through ye Dam near Simon Goulds house (Called androus
Dam) thence to a Stake & heap of Stones by fishing Brook on
the Easterly Side of a rever late runing into Said Brook thence
as Said Brook runs to Ipswich river so Call* thence up sd River
to middelton Line

160 TOWN RECORDS OF
Aaron Wood ) ^ , EUjah Porter | Comtee for
Asa Parley h^ 2: !i Abraham Hobbs ) Topsfield
Paul Prichard j^^°^*^
Middleton December 13th 1757 We the Subscribers Being a
Comtee appointed to Renew the bounds Between Topsfield and
Middleton have porseeded as foUoweth Begining at a heap of
stones in Nickels brook above the SawmUl and so runing as
the Brook Runs the most Northerly part thereof to a Bunch of
ashes Standing at the mouth of the Said brook where It Empits
it Self into the River
Comtee for f Joseph Towne Comtee for [ Andrew FuUer
Topsfield X SamU Commings Middelton -l Zarobabel Peabody
(. David Kinney
the Three aforesd Copes are True Copeys
attest Richard Towne Town CI'
Essex ss To Thomas DwineU one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you are
hearby required to Wom aU the Freeholders and Other Inhab
atants that are Qualified by Law for Voting in the South ward
in Said Town to Conven and meet together at the meeting House
in Said Town on Tuesday the Seventh of march Next at nine
of the Clock in the fore noon
1 To Choose Selectmen Constables a Town Clark and aU
other Town Officers as the Law Directs for the year Insuing
2 To See if the Town wUl accept of the Selectmen Rickoning
With the Town Treasurer
3 to Choose Jurymen for next march Court according to the
Venire 4 To allow BUls of Charge
Hearof faU not and make retum of this worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of Said Town at time
and place above mentioned
Topsfield Febr 14th 1758 Matthew Peabody ^
John Gould
EUjah Porter
SamU Smith
this is a Tme Copy of the Worrant attest Richd Towne Town CI'
There Being Proper Retums made on Both worrants of
woming the Iiihabatants of the Town of Topsfield the meeting
foUoweth

.Selectmen of Topsfield

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 161
Att a Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield March 7th 1758
1 Leut Samll Smith was Chosen Modreator for this meeting Voted
2 Leut NathU Porter Missrs John Gould David Balch Daniel
Byxby David Perkins was Chosen Selectmen for the year
Insuing Voted
3 Mr Abraham Hobbs Mr Elijah Porter ware Chosen Con
stables for the year Insuing Voted
4 Richard Towne is Chosen Town Clerk for the year Insuing Voted
5 Richard Town was Chosen Town Treasurer for the year
Insuing Voted
6 Messrs Simon Gould Stephen perkins Nathan Willdes was
Chosen Tything men for the year Insuing Voted
7 Missrs Joseph Andrew Elieser Lake Junr Joseph Towne
Nathan Hood and Archalues Rea ware Chosen Sevoyers of the
Highway the year Insuing Voted
8 Mr David Perkins was Chosen Sealer of Lather ye year
Insuing Voted
9 Leut Luke Averell and Mr Solomon Dodge and Auther
Brown ware Chosen fence Vewers for the year Insuing Voted
10 Messrs Thomas Symonds and John Bathalder ware Chosen
Hog Reaves for the year Insuing Voted
11 the Town Excepted of the Selectmens Rickoning with The
Town Treasurer and their Remains in sd Treasurers hand not
ordred out ninty Three pounds Three Shillings and Two pence
12 Mr John Bathelder was Chosen Grand Jury for the year
Insuing Voted
13 Messrs Robert Perkins and Samll Commings was Drawn
Out of the Box to Serve on the Jury of Tryalls att the next
Inferer Court to be holden att Ipswich
14 the Town abated Mr Richd Cree Rate what he was rated
to the Town Which is five Shillings 0 5 0 Voted
15 The Town abated to Samll Phippan what he was Rated in
Constable foster List which is 0 14 0 Voted
16 It is to be under[stood] that Mr Abraham Hobbs is to serve
as Constable in the rum and Stead of Mr John Bradstreet so Voted
the Several Persons which was Chosen into Office att the
above sd meeting to whom an Oath is Required was Sworn to
the faithfull Discharge of there Office on the Seventh Eleventh
and Sixteenth Days of the Said mounth Excepting Messrs John
Gould and Elijah Porter Stephen Perkins
Mr John Gould Mr Dan Clarke and Mr Stephen Perkins took

162 TOWN RECORDS OF
the Oaths to Each of their Respective Offices to which they
ware Chosen into on the 24th Day of March 1758
Essex ss To Abraham Hobbs Constable in the Town of
Topsfield Greeting in his Majesties Name you are hereby Re
quired to wom all the freeholders and Other Inhabatants that
are Qualified by Law for voting in Said Town to Conven and
meet Together at the Meeting House in Said Town on Monday
the Twenty Seventh Day of March Instant att one of the Clock
in the aftemoon
1 To See if the Town wiU Choose a man to Serve Constable
in the rom of Mr EUjah Porter
2 to See if the Town wUl do any thing Concerning the Town
Stock of ammunition
3 To See if the Town WiU Chouse a man to take Care of the
french Famely that is in Town
4 To See if Swine ShaU go at Large the year Insuing
5 To See if the Town Will Choose a School Comtee to find a
School marster for Said Town According to Law
6 To aUow BiUs of Charge
Hearof faU not and make retum of this worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of Said town att time
and place above mentioned
Topsfield March 20th 1758 NathU Porter "^
Daniel Bixby (Selectmen
David Perkins (of Topsfield
David Balch Jur J
This is a Tme Copy of the worrant
attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
A proper Retum Being made of woming the Inhabatants of
the Said Town the meeting foUoweth
Att a Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield March 27th 1758
1 Leut Samll Smith was Chosen modrator for sd meeting Voted
2 the Town made Choise and Excepted of Mr Dan Clark to
Serve as Constable in the Rom and in Stead of Mr EUjah Porter
for the year Insuing Voted
3 the Town made Choise of the Selectmen to provide the
Town with a School master according to Law the year Insuing Voted
4 The Town made Choise of the Selectmen to take Care and
Provide a Town Stock what is Nead fuU for the Town Voted

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 163
5 the Tovra agreed that Swine Should Go att Large ye year
Insuing Voted
6 the Tovra abated to Mr Benja lerland for his head what
he was Rated in Constable Towne Lists being £0 14s Od
7 the Town abated to Mr Benja lerland for his head what
he was rated in Constable Dwinells Listes Being 0 6 4
8 the Town aUowed to the former Selectmen for providing
the Town With a School four munths Eight Pounds Ten
Shillings and Eight Pence Voted '
9 the Town allowed to Mr Elijah Porter Eight Shillings for j
going to Salem Court Last December to git the fine of [f] which 1
we were persented for want of a School Voted 0 8 0
10 the Town abated to William Gallap what he was rated in
Constable Towne List Being 0 5 4
11 the Town allowed to Mr Joseph Hovey for 55 feet of and
one Stick of Timber Voted 0 4 0
12 the Towm allowed to Mr Solomon Dodge for Serves Done
for the Town Respecting the high way and money Ex
pended 5 3 3
13 The Town allowed to Leut Luke Averell Seven pounds
Sixteen Shillings and 4 pence for Going to the Courts about the
Highway and Extrodney Expence 7 16 4
Essex ss To Quar Dan Clarke one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you are
hearby required to wome all the freeholders and other Inhaba
tants that are quallified By Law for voting in the South ward
in Said Town to Conven and meet Together att the meeting
House in Said Town on Wednesday the Twenty forth day of
may Instant att one of the Clock in the afternoon
1 To Chouse a meet person to Represent the Town att the
Great and General Court according to precipt
2 to See what money the Town will Raise to mend the high
way this present year
3 To See whether the Town are WiUing to Receve a Cartain
Number of famelyes Belonging to Ipswich with there Lands as
Town agreeable to a plan to be produced
4 to See if the Town will Do any thing Concerning the fine
that was taken from us about the new way from our Town to
Wenham 5 to See if the Town will abate Philip Nelands pole rate to
the province
6 to allow Bills of Chargs

164 TOWN RECORDS OF
Hearof fail not and make Retum of this Worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of Said Town att Time
and Place above mentioned
Topsfield May 16th 1758 NathU Porter "]
John Gould [selectmen
Daniel Byxby ^^f Topsfield
David Perkins ^
David Balch Jur ^
this is a Tme Copy of the Worrant attest Richd Towne Town Clr
Proper Retums Being of woming the Inhabatants of ye Town
of Topsfield the meeting followeth
Att a Legal Town meeting in Topsfield may 24th 1758
Mr John Gould is Chosen to Repesent the Town att the Great
and Generall Court to be holden att Boston the year Insuing
and there Being other Bisness to Be Dun
2 Deacon George Bixby is Chosen modrator for ye sd meeting
3 The Town agreed to Raise forty Pounds of money to mend
the high ways with the year Insuing Voted
4 the Tovsm abated Mr Philip Neland province Rate for his
pole for the year 1757 which is fifteen shillings 0 15 0
5 the Town allowed to Mr John Bradstrett what he was rated
for a Peace of medow in the year 1757 which he has sould Voted
6 The Town allowed to Mr Ebensier Averell four Shillings
and four pence for a pare of oxen which he was rated for which
he had not 0 4 4
7 The Town abated Mr Jacob Perkins Province Rate for the
year 1757 which is fifteen ShUlings 0 15 0 Voted
8 the Town abated Mr Eliezer Goulds Town and province
Rate for his head for the year 1757 Voted
9 the Town Manif asted by a Vote that they were willing that
a Cartain Number of Familyes Belonging to Ipswich with there
Lands Should be Laid to the Town Topsfield as Township agree
able to a Plan porduced Boston June 12 1758
Reed of Mr Thos DwineU Constable of Topsfield for 1757
Twenty five pounds Six Shillings and four pence In fuU By the
hand of Mr John Gould H Gray Tres
this is a Tme Copy of the Recept attest Richd Towne Town CI'

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 165
Essex ss To Quer Dan Clarke one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you are
hearby Required to wom all the freeholders and other Inhabatants
yt are Quallified by Law for Voting in the South ward in Said
Town to Conven Together att the meeting House in Said Town
on Tuesday the forth Day of July next att Two of ye Clock in
the after noon
1 To hear What our Ipswich Neighbours hath sett there
hands unto in order for there being Laid of to our Town
2 to See if the Town will Choose a man or men to Joyn with
our Ipswich Neighbours who have Signified there Desiers to be
Laid to our Town That is in petitioning to the Generall Court
that they with there Estates may be Laid of to our Town to
Joyn with us in Township
3 To See if the Town Will Go into any Method of prepara
tion for Bulding a new meeting house
4 To allow Bills of Charge
Hearof fail not and make Return of this worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of Said Town att time
and place above mentioned
Topsfield June 20th 1758 John Gould "|
Daniel Bixby (Selectmen
David Perkins Coi Topsfield
David Balch Jr J
this is a Tme Copy of the Worrant attest Richd Towne Town Clr
Proper Returns being made of woming the Inhabatants of
the Town the meeting followeth
Att a Legal Town meeting in Topsfield July 4th 1758
1 Capt Benja Towne was Chosen modrator for sd meeting Voted
2 it was Put Voat to See if The Town Would Chouse a man
or men to Joyn with our Ipswich Neighbours and it past in the
negetive 3 The Town voted to perpear Stuf to Build a meeting House
Essex ss To Quert"> Dan Clarke one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you are
hearby required to worn all the freeholders and other Inhaba
tants that are Quallified by Law for Voting in the South Ward
in Said Town to Conven and meet together att the meeting House
in sd Town on Tuesday the ninteenth Day of September Next
att Two of the Clock in the afternoon

166 TOWN RECORDS OF
1 To Choose Jurymen for Newbury Court according to Wor
rant as the Law Directs
2 To See how much Money the Town Will Raise this present
year to Defray the Charges of sd Town
3 To hear a petition from Capt Joseph Cummings & Others
of our Ipswich Neighbours in order for there being annexed to
our Town with there Estates that shall be mentioned within a
plan that shall be then Sett forth In there petition then to be
hard and then for the Town in there Wisdom to act what they
shall think proper in Said affare
4 To See if the Town will allow Benja Towne Junr any Dam
age that was Dun him by reason of the way Laid out over his
Land to Wenham
5 To allow Bills of Charge
Hearof fail not and make retum of this worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of Said town att time
and place above mentioned
Topsfield August 28th 1758 John Gould [selectmen
Daniel Bixby >¦ ^ t- /- u
David Balch Jur r* Topsfield
this is a Tme Copey of the Worrant attest Richd Towne Town CI'
Proper retums Being made of worming the Inhabatants of
the Town of Topsfield the meeting foUoweth
Att a LegaU Town Meeting in Topsfield Sept 19th 1758
1 Leut Samll Smith was Chosen modrator for sd meeting Voted
2 Jeremiah Towne and Stephen Foster was Drawn out of the
Box to Serve on the Jury of Tryalls att the Next Court of Gen
erall Sessions to be holden att Newbury
3 The Town agreed to Raise one Hundred and forty pounds
to Defray the Charges of the Said Town the year Insuing Voted
4 The Town agrees to Receive Capt Joseph Cummings Leut
John Lampson Leut Thos Cummings Messrs Israel Clarke Jabez
Ross Joseph Cummings Junr and John Lampson 3rd Inhabatants
of the Town of Ipswich with there families and all the Lands
mentioned in a plan produced for that purpose to be annexed
to the Town of Topsfield To be part and parcel thereof and to
Do Duty and Receive previledges in it as the now Inhabatancs
of Said Town Do Voted
5 the Town agrees to Joyne with the above named Capt
Joseph Cummings and Others above mentioned in pertitioning

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 167
to the Generall Court in order to there Being with there Estates
annexed to the Town of Topsfield (Viz) Provided the Town of
Ipswich shall Refuse to Sett them off " Voted
6 it was put to vote to See if the Town would allow Benja
Towne Jur any thing for Damage Dun by a Road Layd through
his Land to Wenham and it past in the Negetive
7 the Town aUowed to the Selectmen Six pounds Eight
Shillings for to pay for Three mounths Schooling the Summer
past £6 8s Od
8 the Town made Choise of Missrs Matthew Peabody to
serve on the Grand Jury and Nathan Hood Elisha Willdes to
Serve on ye Jury of Tryalls att the Next Supr Court to be
holden att Salem
Essex ss To Mr Dan Clarke one of the Const of the Town of
Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you are hearby
required to wom all the free holders and other Inhabatants
that are quallified by Law for voting in the Said Town to
Conven together att the meeting house in Said Town on
Tuesday the Ninth Day of January Instant att one of the Clock
in the aftemoon
1 To See if the Town will Build a new meeting House in sd
Town and Set it where the old one now Stands
2 To See if the Town Will be Looking out and Gathering to
gether the Timber for a New Meeting house
3 To See if the Town Would Buy any Bords Clabords
Shingles or Nails for a new Meeting house
4 To See if the Town wUl Raise or allow any Money and
How much in Gifting and Gathering together the above pertic-
ulars for Said new meeting House
5 To See if the Town WiU Chouse a Comtee for the above
sd Bisness
6 To See What Bigness the Town Would Build sd new
meeting house
7 To Give the above sd Comtee that may be Chosen Such In
stmctions as the Town Shall think proper in the above said affare
8 To allow BUI of Charge
Hearof fail not and make Retum of this Worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of sd Town at Time
and place above mentioned
Topsfield January 2nd 1759 DanielBixby [selectmen
David Perkins r„fT„„„fl„ij
David Balch Jr [of Topsfield

168 TOWN RECORDS OF
This is a True Copy of the Worrant attest Richd Towne Town Clr
proper Retum Being made of woming the Inhabatants of
The Town of Topsfield the meeting followeth
Att a Legall Town meeting in Topsfield January 9th 1759
1 Deacon George Bixby was Chosen modrator for said
meeting Voted
2 The Town agreed to Build a New Meeting House and Set
it Where the old meeting house Now Stands Voted
3 the Town agreed to Be Looking out for Timber and
Gifting It Together to Build the meeting house Voted
4 The Town agreed to Git Bords Clabords Shingles and naUs
for the meeting House Voted
5 The Town agreed to Choose a Comtee to take Care and
See to the Building the New meeting house Voted
6 Deacon Bixby Messrs Thos Symonds Jacob Averill Nathan
Hood and Stephen Perkins are Chosen a Commitee for the
above said Bisness Voted
7 the Tovsm agreed that the New meeting House Should be
fifty four foot in Length and forty Two foot in Bredth
8 the Town voted that the above sd Commitee should go to
a Carpenter or Carpenteres to Know what thay would ask for
the frame of the above sd meeting House they finding the
Timber and what they would alow for our old meeting house
towards their pay
9 the Town allowed to Mr Robert Perkins Thirteen Shillings
and Eight pence for one hundred and Eight feet of white oak
plank to mend the River Bridge with £0 13 8 Voted
10 the Town allowed to Mr Israel Averell 0 16 Voted
Essex ss To Mr Dan Clarke one of ye Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you are
hearby forthwith Required to wome all the freeholders and
other Inhabatants that are Qualffied by Law for Voting in Said
Town to Conven together att the meeting house in Said Town
on Tuesday the Thirteenth Day of Febuerary Instant att
Twelve of the Clock in the Day
1 To See if the Town will agree to Reconsider the whole of
the Votes that was passed att the Town Meeting on the ninth
Day of January 1759 Relating to ye Building a new meeting
House in Said Tovim and in Case the Town Shall agree to
Reconsider said votes Then
2 To See if the Town will agree to Build a new meeting house

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 169
3 For the Town to agree how Large and in what forme they
will Build Said new meeting house
4 To See in what Place the Town Will agree to Sett Said
New Meeting House
5 To See how much money the Town Will agree to Raise
To Defray the Charges of Building sd new meeting house
6 To See if the Town will agree to Chouse a Comtee to
Look out and Gether together near where sd meeting is to
stand and on the Towns Cost Enought Suitable timber for sd
frame of said house
7 To See if the Town Will agree that sd Comtee Shall first
git all the Timber that they Can of the Inhabatants of sd Town
for the frame of said House
8 For the town to agree what they will allow per Ton for
Timber Ready Cutt and hauled to the Spot for the frame of
said house
9 To See if the Town will agree that sd Comtee shall Treat
With a Suitable man or men that is master of such work and See
how Cheap they Can git Such man or men after the Timber for
the frame is Got together to take the old meeting House as it
now Stands and Buld and finish Said New meeting house by the
Greate and find all the Reast of the Stuff &c and make Report
to the Town att the annual Town meeting in march next
10 for the Town to agree Upon any Other method or Com
into any further measueres in order to Build and finish a New
meeting house in Said Town that they shall think proper
Hereof fail not and make retum of this Worrant with your
Doings to one or more of ye Selectmen of sd Town att Time
and place afore mentioned as you will answer the Conterary att
the perral of the Law
Topsfield Febuary 6th 1759 Daniel Bixby ) o ^ j.
David Perkins Pf^''*'"f ,^
David Balch Jr ) °^ Topsfield
this is a True Copy of the worrant attest Richard Towne Town Clr
A proper Retum being made of woming the Inhabatants of
the Town of Topsfield the meeting followeth
Att a Legall Town Meeting in Topsfield Febry 13th 1759
1 Leut Smith was Chosen Modrator for said meeting Voted
2 The Town agreed to reconsider all the Voates that was
passed on the ninth Day of January Last Respecting the New
Meeting House Voted

170 TOWN RECORDS OF
3 the Town agrees to Build a new meeting house Voted
4 The Town agrees that the new meeting house should be
fifty four foot in Leingth and forty Two foot in Bredth and
Twenty Six foot Stud Voted
5 the Town agrees to have a perpomable Steeple to the said
New meeting house Voted
6 the Town agrees that the new meeting house shall stand
where the old meeting house now Stands Voted
7 The town agrees that the Selectmen Shall Lay a Tax upon
the Inhabatants of the Town of One Hundred and fifty pounds
to be Laid out in Building the meeting house Voted
8 Deacon Bixby Leut Smith and Mr Nathan Hood are Chosen
a Comtee to Look out and gather together near Where sd meet
ing House is to Stand and on the Towns Cost Enought Suitable
Timber for the frame of sd house Voted
9 the Town agrees that the sd Comtee shall git what timber
they Can of the Town Inhabitants Voted
10 the Town agrees to Build the meeting house this present
year Voted
11 The Town agrees that the sd Comtee shall Git the Timber
for the Meeting House as Cheap as they Can and where they
Can Voted
12 the town agrees that the sd Comtee shall Treat with a
man or men that are Masters of such work and see what they
will Build the meeting house for and the sd Comtee make Re
tum att the next annual meeting in march Voted
13 Capt John Bordman is Chosen Grand Jury man for the
year Insuing Voted
14 Capt Nath" Averell and Mr Jacob DwineU are Drawn out
of the Box to Serve on the Jury att the next Infearer Court to
be holden att Ipswich
Essex ss To Dan Clarke one of the Constables of the Town of
Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you are hearby required
to wom all the freeholders and other Inhabatants that are Quali
fied by Law for Voting in the South Ward in Said Town to Con
ven and meet together att the Meeting House in Said Town on
Tuesday the Sixth Day of March Next att nine of the Clock In
the morning
1 To Chuse Selectmen Constables a Town Clerk and all other
Town Officers for the year Insuing as the Law Directs
2 To See if the Town Will Except of the Selectmen Rickoning
With the Town Treasurer

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 171
3 For the Town to bring in there Votes for a County Treas
urer 4 To See if the Town Will Except of the Retum of the Com
tee that was Chosen to get Together the Timber for the new
Meeting House
5 To See What further Measurers the Town will Come into
for Building and finishing Said New Meeting House
6 To See if the Town Will Reconsider the Vote that was
passed att the Last Town Meeting for to Build the meeting
House this present Year
7 To See if the Town Will Grant the petition of Joseph Brown
of Boxford and Others
8 To allow Bills of Charge
Hearof fail not and make Return of this worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of sd Town att time &
place above mentioned as you will answer your Neglect att the
parriel of the Law
Topsfield Febry 26th 1759 John Gould ^
Daniel Bixby (Selectmen
David Perkins [of Topsfield
David Balch JurJ
this is a Tme Copy of the worrant
attest Richd Towne Town Clerk
Proper Retums Being made on both Worrants of woming the
Inhabatants of the Town of Topsfield the meeting followeth
Att a LegaU Town meeting in Topsfield March 6th 1759
1 Leut Samll Smith was Chosen Modrator for sd meeting Voted
Messrs John Gould David Perkins David Balch Jur Daniel
Bixby Stephen Perkins are Chosen Selectmen for the year In-
suing Voted
2 Mr Joseph Gould and Mr Jeremiah Averill are Chosen Con
stables for the year Insuing Voted
3 Richard Towne was Chosen Town Clerk for ye year Insu
ing Voted
Mr Stephen foster is Chosen Town Treasurer for the year
Insuing 4 Mr John Perkins Mr Joseph Andrew and Mr Thomas Sy
monds are Chosen Tything men for the year Insuing Voted
5 Messrs Thomas Perkins Jur Paletiah Commings Jabez
Towne Simon Gould and John Peabody are Chosen Servoyers
of ye Heighways for the year Insuing Voted

172 TOWN RECORDS OF
6 Mr David Perkins is Chosen Sealer of Lather for ye year
Insuing Voted
7 Messrs Thomas Baker Jur and Zacchues Gould are Chosen
fence Vewers for the year Insuing Voted
8 Messrs Matthew Peabody and Dan Clarke are Chosen Hog
reaves for the year Insuing Voted
9 the Town Excepted of the Selectmen Rickoning with the
Town Treasurer and there Remains in Said Treasurer hand not
ordered out one Hundred Sixty Seven pounds Sixteen Shillings Voted
10 the Town Excepted of the Comtee Retum So fare as they
have porseeded in perparing Timber for the new meeting House Voted
11 It was put to Vote to see if the Town Would adjum the
said meeting accordingly to the Thirteenth Day of March In
stant to one of ye Clock aftemoon Voted
Att a legal Town meeting in Topsfield heald by an adjum
ment from the Sixth Day of March Instant to the Thirteenth
Day of the Said month and then meet and porseeded as followeth
1 The Town agrees that the sd Comtee Shall Still proseed in
prepering Stuff for the New Meeting House according to the
Instmction the Town Shall Give Voted
2 Capt Benja Towne Mr Elijah Porter is Chosen to Joyn with
the Former Comtee in Perparing Stuff for the New Meeting
House Voted
3 It was Put to Vote to See if the Town Would reconsider the
Vote past Respecting Building the meeting House this year
and it pased in the Negetive
4 the Town agrees that ye Comtee or the mager Part of them
shall proceed in the affare and git ye Timber of sd meeting House
hew* and fram* and shall also procuer boards Clabbords and
all other meterials Nessessaiy and build and finish said meet
ing House all Except the inside worke Voted
5 Voted that the Selectmen shall Give orders to the Tovra
Treasurer to pay to sd Comtee from Time to time Such Sum and
Sums of money as shall be nessessray to hire Carpenters and
purchess Stuff and other meteriales that may be wanted in
building and finishing said New Meeting House
6 The Town allowed to Mr Dan Clarke for warning John
Grant out of Town and what he paid to Joseph Bowditch
Esqr £0 2 10
7 the Town allowed to the Selectmen for the School marsters \
Serves and Board five months and one week att £2 2s 8d per
month £11 4s Od

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 173
8 the Town allowed to Elisha Towne for warning John
Lefaver and his famiely out of Town £0 17 4
9 the Town allowed to the widow Lydia Brown What her
Husbands head was Rated to the province in the year 1758 Voted
the Town abated John Jacobs Town rate in Thos DwineU List
10 the town abated John Bakers Jur Rate Voted
11 the Town Mannifasted by a Voat that they ware Willing
to Except of Mr Joseph Brown of Boxford and others they and
there Land agreeable to there petition that thay Laid Before
the Town Voted
the Several Persons Chosen Into Offices on the Sixth Day of
March 1759 were aU Sworn to the faithfull Discharge of there
Respective Offices as the Law Directs Excepting Messrs Stephen
foster John Peabody and Thomas Perkins Junr
March 23rd 1759 John Peabody was Sworn to the faithfull
Discharge of his Offices Mr John Gould was Sworn to the faith
full Discharge of offices on ye 24 Day of May 1759
Jabez Town was Sworn to the faithfull Discharge of his office
May 29 1759
Thomas Perkins Juner was Sworn to on the 16th Day of June
to the faithfull Discharge of his offices to which he was Chosen
into in March 1759
Essex ss To Mr Jeremiah Averell one of the Constables of
Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you are hearby re
quired to wom all the freeholders and other Inhabatants that
are Quallified by Law for Voting in the North ward in Said
Town to Conven together att the Meeting House in said Town
on Tuesday the Twenty Seventh Day of March Instent att one
of the Clock in the aftemoon
1 To See how much Money the Town will raise to mend the
High ways this Present year
2 to See if the Town wiU Choose a School Comtee to provide
a good School for the Town the year Insuing
3 To See if the Town will Choose a man to take Care of the
french famely that is in our Town
4 to See if the Town will Let Swine go att Large this present
year as the Law Directs
5 To allow Bills of Charge
Hearof fail not and make Return of this worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of Said Town att time
and place above mentioned

174 TOWN RECORDS OF
Topsfield March 20th 1759 DanielBixby [selectmen
KScWurjofTopsfield
this is a True Copy of the Worrant attest Richard Town Town Clr
proper Retums Being made on Both Worrants of woming
the Inhabatants of the Town of Topsfield the meeting followeth
Att a Legall Town meeting in Topsfield March 27th 1759
1 Mr Elijah Porter was Chosen Modrator for said meeting Voted
2 The Town agreed to Raise Twenty Pounds money to Defray
the Charges of mending the Highways this present year Voted
3 it was put to vote to see if the Tovm would Chouse a man
to take Care of the french famely and it past in the Negetive
4 The Town agreed that Svdne should go att Large provided
thay are as the Law Directs Voted
5 the Town aUowed to Mr Nathan Willdes five shiUings and
four pence it being an abatement of his Rates in Constable
Symonds List Voted
6 the Town abated Mr Asa Bradstreet Tovra and Province
Rates in Constable Symonds List for the year 1757 Voted
7 The Town agreed to pay to Mr Jacob DwineU for about
Three Rods of Land in Langth and Two in Breadth and makeing
the fence on Both Sides Equivelent to what the Honourable
Comtee allowed him for the other part of the Highway which
goes through his Land it being a Mistake In Said Comtee and
Capt Averell in not Setting it of when they went Lower upon
the said Dwinells Land Voted
8 the Tovsm abated Mr James Malcom Rates Both Town and
province in Mr Thos Sjrmonds List Voted
Essex ss To Joseph Gould one of the Constables of the Town
of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you are hearby
required to wom all the freeholders and other Inhabatants that
are Qullified by Law for voting in the South ward in sd Town
to Conven & meet Together att the meeting House in sd Town
on Thirsday the Twenty forth Day of May Instant att one of
the Clock in the aftemoon
1 To Choose a man to Represent the Town att the Great &
Generall Court according to precept
2 To See If the Town will Choose a man or men to Joyn in
petioning to the Great and Generall Court with Capt Joseph

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 175
Cummings & others of the Town of Ipswich Respecting there
being Seet of from the Town of Ipswich and anaxed to the
Town of Topsfield
3 to See if the Town will agree to take Down the old meet
ing House
4 For the Town to Choose a Comtee and Give them Instmc
tions Relating to the Taking Down the old meeting House
5 To allow Bills of Charge
Hearof fail not and make return of this worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of said Town att time
and place above mentioned
Topsfield May 15th 1759 John Gould ^
Daniel Bixby ( Selectmen
Stephen Perkins C of Topsfield
David Balch JurJ
this is a Tme Copy of the Worrant
attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
Proper Retums being made on Both worrants of worning the
Inhabatants of the Town of Topsfield the meeting followeth
Att a Legall Town Meeting in Topsfield May 24th 1759
1 It was put to Voat to See if the Town would Choose a man
to Represent the Town att the Great and General Court for the
year Insuing and it pasd in the Negetive Voted
2 and there being other Bisness to be Dun Leut Smith was
Chosen modrator for sd meeting Voted
3 the Town Made Choise of Mr John Gould to assest in the
Towns Behalf Capt Joseph Commings and others of the Inhaba
tants of Ipswich in preparing a petition to the Grate and Gener
al Court to be anaxed to the Town of Topsfield Voted
4 the Town agrees to take Down the old meeting house Voted
5 Capt John Bordman Capt Tobijah Perkins Mr Ephraim
Willdes Mr Solomon Dodges and Ensn Solomon Gould are Chosen
a Comtee to take Down the old meeting house Voted
6 the Town agrees that sd Comtee shall Take Down sd
old meeting house att such Time as the Comtee Chosen to build
ye new meeting house shall think proper and take Care of all the
valluable Stufe that is not wanted for said new meeting house
and the Glass &c Till further order from sd Town Voted
7 the Town abated Mr lerlands Rates which he is Rated in
Mr Dan Clarke List for takeing Care of a Child that was Born
att his House of the wid" Luce DwineU Voted

176 TOWN RECORDS OF
8 the Town abated the wido Oysters Rates in Mr Thos Dwin
ells List which is Sixteen ShilUngs and four pence old Tenor Voted
9 The Town abated Mr Samll Phippan Rates which he is
rated In Mr Symonds List for Sweeping the meeting house the
year Past Voted
10 the Town abated William Rogers pole money he being
not of age when he was rated Voted
11 the Town abated Nathan Perkins head money to Leut
Averell In Mr Thos Symonds List
Essex ss To Jeremiah Averell one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you are
hereby Required to wom all the freeholders and other Inhaba
tants that are Qualified by Law for Voting in the North ward
in Said Town to Conven together att the house of Mr Dan
Clarke Innholder in said Town on Tuesday the Twenty Six
Day of June Instant att Two of the Clock in the after noon on
said Day
1 for the Town to agree Upon a time when to Raise the
New Meeting house
2 To See what Method the Town WiU agree Upon to provid
Victuls and Drink upon the Day or Days that it shaU Take to
Raise Said Meeting house Viz for the laborers before Supper
time 3 To See if the Town will Choose a Comtee to finish the
Inside work of the New Meeting House so far as the Town
shaU think proper
4 to see if the Town WUl Choose a Comtee to seU such part
of the Stuf and Timber of the old meeting house as shaU not
be Serviceable in finishing the New Meeting house in the Best
manner they Can
5 for the Town to Choose an agent or agents to go to Salem
Court in Behalf of the Town to make answer to the presentment
for want of a Grammer School the year past
6 To allow BiUs of Charge
Hearof faU not and make retum of this warrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of sd town att Time
and place above mentioned

Topsfield June 22nd 1759

John Gould
Daniel Byxby
David Perkins
Stephn Perkins
David Balch Jr J

.Selectmen of Topsfield

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 177
this is a True Copy of ye worrant attest Richd Towne Town Clr
Proper retums being made of worning the Inhabatants of
the Town of Topsfield the meeting followeth
Att a Legal Town meeting in Topsfield June 27th 1759
1 Leut Smith was Chosen modrator for said meeting Voted
2 the Town agreed to Raise the New Meeting House on
wensday the forth Day of July next Voted
3 the Town agreed to get a Barriel of Rhum for the people on
wensday the forth Day of July for the Laborers that work about
the Raising the meeting house Voted
4 the Town agrees to get half a Hundred wait of Shuger for
the above sd Serves Voted
5 The Town agreed to Git Twelve Barriels of Sider for the
Raising the New Meeting House on the Town Corst Voted
6 Messrs Joseph Gould David Perkins Simon Gould Abraham
Hobbs John Perkins Jur Daniel Lake Benja Bixby Luke Averell
are Chosen a Comtee to provide the above sd Nesecsarys for the
Raising the New Meeting house upon the Towns Corst and also
to provide provision for a Dinner for one hundred men of such
provision as they think proper
6 Capt Perkins Capt Bordman Ensn Gould Messrs Ephram
Willdes Solomon Dodge are Chosen a Comtee to sell such part
of the Stufe and Timber of the old meeting House as shall not
be Servicable in finishing ye New meeting house in the Best
maner they Can Voted
7 the Town made Choise of ye Selectmen to go to the Next
Generall Session to be holden att Salem to make answer to the
presentment for want of a Grammer School the year past Voted
Essex ss To Joseph Gould one of ye Constables of the Town
of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you are hereby
Required to worn all the freeholders and other Inhabatants that
are qualified by Law for Voting in the South ward in sd Town
to Conven and meet together att the meeting house in sd Town
on Tuesday the fourteenth Day of August Instant att Two of
the Clock in the afternoon
1 for the Town to Chouse a Comtee to finish ye Inside of the
meeting house so far as the Town shall think proper this present
year 2 To See if the Town will agree how many Tears of pews
they will have round the Inside of the meeting house

178 TOWN RECORDS OF
3 to see if the Town will agree to Chouse a man or men to
Draught and make out the pews Room round ye Inside of said
meeting house
4 To see what meathord the Tovsm will Come into to Dispose
of the pews Rooms in said meeting House
5 To See if the Town will Build a porch att the Easterly End
of the meeting house
6 For the Town to Consider and act upon a petition that may
be offered by a number of the Inhabatants of said Town in order
to have there Dificulty Removed and Settled In Sum Just way
and manner which they Lay Under by Reason of there being a
Grater Length of way from ye meeting house then is there Just
proportion 7 for the Tovsm to act any thing thay shall think proper Re
specting said Dificulties
Hearof fail not and make retum of this worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of sd Town att Time
and place above mentioned
Topsfield August ye 6th 1759 John Gould ^
Daniel Bixby (Selectmen
Stephen Perkins (of Topsfield
David Balch JurJ
this is a Tme Copy of the worrant attest Richard Towne Tovsm CI'
proper Retums being made on Both worrants of woming the
Inhabatants of the Town of Topsfield the meeting foUoweth
Att a Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield August 4th 1759
1 Leut Smith was Chosen modrator for sd meeting Voted
2 Deacon George Bixby Leut Samll Smith and Mr Nathan Hood
are Chosen a Comtee to finish the Inside of the Meeting house
Voted
3 the Town agreed that the said Comtee shaU finish the meet
ing house so far as they Can with Convencey this year Voted
4 the Town agreed to have Two Tears of Pews in the inside
of ye tfieeting house viz on the Northerly Side and one Tear
Round the Inside of the other part of the sd meeting house Voted
5 Capt Baker Capt Towne and Capt Averell are Chosen a
Comtee to mark out the pews Round in the meeting house ac
cording to the above said voate Voted
6 the Town agreed to pass ovre the forth arculatel untill an
other meeting Voted

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 179
7 the Town agreed to build a porch att the Eastorly End of
the meeting house Voted
Essex ss To Jeremiah AvereU one of the Constables of the Town
of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you are required
to wom all the freeholders and Other Inhabatants that are QuaUi
fied by Law for Voting in the North ward in said Town to Con
ven and meet Together att the meeting House in Said Town on
Wenseday the Twelfth Day of September Instant att Twelve of
the Clock on said Day
1 To Choose Jury men for Newbury Court according to Venire
2 To Choose an agent or agents to go to Newbury Court in
the Behalf of the Town to make answer to the presentment for
the want of a Grammer School
3 to See if the Town wiU agree that the Selectmen shall Draw
money out of the Town Treasurey for to pay the County tax it
being the Sum of Seven pounds Eight Shillings and one peney
which is to be paid by the Last of Novr next
4 To See how much money the Town will raise to Defray
the Town Charges the year Insuing
5 To See if the Town will afford Sum releff unto Abigail
Gallap for her under her present sickness
6 To See if the Town will agree to have another Tear of pews
in any part of the New Meeting House more then is already
voted 7 to See weather the Town would have the pews built in the
meeting house on the Towns Cost and then Sold or wheither
they will Sell the pew Room before they are Built
8 for the Town to agree upon a meathod how to Dispose of
the pews or pew Room in the meeting house
9 to See if the Town will agree to have the Clabords of the
meeting House panted
10 To allow BUls of Charge
Hearof fail not and make return of this worrant with your
Doing thereon to one or more of the Selectmen of sd Town att
Time and place above mentioned John Gould
David Balch Jur
SldP^rtL f°"0Psa=ld
Stephen Perkins J
this is a Tme Copy of the Worrant
attest Richard Towne Town Clr

Selectmen

180 TOWN RECORDS OF
proper Retums being made on both Warrants of woming the
Inhabatants of the Town of Topsfield the meeting followeth
Att a Legal Town meeting in Topsfield Septr 12th 1759
1 Mr Elijah Porter was Chosen modrator for said meeting Voted
2 Messrs Thos Perkins and Thos DwineU were Chosen Jury
men to Serve att the next General Session to be holden att New
bury 3 The Town made Choise of the Selectmen or Either one of
them to go to Newbury Court to answer to a persentment for
Want of a Grammer School Voted
4 The Town agreed to Raise one Hundred and Ten pounds
to Defray the Charges of the Town ye year Insuing Voted
5 the Town agrees to allow Abigail Gallop Sum Releaf Voted
6 the Town agreed to BuUd another Tear of pews in the
meeting House on the fore side of said house Voted
7 The Town agreed that the Comtee that was Chosen to
finish the meeting House should paint the sd house with what
Culler they Thought proper Voted
8 the Town allowed to the Selectmen four pound for the
School master
Essex ss To Jeremiah Avierell one of the Consf^ of the Town
of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you are here by
Required to wom all the Freeholders & Other Inhabatants that
are quaUified for voting by Law in the Northward in Said Town
to Conven and meet to gether att the meeting house in said
Town on Tuesday the Second Day of Octr next att Twelve of
the Clock on sd Day
1 To Choose Jury men for Salem Court according to venire
2 To See if the Town wUl agree that the Selectmen shall
Draw money out of the Town Treasurey for to pay the County
Tax it being the Sum of Seven pounds Eight Shillings and one
penney Which is to be paid by the Last of November next
At the Desier of Mr David Commings and others the follow
ing Clause is Insarted Viz
3 That the Comtee Chosen to build and finish the meeting
house bring in and Lay before the Town an account of the
Charge that hath Been allridey arisen by Reason of said house
4 To See weither the Town would have the pews built in the
meeting House on the Towns Cost and then Sould or whether
they will Sell the pew room before thay are built
5 for the Tovsm to agree upon a meathord how to Dispose of
the pews or pew Room in the meeting house

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 181
6 To See if the Town will agree to and Impower the Town
Treasurer or the Comtee to hire money to purchias Glass and
pay work men and Gift such Other Meterials as is and will be
Wanted to finish the meeting house (Viz) Such as the Comtee
Cannot procur without money in hand
7 To allow Bills of Charge
Hearof fail not and make Return of this worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Select men of said Town att Time
and place above mentioned
Topsfield Sept 24th 1759 John Gould ) c ^ t.
T-v • 1 r>- u ( Selectmen
D™d B^r f o'Topsfield
this is a True Copy of the Worrant attest Richd Towne Town Clr
Proper Retums being made of woming the Inhabatants of
the Town of Topsfield the meeting followeth
Att a Legal Town meeting in Topsfield Octr 2nd 1759
1 Leut Smith was Chosen modrator for said meeting Voted
2 Mr Elijah Porter was Chosen to Serve on the Grand Jury
and Messrs Stephen Perkins and Thos Symonds are Drawn out
of the Box to Serve on the Jury of Tryalls att the next Generall
Sessions to be holden at Salem
3 The Town agreed that Each of the Several pew Rooms in
the meeting house shall be sould to the highest Bidder for the
Use of the Town Voted
4 The town agreed that none of the Severall pew rooms in
the meeting house shall be sold to any person But to such as
have a house and Land of there owne in sd Town Voted
5 The town agreed that no one person shall purchas more
Room in the meeting house then for one pew Voted
6 Capt Thos Baker Capt Benja Towne Messrs Elijah Porter
Jacob Avirell John Gould David Balch Jur Ens Solomon Gould
are Chosen a Comtee to Dispose of the pew room in the meet
ing House Agreeable to the Votes afor Said Voted
7 The town further agreed that the Comtee Chosen to build
and finish the New meeting house Shall hire the Sum of Two
hundred pounds on the towns Credit to Enable them to purchas
Glass and to pay workmen and to procuer Such other materials
as will be wanted to finish said meeting House Voted
8 the town abated Mr James Burchs Rate what he was rated
Towards the Building the New Meeting house In Joseph Goulds
List Voted

182 TOWN RECORDS OF
Essex ss To Joseph Gould one of the Constables of the Town
of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you are hearby
required to wom all the Freeholders and other Inhabatants that
are Qualified by Law for Voteing in the South ward in Said
Town to Convean and meet Together att the meeting house in
Said Town on Tuesday the Twenty third Day of October In
stant att one of the Clock in the after noon
1 To See if the Town wiU agree to build and reserve a pew
in the Meeting house as a parsonage or ministeriel pew as weU
for the use of those that may Succeed the Revd Mr Emerson in
the office of the Ministry as for his own use so Long as he or
they shall Carry on the work of the ministry in said Town
2 To See if the Town vdll agree to Reconsider the voate that
was passed att the Last town meeting (Viz) on the Second of
October Instant to sell the pew Room in the Meeting House
Before they are built
3 To See if the town will agree to Build the pews in the
meeting house before thay are Sold
4 for the Town to agree upon Sum further methods how the
pews or pew Rooms in the meeting house shaU be Disposed of
5 to See if the Town will Reconsider and alter any Vote or
Votes relating to Building So many pews in the meeting house
in Said Tovoi
6 To See how high the town will agree to have the pews
Raised from the floore of the meeting house
7 To allow Bills of Charge
Hearof fail not and make retum of this warrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of sd Town att time
and place above mentioned
Topsfield Octr 16th 1759 John Gould ^
David Perkins I Selectmen
Stephn Perkins [of Topsfield
David Balch JunerJ
this is a Tme Copy of the above sd worrant
attest Richd Towne Town CI'
Proper Retums being made of woming the Inhabatants of
the Said Town one Both warrants the meeting foUoweth
Att a Legal Town Meeting Topsfield October 23d 1759
1 Capt Benja Tovsme was Chosen moderator Voted
2 Saml Smith was Chosen and Sworn Clerk Voted
Then the Town agreed that said meeting be adjumed to
fryday the 26th Instant to one of ye Clock after noon att the
meeting house Voted

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 183
the moderater adjumd said meeting accordingly Voted
attest SamU Smith
Att a Legall Town Meeting in Topsfield heald by adjurnment
from the 23rd Day of October Inst to the 26 of the same month
and then mett
1 the Town agreed to Build and Reserve a pew In the Meet
ing House as a personage or Ministeriel pew as well for the Use
of those that may Succeed the Revnd Mr Emerson In the office
of the ministrey as for his own Use So Long as he or they
shall Carry on the work of the ministry In Said Town Voted
2 the Town agreed to Reconsider ye Vote that was Pased att
the Town meeting the Second October 1759 of Selling the pew
Room Before they ware Built Voted
3 the Town agreed to Build the pews Before they are Sold
Voted
4 the Town agrees to have the wall pews Two Steps high
Eight Inches to a Stept and the other Tear one Step high of
Eight Inches Voted
5 the Town allowed to the Selectmen Three Pounds Seventeen
Shillings for going as agents to Salem and Newbury Courts to
answer to a persentment for want of a Grammer School In
Said Town £3 17s Od Voted
6 the Town abated Elieser Emerson Rates (Viz) what he
was Rated in Mr Thomas Dwinells Rates Voted
Essex ss To Joseph Gould one of the Constables of the Town
of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you are hearby
Required to v/orn all the freeholders and Other Inhabatants
that are QuaUified by Law for Voting in the South ward in Said
Town to Convean and meet Together att the Meeting House in
said Town on Tues Day the forth day of March Next att nine
of the Clock in the morning
1 To Choose Selectmen Town Clerk Constables and all other
Town officers as the Law Directs for the year Insuing
2 To See if the Town accept of the Selectmen Rickoning With
the Town Treasurer
3 to Choose Jurymen for march Court according to Venire
4 To See if the Town Will accept of a way Laid out by the
Selectmen from Thomas Dwinells to the County Road
5 To See if the Town Will Grant the Petition of Mr Aaron Easty
and David Commings and Samll Commings Respecting the
Deficultys they Laber Under in Gifting from their Respective
houses to the publick Roads that are mended by the Town

184 TOWN RECORDS OF
6 To See if the Town will Grant Libity to Thomas Mower
and others to Sett up a Stable nigh the meeting House
7 To allow Bills of Charge
Hearof fail not and make Return of this Worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of Said Town att Time
and place above Mentioned
Topsfield Febmary 18th 1760 John Gould
David Perkins c^i^^^^„
r-. u r> 1 • I selectmen
Stephen Perkins >. -r„^cfi^w
David Balch Jr K Topsfield
Daniel Bixby J
this is a true Copy of the worrant
attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
Proper Retums being made on both worrants of Woming the
Inhabatants of the Town of Topsfield the meeting followeth
Att a Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield March 4th 1760
1 Mr Elijah Porter was Chosen Modrator for said meeting Voted
2 Capt Benja Town Mr Elijah Porter Richard Towne Mr
John Gould and Mr David Balch Junr are Chosen Selectmen
for the year Insuing Voted
3 Richard Towne was Chosen Town Clerk for the year
Insuing Voted
4 Jacob DwineU and David Perkins were Chosen Constables
for the year Insuing Voted
5 Stephen foster was Chosen Town Treasurer for the year
Insuing Voted
6 Capt Thos Baker Mr Zacchus Gould Leut Luke Averell
Mr Jacob Averell and Mr Solomin Dodge ware Chosen Tj^hing
men for the year Insuing Voted
7 Elisha Willdes Thos Mower Daniel Lake Isaac Easty were
Chosen Survoyers of Heigh ways for the year Insuing Voted
8 Mr David Perkins was Chosen Sealer of Lather ye year
Insuing Voted
9 Mr Thos Perkins Mr David Balch and Ensign Jacob Robin
son were Chosen fence Vewers for the year Insuing Voted
9 Elieser Lake David Towne Amos Perkins were Chosen
Hogreaves the year Insuing Voted
10 Leut Samll Smith was Chosen Grand Jury for the year
Insuing Voted
11 Mr John Bradstrett and Mr David Towne are Drawn out

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 185
of the box to Serve on the Jury of Tryalls att the Next Infearer
Court to be holden att Ipswich
12 the Town Exceepted of the Selectmen Rickoning with the
Town Tresr and there remains in Said Treasurer hand not
ordred out Seventy Seven pounds Twelve Shillings Voted
13 the Town Excepted of Mr David Perkins to Serve Consta
ble in the room and Stead of Mr Joseph Andrew Voted
14 the Town Gave Libity to Thos Mowers and others to Set
up a Stable att the End of Capt Townes Stable of 20 foot In
Langth and nine foot in breadth Voted
15 the Town allowed the former Selectinen Thirteen pounds
Six Shillings and Eight pence for the School master Voted
16 the Town agreed that the Selectmen shall order the Sur
voyers to mend a way Through Mr Aaron Estey Land to the
County Road as the others ways are mended in the Town Voted
17 On the petition of David Commings and his Son Samll
Voted that the Survoyers of the highways of the Town allow
ye sd David & Samll So much out of there high way as is
Soficient to mend the way thay go to meeting in as the other
ways of sd Town is mended So fair as to Come into the way
that is mended by the Town Voted
18 then the Town agreed that Said meeting be adjumed to
Tuesday the Eleventh Instant to one of the Clock aftemoon att
the Meeting house Voted
then the modrator adjurnd said meeting accordingly
Att a Legal Town meeting in Topsfield heald by adjumment
from the forth Day of March Instant to the Eleventh Day of
the Said month and then meet and proseeded as followeth
19 the Town abated Mr Theophilus Fisks Rates Late of
Wenham Decs* Which is Two Shillings and Two pence in Thos
Dwinells List Voted
20 the Town abated the Wid® Joanna Curtics Rates in Thos
Dwinells Lists Which is Six ShUUngs and Six pence Voted
21 the Town abated John Backs Rates What he was rated
in Mr Thos Symond Rates Voted
22 the Town abated all Mr Benja Irelands Rates for the
year 1759
23 The Town abated Mr Thos Mowers Rate What he was
Rated to the meeting house in the year 1759 by reason of his
Losing an ox in the Town Lands Voted
24 the Town allowed to the former Selectmen Eight ShiUings
Six pence for finding Sundry things for Abigail GaUap and a
Coffen 0 8s 6d Voted

186 TOWN RECORDS OF
The Persons that was Chosen Into Offices on the forth Day
of March ware Sworn to the faithfull Discharge of there offices
on the forth and the Eleventh Day of march Excepting David
Perkins Stephen foster and David Town. David Perkins and
Stephen foster was Sworn to the faithfull Discharge of there offices
Topsfield ss To Jacob DwineU one of the Constables of ye
Town of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you are
hearby required forthwith to worn all the freeholders and other
Inhabatantsof ye South Ward in Said Town that are qualified by
Law for voting in sd Town to Conven and meet Together att
the meeting House in sd Town on Tuesday the Eighteenth Day
of march Instant att one of the Cloock in the after noon
1 To See if the Town will Choose a Comtee to Reckon with
the Comtee that was Chosen to build and finish the new Meet
ing house Respecting the Charges that has arisen for building
and finishing said meeting house so far as it is Done and make
a Report to the Town as soon as may be in order for the Town
to accept of their Rickoning
2 For the Town to Come into any meathod that thay think
proper for to sell and Dispose of the pews in sd meeting house
3 To Choose a Comtee to Reckon with the Comtee that was
Chosen to pull Down and Sell the old meeting house respecting
what said old meeting House was Sould for and make Report
to the Town as soon as may bee for the Town to Except of
their Rickoning
4 to Choose a Comtee to Supply the Town with a Grammer
School master this present year
5 To See how much money the Town will Raise to mend the
High ways this present year
6 To See if the Town will Let Swine Go att Large this
present year as the Law Directs
7 to aUow Bills of Charge
hearof fail not and make retum of this worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of said Town att Time
and place above mentioned
Topsfield March 11th 1760 Benja Tovsme
Richard Towne o , .
John Gould K^^^^ f M
David Balch Jr (of Topsfield
Elijah Porter
this is a True Copey of the worrant
attest Richd Towne Town Clerk

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 187
there Being proper Returns Being made on Both warrants of
Worning the Inhabatants of the Town of Topsfield the meeting
followeth Att a Legall Town meeting in Topsfield March 18th 1760
1 Leut Smith was Chosen Modreator for said meeting Voted
2 Capt Baker Docter Dexter Mr Elijah Porter Capt Towne
and Mr David Balch Jur or the mager part of them are Chosen
a Comtee to Reckon with the Comtee that was Chosen to build
and finish the meeting House Respecting the Charge that has
all ridey arisin for building and finishing sd meeting House Voted
3 the Town agreed that the pews shall Be Sould before they
Know What the Charges has arisin to for Building the meeting
house Voted
4 the Town agreed the Thirthey Eight pews shall fetch five
Hundred and Six pounds Thirteen Shillings and four pence
£506 13s 4d Voted
5 Mr Stephen Foster Capt NathU Averell and Mr John
Bathalder are Chosen a Commitee to Reckon with the Comtee
that took Down the old meeting house and Disposed of the
Same and to make Reporte to the Town as soon as may be
Voted
6 Mr David Town Mr Thos Baker Jur Mr Samll Commings
are Chosen a Comtee to provide the Town with a Grammer
School master this present year Voted
7 the Town agreed to Raise forty pounds to Defray the
Charges of mending the Highways this present year Voted
8 the Town agreed that Swine should Go att Large this
present year Provided they are as the Law Directs Voted
and then the Town agreed that the said meeting should be
adjumd to thirsday the 20th Instant to one of the Clock after
noon Voted
then the modreator adjurnd said meeting accordingly
att a Legal Town meeting in Topsfield held by adjurnment
from the Eighteenth Day of march Instant to the Twenteth Day
of Said month and then meet and proseeded as followeth
1 The Town agreed that the pews on the west Side of the
pulpit in the Second Teer adjoyning to the pulpit Stairs shall be
Reserved as a personage or ministeriall pew as well for the
use of such person or persons as may suceed the Revnd Mr
John Emerson in the work of the ministrey in said Town as
for his owne use so long as he or they shall Continue in the
Work of the ministry in said Town Voted

188 TOWN RECORDS OF
2 The agreed that the Severall other pews on the sd Meeting
House fioor shall not be Disposed of for Less in the Whole then
the Sum of Five Hundred and Six Pounds Thirteen Shillings
and four pence Voted
3 Insn Jacob Robinson Capt Baker Leut Samll Smith Mr
Joseph Gould Leut Luke Averell Deacon Bixby Mr Stephen
Foster Capt John Bordman Mr Jacob Averell Cap NathU Averell
Mr Nathan Hood are Chosen a Comtee to Number and Valine
each of said pews according to the suposed Dignity and quality
of Each Pew in their best Judgement and mark on each pew
both the Number and what Each Pew is vallued att in propor
tion to make the Sum of £506 13s 4d Voted
4 Mr Simon Gould Mr David Perkins Mr Daniel Bixby Leut
Samll Smith and Mr Jeremiah Averell are Chosen a Comtee to
Dispose of said pews in the following manner Viz/ That no pew
shall be Sould for Less then what it is valued and marked at
but for as much more as any person that has house and Land of
their owne in said Town shall agree to Give and that no pew
shall be Disposed off to any person that has not a house and
Land of his owne in said Town and that Said Comtee shall
make a fare Record of what Each pew is Sold for With the
persons name to whom it is Sold and shall Lay it before the
town att the next town Meeting in order to be Recorded in the
town Records Voted
5 the Town agrees to Reserve the following Right of Redem-
tion of Each of said pews /Viz/ that no person that shall pur
chas a pew in the meeting house shall not att any time hear
after Dispose of the Same to any Other person without first
Aquainting the Town therewith att a Town meeting and Giving
Said town the offer of purching sd pew again if they See CauseVoted
6 the Tovsm agrees that the Comtee or Comtees Chosen to
Number the pews and Set a value on each pew and to sell them
shall proceed and accomplish the Bisness as soon as they can
Conveniently Voted
7 the town agrees that those that Buys the pews shall pay
their money for them /Viz/ Ten DoUers Down and the Remaner
In Twenty Days Voted
8 the tovra agrees that the Comtee that was Chosen to sell
the pews shall Give Seasonable noties to the Inhabatants of the
Town of the time and place of Selling said pews Voted
9 The Towne agreed that those that pay ten DoUors Down
for a pew and not pays the Remainer In Twenty Days after
shall forfit the said Ten DoUors which he paid Voted

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 189
1 the Town allowed the following Sums to the Comtee that
provided for the Raising of the New Meeting House
to Thirty four Gallons of Rum and half an Hundred wait of
Suger ten pounds ten Shillings & Eleven pence £10 10s lid
2 to Eleven Barrills of Sider four pounds Eight Shillings £04 8 0
3 To one Hundred and Twenty Eight pound and one Half
pound of porke 02 11 8
4 to Twelve pounds and one half of Beef 00 3 4
5 To Eighty Seven pounds of Chease 01 14 9 1/2
6 to white and Brown Bread 01 2 10
7 to mugs Broack 00 1 6
the Comtees Credit of the Sundry things that was Left after
the Raising the meeting house which Said Comtee Disposed of
to there own Use is four Pounds One Shilling one penney and
Two f ardens 4 111/2
Wee the Subscribers being appointed to Prambleate Betwen
Topsfield and Wenham and have met for that purpose this fifth
Day of May A D 1760 and have prambulated and Renewed ye
bounds as followeth /Viz/ Begining att a Stump and Stones
Northward of Theophelus Fisk Barn in ye North East Corner of
Danvers from thence to a Stake and Stones on the west side of
the Road Leading to Bunkers Medows from thence to a heap of
Stones by the Brook at the End of a wall thence to a heap of
Stones on the west side of Robinson Island from thence to a
heap of Stones by the South East Comer of Pigdons medow and
from thence to ye River
Richd Towne ) for Thos Tarbox ) for
Elijah Porter j Topsfield Benja farfield j Wenham
We the Subscribers Selectmen of the town of Ipswich Have
this Day mett the Selectmen of the Town of Topsfield and have
pramblated the Line and Renewed the Bounds Between the
Said Towns as Wittnes our hands
Danll Giddings ) Selectmen
Isaac Smith j of Ipswich
Jinuary 19th 1761
Topsfield ss To Jacob DwineU one of the Constables of Tops-
field Greeting In his Majesties Name you are hearby Required
forthwith to wom all the freeholders and other Inhabatants in
the South Ward in said Town that are qualified by Law for Vote
ing to Conven and meet Together att the meeting house on
Tuesday the Twentyeth Instant att one of ye Clock after noon

190 TOWN RECORDS OF
1 To Chouse a person to Repersent the Town att the Great
and Genl Courte as the precept Directs
2 To See if the town Will order the town Treasr to Receve of
the Comtee that Sould the pews in the meeting house all the
money said pews was Sould for for the towns use and to pay
the Same out for Defraying the Charges of Building and finish
ing the meeting House in Such way as the tovsm shall Direct
3 to See if the Town Will order the Town Treasr to Receve
the money for the Towns Use that Mr NathU Bordman gave
the Town by his Last will Towards Building a new meeting
house 4 To Sell or Dispose of the Back pews in the gallerys of the
meeting House in any way or methard that the Town shall
think proper
5 To See If the Town will Except of the Reports of the
Comtee that was Chosen to Dispose of ye pews in the meeting
House So fur as they are Disposed off
6 to See if the Town will build a Square pew in the Vacant
places att Each End of the fmnt Gallery adjoyning to the Back
pews in the meeting House or act any thing respecting Said
Vacant places that the Town shall think proper
7 to See how much of the fmnt Gallary shall be pertioned of
for the Women
8 To See if the town will agree that the Comtee that was
Chosen to Dispose of the pews in the meeting house shall Dis
pose of the pew No 37 to NathU Low under his present Circum
stances 9 to See if the Town will agree to Cover the Deck of the
Steeple of the meeting house with Lead
10 to See If the town will Except of the Comtee Rickoning
that sold the old meeting House
11 To Chouse a Comtee to Seet the people in the meeting
house and Give them Instmctions
12 to See if the Town will Do any thing towards the main-
taince of Sarah Town and to See if ye Town will do any thing
towards the maintaintes of Sarah Kittery
13 for the Town to act any thing that they shall think proper
Respecting Diging and Hailing Stones and Gravel to Lay round
the porch of the meeting House to make it more Conveantant
passing to Each Door of Said porch
14 To allow Bills of Charge
Hearof fail not and make retum of your Doings to one or
more of the Selectmen of sd Tovsm att time and place above
mentioned

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 191
Topsfield May 14th 1760 Benja Towne "l
Richard Towne \ c ^ ^
John Gould P.^^^^^^'f ,^
Elijah Porter ^ Topsfield
David Balch Junr J
this is a True Copy of ye Worrant attest Richd Towne town Clr
Att a Legal Town meeting in Topsfield May 20th 1760
1 The Town made Choise of Mr John Gould to Represent the
town att the Great and Genl Court the year Insuing Voted
2 There Being other Bisness to be Done att said meeting
Capt Thos Baker was Chosen Modrator for said meeting Voted
3 the Town agreed that the Comtee that was Chosen to sell
the pews in the meeting house shall pay all the money they
Receve for said pews to the town Treasurer and to be paid out
to Defray the Charges of Building and finishing the meeting
House Voted
4 the Town agreed that the Selectmen shall order out the
money that was ordred into the treasurer for ye use above sd
Voted
5 The town agrees that the town Treasurer shall Rec* the
money that Mr NathU Bordman Gave in his Last will to the
tovsm towards the Building the new meeting house Voted
6 the Town agreed that the pews in ye Gallarys shall be
seated Voted
7 The town agreed to Build a Square pew att Each End of
the fmnt Gallary Joyning to the Back pews and after they are
Built then sould to the hiest Bider Voted
8 the town agreed that one third part of the fmnt Gallary
att the East End shall be set of to the woman Voted
9 the town agreed that the Deck of the Steeple of the meet
ing house shall Be Covered with Lead Voted
10 Mr John Balch Capt Baker Mr David Balch Junr Mr Dan
Clark Capt town Mr Elijah Porter Mr Ephram Willdes Jacob
Averell Leut Smith Capt Bordman Messrs Jeremiah town
Abraham Hobbs Joseph hovey are Chosen a Comtee to Seat the
people in the meeting house Voted
11 The town agreed that the Comtee that was Chosen to sell
the pews in the meeting house shall Dispose of the pew No 37
to NathU Low Under his present Surcomstances then the mod-
roater put it to vote to see if the town would adjum the said
meeting and voted it and then the modrator adjumed the said

192 TOWN RECORDS OF
meeting accordingly to the Twenty Seventh Day of May Instant
to Three of the Clock aftemoon
Att a Legal town meeting in Topsfield heald by adjumment
from the Twentyeth Day of may Instent to the Twenty Seventh
Day of may Instant at three of ye Clock aftemoon
12 the Town Excepted of the Comtee Retum that was Chosen
to Sell the pews in the meeting house Voted
13 the Town agreed to Give the Comtee that was Chosen to
Seet the people in the Meeting house Instmctions Voted
14 the town agreed that the Comtee that was Chosen to Seet
The people in the meeting House shall seet according to there
Best Skill and Judgement Voted
15 The town agreed that the Comtee that was Chosen to
value the other pews shall value the abovesd pews Voted
16 the town agreed that the Comtee that sold the other pews
be a Comtee to sell the pews that is to be Built in the Galleries
in the same Regulation the other pews ware Sold Voted
We the Subscribers being Chosen a Comtee to Dispose of the
Severall pews in the meeting house and to Such persons only
as had a house and Land of their own in said town also to
make a fair Record of what each pew was Sold for with the
persons names to whome each pew is sold and to Lay it Before
the town att the next Town meeting &c
Wee proseeded on said affare on the first Day of April A D
1760 and have Disposed of the pews hearafrer mentioned to the
persons hearafter named for the Severall Sums in old Tanor
affixed to Each of there names &c
But now turned in to Lawfull money as it should have Been
by the Honourable Comtee
No 1 to Capt Thomas Baker for £18
No 2 to Mr Samuel Bradstreet for 17
No 3 to John Willdes for 14
No 4 to Jacob Kimball for 12
No 5 to Doct Richard Dexter for 17
No 6 to Elijah Porter for 15
No 7 to Dan Clarke for 12
No 8 to Joseph Hovey for 12
No 9 to Zacchus Gould for 16
No 10 to Paletiah Commings for 15
No 11 to Robert Perkins for 14
No 12 to John Bradstreet for 16
No 13 to Leut Luke Averell for 18
No 14 to Benja Bixby for 18

Os Od

6

8

13

8

5

4

14

8

1

4

8

0

2

8

0

0

6

8

16

0

13

4

10

0

2

8

TOPSFIELD, MASS.

193

No 15 to Joseph Perkins for
No 16 to Daniel Lake for
No 17 to John Perkins Junr for
No 18 to Nathan Hood for
No 19 to Nehemiah Herrick for
No 20 to Archelaus Rea for
No 21 to John Hood for
No 22 to Thomas Mower for
No 23 to Elisha Willdes for
No 24 to Stephen Perkins for
No 25 to David towne for
No 26 to Jeremiah Averell for
No 27 to Thomas perkins for
No 28 to Joseph Gould for
No 29 to Deacon Daniel Gould for
No 30 to David Perkins for
No 31 to Joseph Andrew for
No 32 to David Balch Junr for
No 33 to Simon Gould for
No 34 to Daniel Bixby for
No 35 to Ensn Solomon Gould for
No 36 to Leut Thomas Gould for
No 37 to Nathaniel Low for
No 38 to Capt John Bordman totel Lawfull money
Topsfield May 19th 1760 Simon Gould
Jeremiah Averell
Daniel Bixby
David Perkins
Samll Smith
Topsfield ss To Jacob DwineU one of the Constables of Said
Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties name you are hearby Re
quired forthwith to wom all the freeholders and Other Inhaba
tants in the South ward in sd town that are Qualified by Law
for Voteing to Conven and meet together att the Meeting
House in Said Town on Tuesday the fifteenth Day of July
Instant at two of the Clock in the after noon
1 To Select out one Quarter part of the mens Names that
shall be Laid before the town in a List by the Select men and
to put them in a box by themselves to Serve at ye Supr Courts
as the Law Directs and to Select out of the Remainder as many
as the town shall think Sutable and put them into another Box
to Serve att the Infer Courts &c

17 17

4

18 0

0

17 4

0

14 8

0

13 14

8

14 5

4

12 0

0

12 0

0

15 4

0

14 13

4

12 8

0

11 12

0

12 2

8

13 9

4

17 6

8

16 16

0

16 8

0

11 12

0

11 14

8

11 17

4

11 6

8

11 6

8

11 4

0

17 9

4

£552 18

8

194

TOWN RECORDS OF

2 To Consider and act any thing that the town shall think
proper Respecting the maintance of the french Newtrals that is
by the Genl Court proportioned for this town to maintain
3 to allow Bills of Charge
Hearof fail not and make Return of this worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of said Town att time
and place above mentioned

Topsfield July 1st 1760

Richard Town )
John Gould ^

Selectmen

SSahPoner l°'ToPS<i=.a

Proper Returns being made on both worrants of worning the
Inhabatants of the Town the meeting followeth
Att a Legal town meeting in Topsfield July 15th 1760
1 Mr Elijah Porter was Chosen Modreator for said meeting Voted
2 the Serverall parsons hearafter named were voted into the
Box to Serve att the Supr Courts
Jeremiah Avirell Capt Thos Baker Capt John Bordman
Solomon Dodge Stephen foster David perkins Leut Samll Smith
Deacon George Bixby David Balch Jur Aaron Easty John Gould
Simon Gould Solomon Gould Zacchus Gould Elijah porter
Matthew Peabody
3 the names of the Severals persons that was Voted into the
Box to Serve att the Infer Courts are as foUoweth

Luke Averell
Capt NathU Averell
Joseph Andrew
John Bradstreet
John Baker
Palitiah Commings
John Perkins Jur
Nathan Hood
Ribart Perkins
Amos Perkins
Thos Perkins Jur
Stephen Perkins
David towne
Joseph towne
Jabez Towne
4 the Town allowed

Thos Symonds
Joshua towne Jur
John Willdes
Elisha Willdes
Zebulon Willdes
Abraham Hobbs
Joshua Balch
Daniel Bixby
Benja Bixby
John Balch
Thos Baker Jur
Samll Commings
Jeremiah Towne
Elisha Towne

Dan Clarke
Archalues Rea
Jacob DwineU
thomas DwineU
Isaac Estey
Joseph Gould
Nehe' Herrick
Elieser Lake
Daniel Lake
Thos Mower
Thos perkins
John Peabody
Jacob Robinson

to the School Comtee Ten pounds to
Pay Mr Tradwell for Keeping School Three months and Bord
£10 Os Od

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 195
5 the Town allowed Leut Luke averell one pound for Bording
Mr Bridge 4 weeks in the year 1759 10 0
6 The Town allowed Solomon Gould one pound for Bording
Mr Bridge four Weeks 1759 10 0
Topsfield ss To David Perkins one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you are
hearby Required to worn all the freeholders and other Inhaba
tants yt are Qualified by Law for Voting in the North Ward in
Said Town to Convean and meet together att the Meeting house
in Said Town on Tuesday the Sixteenth Day of Septr Instant
att Three otthe Clock after noon
1 to Chouse Jurymen to Serve att Newbury Court as ye
Venire Directs
2 To See how much money the Town will raise to Defray
the town Charges this present year
3 to See if the Town will Do any thing towards having a
way found for Messrs David town and Thos DwineU to Come
to meeting in
4 to Chouse a man or men to make answer att the Court of
Genii Sessions of the peace to be holden att Newbury L C
Respecting the presentment of the Highway from Topsfield to
Wenham 5 To See if the town wiU Except of ye Comtee Seating the
people in the meeting house
6 to Except of ye Comtee Rickening with the Comtee that
was Chosen to sell the old meeting house
7 To See if the town will order the Tovsm Tresr to Recive of
the Comtee that was Chosen to Sell the old meeting house all
the money the sd old meeting house was Sold for for the Towns
Use and to pay the Same out according to order
8 to alow Bills of Charge
Hearof fail not and make Retum of this worrant with your
doing to one or more of the Selectmen att time and place
abouve mentioned
Topsfield September 1th 1760 Benja Towne
Richard Towne
John Gould
Elijah Porter
David Balch Jr
this is a true Copy of ye Worrant attest Richd Towne town Clr

.Selectmen^of Topsfield

196 TOWN RECORDS OF
Proper retums being made of woming the Inhabatants of ye
Town on both worrants the meeting foUeth
Att a Leagall Town meeting in Topsfield Septr 16th 1760
1 Capt Thomas Baker was Chosen Modreator for sd meeting Voted
Messrs Thos Baker Junr and Daniel Lake were Drawn out of
the Box to Serve on the Jury of tryals att the next Infear
Court to be holden att Newbury
2 the Town a Greed to Raise one hundred and thirty pounds
To Defray the Charges of the Said Town Mr Emerson Salary
Included in said Sum Voted
3 Leut Samll Smith and Mr Elijah Porter are Chosen to go
to the next Court of Genl Sessions to be holden att Newbury to
make answer to a presentment for not mending the Highway
from Topsfield to Wenham Voted
4 Mr Matthew Peabody was Chosen to go to the Court of
Genii Sessions to be holden att Salem to Serve on the Grand
Jury Voted
and Messrs Zacchus Gould and Solomon Dodge are Drawn
out of the Box to Serve on the Jury of tryaUs att the next
Supear Court to be holden att Salem
5 the Town allowed to Mr Daniel Bixby forty five Shillings
for Bording a School Master in the year 1759 Voted
We the Subscribers Being a Comtee apointed by the Town of
Topsfield and Boxford to prambelate the Line Betwen the Towns
have meet this 11th Day of December 1760 and prambelated
Said Line Begining att an appel tree with Stones about it in
Leut Asa Parley field from thence to a Stake and heap of Stones
att the Southerly Comer of Bakers farme /So Called/ thence to
where the water runs through the Dam near Simon Goulds
House CaUed Andrews Dam thene to a Stake and heap of Stones
by fishing Brook on the Easterly Side of a Rever late runing
into said Brook thence as sd brook Runs to Ipswich River So
Called thence up said River to middelton Line
Thos Parley ) ^^  .^ . Simon Gould ) ^ . r
Retier Bacon ^S^f^ , Zacchaus Gould [^'''^Tu'
Joseph Hale 3rd j boxford j^^^^ ^^^^^ [Topsfield
These May Certefy we who was apointed to prambelate Be
tween Topsfield and Meddelton have Mett this 9th Day of
December 1760 and have Renewed the Bounds Between the Said
Townes begining att a heap of Stones in Nickels Brook above
the SawmUl and So runing as the Brook runs the most Northerly

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 197
part thereof to a Bunch of Ashes Standing att the mouth of
Said Brook where it Entuers it self into the River
Nehemiah Herrick ) p . . Daniel Robinson ) Comtee for
Samll Commings Y ^^^^^-,1°^ Joseph Symonds j Middelton
Jacob Towne j lopsneia
We the Subscribers having prambelated the Lines and Bounds
Between Topsfield and Danvers on the 5 Day of December 1760
and Renewed Said Bounds and Line as followeth /Viz/ Begining
att a White oak Stump with Stones about it Standing about one
Rod and an half North Eastly from Thophilus Fisk Barn near
Wenham Causaway from thence to a Black Oak Stump With a
heap of Stones Standing in Daniel Gotts Orchard from thence
to a heap of Stones near Thos Dwinells paster from thence to a
heap of Stones near Nichelos Brook So on the Same Course to
Said Brook near the Sawmill Commonly Called porters Sawmill
John Nichelos ) j^ Richard Towne \ for
j ^^'^vers gjj.^j^ p^j^gj. I Topsfield
Topsfield ss To Jacob DwineU one of the Constables of Said
Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you are hearby re
quired forthwith to worn all the Freeholders and Other Inhaba
tants of the South ward in Said Topsfield that are qualified by
Law for Voating to Convean and meet Together att the Meet
ing house In Said Town on Tuesday the third Day of March
Next at Nine of the Clock in the fore noon
1 To Chouse Selectmen a Town Clerk and all Other Town
officers as the Law Directs
2 To See if the town will Give the Revd Mr John Emerson
the Sum of Six pounds Thirteen Shillings and four pence as an
addition to his Settled Salary annually to Enable him to pay for
the hailing his fire wood So Long as he shall Continuer to Carry
on the word of the ministry in sd Town
3 To See if the Town will Except of the Selectmen Rickoning
with the Town Treasurer
4 that the Town Require of that part of the Comtee which
was Chosen to Seat the people of the Town in the meeting
house Which porseeded to Lay before said Town how and
Where Each person is seated
5 To See if the town Will Except of there Seeting If not
6 to Chouse Three or five men to Seat the people of the town
in the meeting house according to the Instructions the town
shall Give them and Lay the same before the town for there
Exceptions

198 TOWN RECORDS OF
7 To Chouse a Comtee to Supply the town with a Grammer
School Master this present year as the Law Directs
8 to See how much money the town will Raise to Defray the
Charges of mending the heighways this present year
9 to See if the Selectmen shall make a rate for the money
that may be voated to be raised for Defray the Charge of mend
ing the highway this present year and Commit Lists to the Con
stable and Give them a worrant to Collect it and also make out
Lists to the Severell Survoyers of the highways of what Each
person in there Wards is assessed and Give Each Survoyers
Directions how Each person shall work out what they are as
sessed 10 to See if the town will Direct the Survoyers of the high
ways to make out a Cartfficate to the Constables of Each per
sons that has workd out the whole of what they are assessed
in the highway Rate and also a Cartificate of what part Each
person has workd out of what they are assessed in the high
way Rate that has not workd out ye whole
11 to allow Bills of Charge
Hearof fail not and make Retum of this worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of sd Town on or before
Said Day att time and place above mentioned
Topsfield Febr 10th 1761 Benja Towne
Richard Towne
John Gould
Elijah Porter
David Balch Juner ^
this is a Tme Copy of the worrant attest Richd Town town Clerk
Proper Retums Being made on both worrants of woming the
Inhabatants of the Town of Topsfield the meeting followeth
Att a Legal town meeting in Topsfield March 3rd 1761
1 Capt Thos Baker was Chosen modrator for sd meeting Voted
2 Richard Towne was Chosen Tovm Clerk for year Insuing Voted
3 Elisha WiUdes and Daniel Bixby was Chosen Constables
for ye year Insuing Voted
4 Mr Stephen Foster was Chosen Town Treasurer for the
year Insuing Voted
5 Messrs Joseph Gould Thos Symonds and Abraham Hobbs
were Chosen Tything men for the Year Insuing Voted

Selectmenof Topsfield

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 199
6 Messrs Thomas Symonds Samll Commings Zacchus Gould
were Chosen Survoyers of the highways for the year Insuing Voted
7 Mr David Perkins was Chosen Sealer of Lather for the
year Insuing Voted
8 Messrs Luke Averell Capt John Bordman and Solomon
Dodge were Chosen fence Vewers for the year Insuing Voted
9 Capt Thos Baker and Mr Thos Perkins were Chosen Hog
Reaves for the year Insuing Voted
10 the Town made Choise of Mr Stephen Foster town Treas
urer to Receve Six pounds Thirteen Shillings and four pence
the money that the Court of Generall Sessions ordred Col Chote
to pay to the Town of Topsfield and the said Treasurer to
Receive Said money for the towns use and Give a Discharge
for the same Voted
then the modrator put it to See if the town would adjum the
Said meeting and voted it then the Modrator adjumed the
Said meeting accordingly to the fifth Day of march Instant to
one of the Clock after noon
att a Legal Town meeting in Topsfield Held by a adjurnment
from the Third Day of march Instant to the fifth Day of Said
month to one of the Clock after noon
1 Leut Luke Averell and Mr John Balch were Chosen
Wardens Voted
2 the Town Excepted of the Selectmen Rickoning with the
Town Treasurer and there Remains in Said hands not ordred
out the Sum of one hundred and Seven pounds Seven Shillings
and two pence and also five pounds Six Shillings and Eight
pence which was Given to the town by Mr NathU Bordman
Deces* 3 Capt John Bordman Mr Stephen Perkins Mr Jeremiah
Averell Capt Thos Baker Mr Simon Gould were Chosen Select
men for the year Insuing Voted
4 the Town Required of that part of the Comtee that was
Chosen to Seat the people of the town in the meeting house
which proseeded to Lay Before the town how and where Each
person was Seated and the sd modrator Required it in the
Towns name Voted
then the modrator put it to voute to See if the Town would
adjum the said meeting and vouted it then the modrator
adjumed the meeting accordingly to monday the ninth Day of
March Instant to one of the Clock after noon

200 TOWN RECORDS OF
Att a Legall Town Meeting in Topsfield heald by adjumment
from the fifth Day of March Instant to the ninth Day of said
month to one of the Clock after noon
1 It was put to voate to see if the Tovsm will Except of that
part of the Comtee that proseeded to seat the people in the
meeting house of there Seating and it past in the Negetive
2 Capt NathU Averell Capt Thos Baker Capt John Bordman
Mr Simon Gould Mr Amos Perkins were Chosen a Comtee to
Seat the people In the meeting house Voted
3 Mr Dan Clarke Mr Daniel Lake and Mr Nemeiah Herrick
are Chosen a Comtee to Supply the town with a Grammer School
Master for the year Insuing Voated
4 The Town agreed that the Comtee that was Chosen to Seat
the people in the meeting House Should have Respect to
age and money and Lay the Same Before the Town for there
Exceptance Voted
5 the Town allowed to Mr John Lefaver for Bording Mr Rusel
fourteen Weeks att Six Shillings per week £4 4s Od Voted
6 the Town allowed to Mr Elijah Porter for Bording Mr Rusel
four Weeks att five Shillings and four pence per week
£1 Is 4d Voted
7 the town allowed to Mr David Towne what Jonathan
Dodges Juner was Rated in Said Townes Lists Voated
8 the town allowed to Jeremiah Averell Const what James
Burch Was Rated in the Said Averells Lists Voted
9 the Town allowed to Mr David Towne and others School
Comtee Twenty Pounds for Six munths SchooUng of Mr
Treadwell 10 the Town abated Archalus Kinney Rate for the year 1759
11 Voted that the Selectmen shall make a rate for the money
that is Voted to be Raised for the Defraying the Charges of
mending the highways this present year and Commit Listes
thereof to the Constables and Give a worrant to Collect it and
also make out Lists to the Severell Survoyers of the highways
of what Each person in thire wards are assesed and also Give
Each Survoyers Directions how Each person may work what
they are assessed
12 Voted that Each of the Survoyers of the highways be
Directed to make out a Cartificate to the Constable or Consta
bles that has the List or Listes of Each persons rates in thire
wards of Each persons that has Workd out the whole of thire
Rates for the highways and also a Cartificate what part Each
person has to work out of their Rates for the highway that has
not workd out the Whole

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 201
13 The town agreed to Raise Sixty pounds to Defray the
Charges of mending the highways this present year this Should
have Been Entred Before But it was over Look Voted
13 Mr Elijah Porter was Chosen Grand Jury man for the
year Insuing Voted
14 Mr Nehemiah Harrick and Mr Joseph Gould are Drawn
Out of the Box to Serve on ye Jury of Tryalls att the next
Inferer Court to Be holden att Ipswich the persons that was
Chosen Into offices on the third and fifth Day of March 1761
were all Sworn to the faithfull Discharge of their offices Ex
cepting Stephen Foster David Perkins and Thomas Perkins
Thomas Perkins is Sworn
Essex ss To Mr Elisha Willdes on of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you are
hearby Required foarthwith to Wom all the Freeholders and
Other Inhabatants of the North Ward in Said Town that are
Qualified by Law for Voting to Conven and meet together att
the meeting house in Said Town on Tuesday the Ninteenth
Day of May Instant at one of the Clock after noon
1 To Choose a man to Represent the Town att the Great and
Generall Court according to precept
2 To See if the Town will Give the Revnd Mr John Emerson
the Sum of Six pounds Thirteen Shillings and four pence
annuly In addition to his Sallary So Long as he Shall Continue in
the Work of the ministry amongst us
3 to See if the Town Will acept of the Charge that hath
arisen in Building and finishing the meeting House that may
Be Laid before the Town by the Comtee that was Chosen to
Do Said work or to act any thing further as to the Setteling of
Said affare
4 To See if the Town Will order that the Town Stock of
powder and other ammenition shall be put in a Conveant place
In the meeting house
5 To See if the Town Will Chuse a man or men to provide
Stones for Steps for the meeting House
6 to See if the Town Will Lett Swine Go att Large the year
Insuing as the Law Directs
7 To See if the Town Will Except of the Return of ye
Comtee that was Last Chosen to Seet the people in the meeting
house how and whare Each parson is Seated
8 to See if the Town Will hear how and where Merss Ephram
Willdes Jacob Averell and others a Comtee Chosen to Seat the
people of Said Town in the meeting house have Seated them

202 TOWN RECORDS OF
9 To See if the Town WiU Except of the People being Seated
as Said Comtee have Seated them in sd meeting house and if
not then
10 To See if the Town will agree that Each SevereU person
that is the owners of a pew in the meeting house with their
family shaU be Seated in the other Common Seats Exclusive of
their pews in the meeting house and if so then
11 To See if the Town wiU agree that the Severall pews in
the meeting house that the owners will not take for there
proper Seats Both for themselves and familys shaU be Reckoned
Vallued and Lett to tliem as their other proper Rateable Estate
12 To aUow BUls of Charge
Hearof faU not and make Retum of this worrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of Said town att time
and place above mentioned
Topsfield May 5th 1761 Thos Baker ")
Simon Gould \ Selectmen
Jeremiah Averell [^of Topsfield
Stephen Perkins J
this is a Tme Copy of the Worrant
attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
Proper retums being made on Both Worrants of woming the
Inhabatants of the Town of Topsfield the meeting foUoweth
Att a Legal town meeting in Topsfield Maj' 19th 1761
the Town made Choise of Mr John Gould to Resepresent the
town at the Great and GeneraU Court the year Insuing and
there Being other Bisness to be Done
1 Mr Elijah Porter was Chosen modreator for said meeting
2 the Town Voted to Give the Revd Mr John Emerson the
Sum of Six pounds Thirteen Shillings and four pence annueaUy
in addition to his Salary So Long as he shaU Continue in the
Work of the ministrey amoungst us
3 Capt Baker Doct Dexter Mr EUjah Porter Capt Towne and
Mr David Balch Jur or the mager part of them are Chosen a
Comtee to Rickon with the Comtee that was Chosen to buUd
& finish the meeting house Respecting the whole Charge of
building and finishing the Said meeting house ^'^oted
4 the town Voted that the Town Stock Should be put in the
meeting house in Sum Conveanant place where the Selectmen
shall think proper
5 Deacon Bixby is Chosen to provide Stones for Steps for the
meeting house Doors Voted

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 203
6 The town voted that Swine Should Go att Large the year
Insuing provided they are as the Law Directs
Essex ss To Daniel Bixby one of the Constables of the Town
of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties name you are hearby
Required forthwith to wom all the freeholders and other
Inhabatants In the South ward in said town that are Quallified
by Law for voting to Conven together att the meeting house
on Wenesday the Eight Day of July next insuing att Two of
the Clock after noon
1 To See what abatements are proper to be made on the
Lists heartofore Committed to the Severall former Constables
and abate them
2 to alow Bills of Charge
3 To See if the town will Give any further orders or Come
into any other method as to Disposing of the Square pues in
the Gallaries in the meeting House
4 To See if the Town Will Except of the Comtee Rickoning
With the Comtee that Sold the Old meeting house Stuff and
Order the money into the town Tresury for the towne Use
5 to See What the town Will allow Benja town Junor for
keeping Anne Wallis to this time and agree with him or Sum
other person to keep her for Sum time further or Come into
Some other method for her Support
6 to See if the town Will Except of the Comtee Rickon
ing With the Comtee that was Chosen to Build and finish the
meeting House or any part of Said Rickoning
Hearof faU not and make Retum of this worrant with your
Doings thereon to one or more of the Selectmen att Time and
place above mentioned
Topsfield June 29th 1761 Thomas Baker ^
John Bordman I Selectmen
Simon Gould Kf Topsfield
Jeremiah AvereU ^
Stephen Perkins J
this is a True Copy of the Worrant
attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
Proper Retums Being made on Both Worrants of Woming the
Inhabatants of the town of Topsfield the meeting followeth
Att a Legall town meeting in Topsfield July 8th 1761
1 Capt Thos Baker Was Chosen modrator for sd meeting Voted

204 TOWN RECORDS OF
2 The town abated NathU Townes Rates What he was Rated
in Jeremiah Avirell former Const Rates which is £1 11 6
Whereas ye Town of Topsfield did on May 19, 1761 Vote to
me ye Subscriber ye Sum of Six Pounds Thirteen Shillings &
four Pence in addition to my salary to be paid annually so long
as I Continue in ye work of ye ministry in sd town I do here
by acknowledge my self satisfied & Contended there with.
John Emerson Pastor.
3 The tovsm abated Nathl Townes Rates what he was Rated
In Abraham Hobbs former Const Rates which is £0 5 6 Voted
4 the Town abated Joseph Laseley pole Rate what he was
Rated in Jeremiah Averell former Const Rates £0 6 4 Voted
5 The town abated Samll Phippan Pole money for his Head
for Two years past Voated
6 the Town abated all Benja Ireland Reates that he is rated
in Jacob Dwinells Listes which is £0 18 10 Voted
1 the Town allowed to Mr Dan Clarke 1 14 7 for Boarding
the Comtee When Rickoning about the meeting House Voted
8 The Town allowed to the Comtee that Rickoned about the
meeting house to Three Days Each at 4 £2 8 8 Voted
9 the town allowed to Elisha Willdes £0 5 0 for forty four
feet of white oak plank Voted
10 The Town aUowed to Deacon Bixby £4 0 3 1/4 for hail
ing Stones and Graviell and Laying them att the meeting house
Dores Voted
11 the town Voted that the pews in the Gallarys Shall be
Sould in open Town Meeting
12 The Town Voted that the Pews Shall be Sould to the Tovras
people 13 the Town voted that the modrator should Set up the Pews
14 The town Excepted of the Comtee Rickoning with the
Comtee that was Chosen to take Down the old meeting House
and SeU the Stuff of sd house which is £9 11 0
15 the Town Voted that the Said Comtee Should pay the
money to Mr Stephen foster Town Treasurer
16 The town allowed the Comtee that sold the Stuff of the
old meeting house five Dollars £1 10 0
17 The town Excepted of the Rickon of the Comtee that was
Chosen to Rickon with the Commtee that Built and finish the
meeting house and the Whole of Building and finishing the said
meeting house amounts to £743 10 7 3/4
and there Remains Due to the Said Comtee that Built and
finished Said meeting House £53 17 1 1/4

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 205
Essex ss To Daniel Bixby one of the Constables of the Town
of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties name you are hearby
Required forth with to Worn all the freeholders and other In
habatants in the South Ward in Said Town that are Quallified
by Law for Voting to Convean and meet together att the meet
ing House in said town on Tuesday the Twenty Second Day of
September next at one of the Clock aftemoon
1 To See how much money the Town will raise to Defray the
Town Charges the year Insuing
2 to Choosee Jurymen for Newbury Court according to
Venire 3 To See if the Town will Choose an agent or agents to pe
tition to the Court of Generall Sessions of the place to be holden
att Newbury on the Last Tuesday of September next for Sum
help from the County to new build the River Bridge
4 to See if the Town will Choose men to appear att Newbury
Court in Sept Next in Behalf of the town Respecting the Return
of the Comtee that was appointed to Lay out a Highway by
Capt Townes to Middelton
5 To See how Long time the Town will give to Such persons
as shall purchis the Two Square pews in the meeting house
Gallary to pay the money in
6 to Sell the two Squir pews in the meeting house Gallarys
according to the Towns Vote
7 To See if the town Will Choose a man or men to Seat the
meeting House in the Rome of such of the Comtee as Do refuse
to Serve
hearof fail not and make return of this worrant with your
Doings there on to one or more of the Selectmen of sd town at
time and place above mentioned
Topsfield August 31st 1761 Thos Baker "]
John Bordman (Selectmen
Jeremiah Averell (of Topsfield
Stephen Perkins J
this is a Tme Copy of the Worrant attest Richd Towne town CI'
Proper Returns Being Made on both Worrants of worning the
Inhabatants of the Town of Topsfield the meeting followeth
At a Legal Meeting in Topsfield September 22nd 1761
1 Mr Elijah Porter was Chosen Modrator for said meeting Voted
2 the town agreed to Raise one hundred and forty pounds

206 TOWN RECORDS OF
Including Mr Emerson Sallary with other Common Charges of
the Town for the year Insuing Voted
3 Joshua Balch and Joseph Towne were Drawn out of the
Box to Serve on the Jury att the Next Inferiour Court to Be
houlden at Newbury
4 Mr Stephen Perkins and Capt John Boardman are Choosen
agents to appear at Newbury Court in behalf of the Town re
specting the retum of the Comtee that was appointed to Lay
out a Highway by Capt Benja Townes to Middelton Voted
5 the Town agreed that the parsons that Buy the Two Square
pews in the meeting House Gallaryes Shall have Three months
time to pay the money Into the Treasurer Without Instrest Voted
6 Messrs Daniel Bixby Dan Clarke and Zacchus Gould are
Chosen a Comtee to assest the Comtee that Did not Refuse to
Serve in Seating the people in the meeting House Voted
Essex ss To Elisha Willdes one of the Constables of the Town
of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you are Hearby
Required Forthwith to Wom all the freeholders and other In
habatants in the North Ward In Said Town that are quallified
by Law Voting to Convean and meet together at the meeting
House in said town on Tuesday the thirteenth Day of October
Instent att one of the Clock after noon
1 To Choose Jurymen for Salem Court according to Venire
2 To Choose a man or men to SeU the Ropes and all other
things that belongs to the town that Remains un Soald which
was purchesed for the Building and finishing the meeting house
and to pay the money unto the Town Treasurer for the towns
use 3 to See if the town Will agree to Give any Cartain Sum of
money to any person that will agree to take the widow Rachel
Burck's Child and free the town from any further Cost and
Charge for its Support Untill it Shall arive to the age of
Eighteen years
4 To allow Bills of Charge
5 To See if the town will Sell the Two Square pews in the
meeting House Gallarys to the highest Bidder in open Town
meeting notwithstanding any previes votes as to the saU of said
pews 6 To See if the moderator of this present meeting shall put
said pews upon sail
7 To See if the town order the money the pews shall fetch
to be paid unto the Town Treasurer in three months after the
sail of said pews

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 207
8 To See if the Town Will Choose an agent or agents to go
to Salem Court in Behalf of the Town in order to have the Cost
Set aside of the Road Lately Laid out from Topsfield to Meddel
ton Hearof fail not and make retum of this worrant with your
Doings thereon to one or more of the Selectmen of Said Town at
time and place above mentioned
Topsfield October 5th 1761 Simon Gould ^
John Bordman (Selectmen
Jeremiah Averell (of Topsfield
Richard Towne J
this is a tme Copy of the worrant
attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
At a Legal Town meeting in Topsfield October 13th 1761
1 Mr Elijah Porter was Chosen modreator for said meeting Voted
2 Mr Simon Gould is Chosen to Serve on the Grand Jury at
the Next Supr Court to be holden at Salem Voted
3 Deacon Bixby and Mr Aaron Estey are Drawn out of the
Box to Serve on the Jury of Tryalls att the next Supr Court to
be Holden at Salem
4 Deacon Bixby and Leut Smith are Chosen to Sell the Ropes
and all the other Things that belongs to the Town that remains
unsold Which was purchesed for Building and finishing the
meeting house and to pay the money unto the Town Treasurer
for the towns use Voted
5 The Town abated Nathan Willdes pole Tax what he was
rated in Mr David Perkins List which is £1 Is 8d Voted
6 the Tovsm abated Absolom Townes pole tax what he was
Rated in Mr Jacob Dwinells List Voted
7 The town abated NathU Townes Rates what he was rated
in David Perkins Listes which is £1 2s lOd
8 the Town abated Enoch perkins Rates what was Due to Mr
Jeremiah Averell of the Said Enoch's Rates Voted
9 The town abated the wido Joanna Curtis Rates what She
was rated In Mr Joseph Goulds Lists Voted
10 the Town abated Abraham Hobbs pole tax to the Province
for the year 1758 Voted
11 the Town allowed to Mr Jacob Averell five Shillings and
Ten pence for Twenty Two feet of Timber and fifty feet of
plank Voted
12 The town allowed to Mr Stephen Foster Thirteen Shillings

208 TOWN RECORDS OF
and two pence for Sixteen feet of Timber and one hundred and
Twenty nine feet of White oke plank Voted
13 The Town allowed to Archelues Rea Sixteen ShiUings it
Being an abatement of the meeting house Rate in Joseph Gould
List Voted
At a Legal Town meeting in Topsfield held by adjumment
from the 13th Day of October Instant to the Twenty Eight Day
of said month and then met and proseeded as followeth
1 Mr Stephen Perkins is Chosen agent to go to Salem Court
next Generall Session- Insuing to Git the Cost Set a side of the
Road Lately Laid out from Topsfield to Middelton Voted
2 The Town allowed to Leut SamU Smith and Mr Elijah
Porter Three pounds fourteen Shellings and Seven pence for
Going to Court to make answer to a presentment about the
Highway Voted
3 the Town abated Davies Houlett Tax to the Highway Rate
Voted
Topsfield ss To Elisha WUldes one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you are
hear Required forthwith to wom all the freeholders and other
Inhabatants in the North ward in said Town that are QuaMed
by Law for Voting to Convean and meet to gether att the meet
ing House in said Town on Tuesday the Second Day of March
Next at of the Clock in the morning
1 To Choose Selectmen a Town Clerk Constables and all other
Town officers as the Law Directs
2 To See if the Town Will Except of the Selectmen Recken
ing with the Tovsm Treasurer
3 To See how much money the Town Will Rayes to Defray
the Charges of mending the Highways this present year
4 To See if the Town will Choose a man to Petieion to the
Generall Court in Behalf of the town for Libity to raise money
by Lattery to New build the River Bridge and Raise the Causa
way 5 To See if the Town WiU Lett Svsdne go att Large this present
year as the Law Directs
6 To See if the tovsm will Sell the Two Squair pews in the
meeting House Gallarys in the method allridey voted or Come
into any other method that the Tovsm Shall think proper as to
SelUng Said pews or Seating them
7 To allow Bills of Charge
Hearof Fail not and make Retum of this worrant with your

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 209
Doings thereon to one or more of the Selectmen of said town
at time and place above mentioned
Topsfield February 22nd 1762 John Bordman ^
Simon Gould (Selectmen
Jeremiah Averell (^of Topsfield
Stephn Perkins J
this is a true Copy of the Worrant
attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
At a Legal Town meeting in Topsfield March 2nd 1762
1 Leut Samll Smith was Choosen Modreator for said meeting Voted
2 the weather Being very Stormey and Traviling Deficult the
Town agreed to adjum said meeting to Wenes Day the tenth
Day of march Instant to nine of the Clock in the morning to
which time said meeting was adjumed
Att said meeting held by adjurnment on the Tenth Day of
March 1762
1 Mr Elijah Porter was Chosen and Sworn Clerk for sd
meeting Voted
2 Messrs Stephen Perkins Jeremiah Averell John Balch Simon
Gould and Joseph Andrew were Chosen Selectmen Voted
2 Richard Towne was Chosen Clerk Voted
3 Missrs David Balch Junr and John Perkins Junr were
Chosen Constables Voted
5 Mr Stephen Foster was Chosen Town Treasurer Voted
6 Missrs Elieser Lake Junr Pallitiah Commings and John
Bradstreet Were Chosen Tything men Voted
7 Missrs Zacchaus Gould and Thos Symonds were Chosen
Surveyers of the highways Voted
8 Mr David Perkins was Chosen Sealer of Lether Voted
9 Capt NathU Averell Missrs Abraham Hobbs and Luke
Averell were Chosen fence Vewers Voted
10 Messrs Stephen Adams Benja Bixby and Robart Perkins
were Chosen Hog reaves Voted
11 Doct Richard Dexter Capt John Bordman were Chosen
wardens Voted
12 The Town agreed to Raise Sixty Pounds to Defray the
Charges of mending the highways the year Insuing Voted
13 the Town Excepted of the Selectman Rickoning with the
Town Treasurer Voted
14 Voted that Swine Should Go att Large as the Law Directs
the year Ensuing

210 TOWN RECORDS OF
15 the Town Voted that Mr Elijah Porter Deacon George
Bixby and Leut Samll Smith be a Comtee to Sell the Two
Square pews in the Gallarlys in Such a way and manner as they
shall think most for the Instmst of the Town
16 Capt Thos Baker was Chosen to Serve on the Grand Jury
the year Insuing Voated
17 Missrs Abraham Hobbs and John Peabody were Drawn
out of the Box to Serve on the Jury of TryaUs at the Infearer
Court to be holden at Ipswich
18 the Town allowed to Mr David Perkins £1 2 10 being an
abatement of what Samll Phippen was Rated in his List being
for said Samll Sweeping the meeting House
19 The Town allowed to Mr Dan Clarke and Others for
Supplying the Town with a School Master Two mounths and
Sixteen Days Eight pounds fourteen Shillings and Eight pence
£8 14s 8d
20 The Town aUowed to Capt Thos Baker £0 4 0 for his
Going to Newbury about the french [Neutrals]
21 The Town allowed to Mr Dan Clark for what the wid
Joanna Curtes Jonathan Dodge Samll Porter WilUam Gallap
and James Nickols was Rated in his List £1 6s lOd
22 The Town allowed to Mr Daniel Lake for plank 0 6 0
23 The Town allowed to Mr Jacob DwineU for which
Archelaus Kiney was Rated in his List £118
24 The Tovsm abated Mr Benja Irelands Rates what he was
Rated in Constable Bixby Lists which is £0 16 11
attest Elijah Porter Clerk for said meeting
The Persons Chosen Into office att the above said meeting
to Which an oath Did Belong were Sworn to the faithfull
Discharge of there office on the 10 and 20 23 24 Day of said
month Excepting Doct Dexter and Mr David Perkins Doct
Dexter has Taken the oaths Belonging to his Respective office
Mr David Perkins has Taken the oaths to his Respective office
as the Law Requires
Topsfield ss To David Balch Junr one of the Constables of
the Tovsm of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you are
hearby Required forthwith to wom all the freeholders and
Other Inhabatants in the South Ward In Said town that are
Qualified for Voting to Convean and meet att the Meeting
House in said Town on Monday the Twenty Ninth Day of
March Instant at Two of the Clock after noon
1 To See if the town Choose an agent or agents to petition
to the Court of Generall Sessions of the place to be holden at

I Selectmen of Topsfield

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 211
Ipswich on the Last Tuesday of march Instant for Sum help
from the County to new Build the River Bridge and Causaway
2 To Choose a Comtee to Supply the town with a Grammer
School Master this present year
3 To See if the town will Releace Docter Richard Dexter
from Serving as Worden and If thay Do then
4 To Choose a man to Serve in the offices of worden this
present year
5 to allow Bills of Charge
Hearof faU not and make Retum of this Worrant with your
Doings thereon to one or more of the Selectmen of said Town
att time and place above mentioned
Topsfield March 22d 1762 Simon Gould
Jeremiah Avirell
John Balch
Joseph Andrew
Stephen Perkins
this is a Tme Copy of the Worrant
attest Richard Towne town Clerk
At Legal Town meeting ye 29th of March 1762
1 Capt Thomas Baker was Chosen modreator for said
meeting Voted
3 Mr Elijah Porter was Chosen and Sworn Clr for sd
meeting Voted
3 Mr Elijah Porter and Leut SamU Smith were Chosen to
petition the Court of Generall Sessions of the peace for help to
new Build the River Bridge and Causey Voted
4 Voated that Missers Joseph Gould Thomas Mower and
Nathan Hood Be a Comtee to Supply the Town with a Grammer
School Master this present year
5 the Town allowed Mr Dan Clarke Two Shillings and four
pence Being abatement of the wido Cree Rates what she was
Rated in said Clarkes List Voted
6 The town allowed to Mr Abraham Hobbs Seven Shillings
and four pence for his finding 76 foot of white oak plank to
mend Bridges in said Town Voted
EUjah Porter Clerk for sd meeting
Topsfield ss To David Balch Junr one of the Constables of
the Town of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you
are Hearby required forthwith To Wom all the freeholders and
other Inhabatants of the South Ward in said Town that are

212 TOVSTN RECORDS OF
Qualified by Law for voating to Conven and meet Together att
the meeting house in said Town on Tuesday the Eighteenth
Day of may next at Two of the Clock after noon
1 To Choose a man to Represent the Town at the Greate and
Generall Court according to preceipt
2 To See if the Town will accept of the Retum of the Com
mitee that was Last Chosen to Seet the people in the meeting
House 3 to Se what the tovsm wUl Do with Respect to maintain of
anna Wally [Wallis]
4 To See if the Town will order the Survoyers to Joyn with
Boxford In New Building fishing Brook Bridge So Called
5 To See if the Town wiU agree to New Build the River
Bridge 6 To Choose a Comtee to New build the River Bridge
7 to allow Bills of Charge
Hearof fail not and make retum of this worrant with your
Doing thereon to one or more of the Selectmen of said Town
att time and place above mentioned
Topsfield April 27th 1762 Simon Gould
Jeremiah Averell
John Balch r'^^^Tw.'^S'.^ij
T u A J of Topsfield
Joseph Andrew ^
Stephen Perkins ^
this is a Tme Copy of the Worrant
attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
Proper Retums being made on Both Worrants ye meeting
followeth Att a Legal Town meeting in Topsfield May 18th 1762
The Town made Choise of Mr Elijah Porter to Represent the
town at the Great and General Court the year Insuing Voted
and there being other Bisness to be Done att said meeting
2 Mr Elijah Porter Was Chosen and Sworn Clark for sd meet
ing 3 Voted the Selectmen order the Survoyers of the Highways
to Joyn with Boxford to New build fishing Brook Bridge
4 the Town allowed to Mr Abraham Hobbs one ShilUng it
being an abatement of what Samll Phippan had not paid on
said Hobbs List of Rates
Topsfield ss To David Balch Junr one of the Constables of
the Tovsm of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you

Selectmen

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 213
are hearby required forthwith to worn all the freeholders and
other Inhabatants of the South ward in Said Town that are
Qualified by Law for Voting to Convean together att the meet
ing house in Said Town on Tuesday the Thirteenth Day of July
Instant att Three of the Clock after noon
1 To See if the Town Will New buield the River Bridge
2 To Choose a Comtee to New Build the River bridge or Come
into any other meathod as to building or reparing said bridge
as the Town shall think proper
3 to see If the Town will order the Town Treasurer to Re
ceive of Deacon George Bixby & Leut SamU Smith a Comtee
that was Chosen to sell the Ropes and other Small articals that
belonged to the Town The money that the Ropes and other
things was Sold for for the Towns use
4 To See If the Town will Choose an agent or agents to appear
at the next Court of General Sessions of the place to be holden
at Salem on the Second Tuesday of July Corrant in behalf of
the Town respecting the retum of a Jury that was appointed
to Estemate the Damage Done to Capt Benja Town and others
by reason of a High way being Layd through thir Land by a
Comtee in the year 1761
5 To See if the town will order the Town Treasurer to receve
the money that the Comtee sold the Two Squar pews in the
meeting House Gallerys for
6 To See If the Town will purches one or both of the Two
Squair pews In the meeting house Gallerys of Doct Richard
Dexter and others who Determin to Dispose of one or both of
said pews and Give the town the offer of purchesing them
7 To See If the town will Except the return of the Comtee
that was Last Chosen to Seat the people in the meeting house
with Sum amendment
8 To allow Bills of Charge
Hearof Fail not and make return of this worrant with your
Doing thereon to one or more of the Selectmen of sd town at
time and place above mentioned
Topsfield July 5th 1762 Simon Gould ^
{''H""i'";h™""LselectmenSht'drew fo* Topsfield
Stephen Perkins _,
this is a true Copy of the Worrant
attest Richard Towne town Clerk

214 TOWN RECORDS OF
proper retums being made on both worrants the meeting fol
loweth At a Legal town meeting in Topsfield July 13th 1762
1 Mr EUjah Porter was Chosen Modreator for said meeting Voted
2 the Town agreed to buUd the River Bridge as soon as they
Can Conveantiy ^'oted
3 Missers Zacchus Gould Thomas Symonds and David Balch
are Chosen a Comtee to mend or new buUd the River Bridge as
they in their Judgement shall think Proper Voted
4 The town Voted that Mr Stephen Foster Town Treasurer
shaU Receive the money of Deacon George Bixby and Leut Saml
Smith for the Ropes and other things they sold the said Treas
urer to Receve for the use of the town
5 It was put to vote to see if the town would Except of the
Comtee Retum that was Last Chosen to Seat the people in the
meeting house and it past in the Negetive
6 The town aUowed to Mr Jeremiah AvereU and Mr David
Perkins Two pounds Thirteen ShiUings it being what SamU
Phippan Junr was Rated in Thire Lists £2 13 0 Voted
Topsfield ss To John Perkins one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting In His Majesties Name you are
hearby Required forthwith to wom aU the freeholders and Other
Inhabatants of the North Ward In Said Tovra that are by Law
qualified for voting to Convean and meet together att the Meet
ing House in Said Town on Tuesday the Seventh Day of Sep
tember Next at one of the Clock after noon
1 To See how much money the Town WUl agree to raise to
Defray the Nessary Charges arising Within Said Town the Year
Insuing 2 To See if the town WiU Except of the Reporte of the Com
tee Selling the Two Square pews in the meeting House GaUaryes
3 To See If the Town Will purches one or both of the Square
pews In the meeting House GaUaries of Mr Richd Dexter and
others as thay Determine to Sell one or Both of Said pews and
to Give the Town the offer of purching one or Both of them
4 To Choose Jury men for Newbury Court according to
Venire 5 To Consider and act any thing that the town ShaU think
proper Respecting new Building the River Bridge
6 to See If the Town will accept of the report of the Comtee
Selling the Ropes and other things that was not usd about

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 215
Building the meeting house and order the Town Treasurer to
Receve the money Said Ropes and other things were Sold for
7 To allow Bills of Charge
Hearof fail not and make retum of this Worrant with your
Doing thereon to one or more of the Selectmen of sd Town att
time and place above mentioned
Topsfield August 27th 1762 Siomon Gould ) ^ i 4.
Joseph Andrew Pf^'^*'"f,^
Jeremiah Avirell [of Topsfield
This is a tme Copy of the Worrant
attest Richard Towne Town Clerk
Proper Retums Being made on Both warrants the meeting
foUeth At a Legal Town meeting in Topsfield Sept 7th 1762
1 Capt Benja Towne was Choosen modreator for said meeting Voted
2 The agreed to Raise one Hundred and forty pounds to
Defray the Charges of the Town the year Insuing Including
the Revd Emerson Sallary In Said Sum Voted
3 The Town Excepted of the Comtee Report of Selling the
Two Square pews in the front Gallary a Joyning to the Back
pews Voted
4 It was put to Vote to See if the Town would purchis the
Two Squar pews in the frunt GaUary and It Past in the
Negetive Voted
5 Lubulun Willdes and Elieser Lake Junr are Drawn out of
the Box to Serve on the Jury of Tryalls att the New Infearer
Court to be Holden att Newbury
6 The town Voted to Leve the Whole affare Wholey with
the Two Survoyers to mend or make the Bridge over the River
Voted
7 the Town allowed to Messrs Joseph Gould and Thos mower
School Comtee Six pounds to pay Mr Samll Wood for Keeping
School three months £6 0 0 Voted
8 The Town allowed Mr Wood Three months Bording Three
pounds Twelve ShiUings £3 12 0 Voted
9 the Town allov/ed to Elisha Towne what the Wido Joanna
Curties was Rated in Mr Jacob DwineU Lists which is £3 12 0
The Freeholders and Other Inhabatants of the Town of
Topsfield that are Quallified by Law for Voting are hearby
Notified and Womd to Convean and meet together at the

216 TOWN RECORDS OF
meeting House on Tuesday the Twelfth Day of October Instent
att Two of the Clock after noon
1 In Order to Choose Jury men for Salem Court according
to Venire Which we the Subscribers have Received from the
Clerk of the Superiour Court
Topsfield October 6th 1762 John Perkins Ju' | Constables
David Balch Ju' j of Topsfield
this is a True Copy of the Notification attest Richd Towne town Clerk
At a Legal Town meeting in Topsfield October 12th 1762
1 The Town made Choice of Mr Stephen Foster to Serve on
the Grand Jury at the Next Supr Court to be holden att Salem Voted
2 Messrs Solomon Gould and John Gould are Drawn out of
the Box to Serve on the Jury of Tryalls at the Next Supr Court
to be holden att Salem
Topsfield ss To David Balch Junr one of the Constables
of the Town of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name
you are hearby Required forthwith to wom all the Inhabatants
of the South ward in Said Tovsm that are Qualified by Law for
Voting to Convean and meet Together at the meeting House
in Said town on Tuesday the First Day of March next at nine
of the Clock in the morning
1 To Choose Selectmen a Town Clerk and all other Town
officers as the Law Directs for the year Insuing
2 To See if the Town will Except of the Selectmen Rickoning
with the Town Treasurer
3 To See if the Town will accept of a way Layd out by the
Selectmen from Messrs Philip Nolands and NathU Low Through
Land of Said NathU Lows and Land of Messrs John Davies and
Stephen Fosters
4 To See if the Town will purches the House and previlages
that Be Longs to Samuel Phippan for the Use of a School
house for the Inhabatants of the North Side of the River in
said Town at a price that may be agreed on at Said Meeting
5 To See if the Town will agree upon Some proper method
to provide a School House for the Inhabatants of the South
Side of the River in Said Town
6 To See if the Town will order the Town Treasurer to
receive of the Comtee that Sold Said Two Squair pews in the
meeting house Galliers the money that said pews was sold for

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 217
7 To See if the Town Will order the Selectmen to proseed in
a Cours of Law with Such persons that brought Benja Baley in
to this Town or the men he Bound himself to in order to Re-
couer the money that the Tovsm hath Expended towards the
maintaince of the said Benja Baleys wife and Children
8 To allow Bills of Charge
Hearof fail not and make Return of this Worrant with your
Doings there on to one or more of the Selectmen at time and
place above mentioned
Topsfield Febr 14th 1763 Simon Gould ^
?l""i";K™""Ulectmen
KSrew f°"ops»eld
Stephen Perkins J
this is a True Copy of the Worrant attest Richd Towne town Clr
Proper retums Being made on Both Worrants of woming the
Inhabatants of the Town of Topsfield the meeting followeth
At a Legal Town Meeting of the Inhabatants of Topsfield on
the 1st Day of March A D 1763
1 Leut SamU Smith was Chosen Moderator for said meeting Voted
2 Mr Elijah Porter was Chosen and Sworn Clerk for sd meet
ing Voted
3 Missrs Jeremiah Averell Joseph Andrew Stephen Perkins
John Balch and Zacchus Gould were Chosen Selectmen
4 Richard Towne Was Chosen Town Clerk
5 Messrs Elieser Lake Junr and David Perkins were Chosen
Constabels 6 Mr Stephen Foster was Chosen Town Treasurer
7 Messrs Robart Perkins Solomon Dodge and David Towne
were Chosen Tything men
8 Mr David Perkins was Chosen Sealer of Lather
9 Missrs Elisha Willdes John Bradstreet and Amos Perkins
Were Chosen fence Vewers
10 Messrs Zebulon Willdes Samuel Commings and Dan Clarke
were Chosen hog Reves
11 Missrs Thomas Symonds and Zacchus Gould were Chosen
Survoyers of Highways
12 Messrs Nathan Hood and Elijah Porter were Chosen War
dens

218 TOWN RECORDS OF
13 the Town Excepted of the Selectmen Rickening with the
Town Treasurer
14 It was put to vote wether the Town Would Except of a
Retum of the Selectmens Laying out a Town way for NathU
Low and others and it past In the negetive
15 Voted that the Tovra Treasurer shall Receve the money
the Comtee Sold the two Square pews in the meeting house Gall
arys for
16 Voted that the Selectmen proscute Such person or persons
that they Suppose are obliged to maintain Benja Baley and his
family for all the time they have Been Unable to maintain
themselves Sence they have been in this Town for all the Costs
and Charge the town has Been att for Suporting the Said Benja
family Sence they have Been in the Town
17 Voted that Mr Elisha Willdes Be allow* £2 Is 3d being
for What Jacob Perkins and Joshua Balch was Rated in his Lists
of Rates
18 Voted that Mr Jacob DwineU be allowed £1 Is 8d being
abatement of What William Gallop was rated in his Lists of
Rates and also the Said Jacob be allowed an abatement of Peter
Woodbury Rates 0 12
19 Voted that Mr Stephen Hovey be allowed 2 0 0 for take
ing Care of the wid Abigail Hood
20 Voted that Messrs Thos Symonds and Zacchus Gould be
allowed 12 6 1 1/2 for providing Timber &c for the River
Bridge 21 Voted that the Wido Abial Taply be allowd 1 0 0 for Mrs
Hoveys Living in her house in the time of the Small Pox
22 Voted that Mr Zachus Gould be aUowed 1 8 4 1/2 for
his finding plank and Timber to build the fishing Brook Bridge
23 Voted that Mr Dan Clarke be allowd 0 16 4 for what he
was rated for his son Dans head in Mr Daniel Bixbys Lists of
Rates 24 Voted that Mr Jeremiah Averell be allowed 1 9 10 an
abatement of what John Clough was Rated in his Lists of Rates
25 the Town Voted to allow Mr Thos Symonds 0 4 11 for
finding plank &c to mend the Bridge by Mr Jacob Dormans
26 Voted that Mr David Perkins be allowd 1 1 8 an abate
ment of what Henry Bradstreet was Rated on his Lists of Rates
Elijah Porter Clerk for said meeting
Messrs EUezer Lake was Sworn to the faithfull Discharge of
his office on the 3rd Day of march and David Perkins on

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 219
the forth of ye said month Messrs Solomon Dodge Robart
Perkins Amos Perkins and John Bradstreet were Sworn to the
faithfull Discharge of there office on March 12th Messrs Elijah
Porter and David Towne was Sworn to the faithfull Discharge
of thire office on ye 14 and 15 Day of march Nathan Hood Samll
Cummings and Elisha Willdes in march to the faithfull Discharge
of there office Zaccheus Gould was Sworn to the faithfull Dis
charge of the office of a Survoyer of the Highways and David
Perkins was Sworn to the faithfull Discharge of the office of a
Sealer of Lather Mr Thomas Symonds was Sworn to the faith
full Discharge of the offices of a Survoyer The assessors was
Sworn to the faithful Discharge of there offices on the 10 Day
of May 1763
Topsfield ss To Elieser Lake one of the Constables of the Town
of Topsfield Greeting In His Majesties Name you are hearby
Required forthwith To Wom all the Freeholders and other In
habatants of the South Ward in Said Town that are Qualified
by Law for Voting To Conven and meet Together at the meet
ing house in said Town on Tuesday the Twenty Second Day of
March Currant at one of the Clock after noon
1 To Choose a Comtee to Supply the Town With a Grammer
School Master for the year Insuing
2 To See if the Town Will Lett Swine go at Large this present
year as the Law Directs
3 To Choose Jury men for the Next Inferiour Court to be
holden at Ipswich on the Last Tuesday of March Current ac
cording to Venire
4 To See if the Town Will Raise the River Bridge Causey or
any part of it this present year
5 To See if the Town Will Give the School Comtee Instruc
tions How to provide fier Wood for the School
6 To See how much money the Town will Raise to Defray
the Charges of mending the highways this present year and
other Necessary Charges within Saiti Town as the Town shall
think proper
7 To See what Methard the Town Will Come into to mend
the Highways this Present year
8 To Choose Survoyer of Clabords and Shingles
9 To See if the Town Will Give or Sell to Samuel Phippan the
Land that his House Stands on or if they Choose to Sell it to
Say for how much money and apoint a man to Receive the
money

.Selectmen of Topsfield

220 TOWN RECORDS OF
10 To Choose Town officers in the Roam of Such as ShaU
Refuse to Serve
11 To allow Bills of Charge
Hearof fail not and make retum of this worrant with your
Doing thereon to one or more of the Selectmen of Said Town
at time and place above mentioned
Topsfield March 10th 1763 Jeremiah AvereU
John Balch
Zacchus Gould
Joseph Andrew
Stephen Perkins
this is a True Copy of the worrant attest Richard Towne town CI'
Proper Retums Being made on both Worrants of Woming
the Inhabatants of the Town the meeting followeth
At a Legal Town meeting in Topsfield March 22nd 1763
1 Leut SamU Smith Was Chosen moderator for said meeting Voted
2 Jeremiah AvereU was Chosen and Sworn Clerk for said
meeting Voted
3 Messrs Elijah Porter Solomon Dodge and Samll Cummings
was Chosen a Comtee to Supply the Town with a Grammer
School Master Voted
4 the Town agreed that Swine ShaU go at Large this present
year as the Law Directs Voted
5 David Balch Jur was Chosen Grand Jury man for the year
Insuing Voted
6 Missrs Luke Averell and Daniel Bixby was Drawn out of
the Box to Serve on the Jury of TryaUs at the Next Infearour
Court to be holden at Ipswich
The Town agreed to Raise So much of the River Bridge
Causaway this Present Year as the money raised to Defray the
Charges of mending high ways will Do Besides mending the
other ways Voted
7 Voted the present meeting be adjumed tiU to morrow at
two of the Clock after noon
Att Said meeting held By adjumment on the 23rd Day of
March 1763
8 The Town Voted to raise the Sum of one Hundred Pounds
to be assessed by the Selectmen on poles and estates within the
same to Defray the Charges in said Town of mending the high
ways and other Nesessary Charges in said Town and to be paid
in to the Town Treasury for the use aforesaid

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 221
9 Voted that the Sum of Sixty Pounds of Said assentment
shall be appropriated to the Use of mending the highways in
Said Town agreebal to the following method (Viz) that the Select
men Shall Exhibit a List of what Each of the Inhabatants of said
Towns Just proportion to Said Sixty pounds is as well in Labour
as in money to the Survoyer of highways Labour to be Estimated
at the following price (Viz) a man With Suitable matirealls 2s
pr day on pair of oxen one Shilling pr Day and a Cart or Tum-
brall Is pr Day and Said Survoyer Shall Give Each person
Named and Set Dovsm in his List Liberty and Seasonable noties
to pay what they are Sett down in his List in Labour at mend
ing Said highways if they see Cause provided they do it att
Such Time and place as said Survoyer shall Judge most proper
and Said Survoyers shall Keep an exact account of what Each
person pays in Labour at mending Said ways and on or Before
the fifteenth Day of November next shall return the List
and account of What each person shall have paid in Labour
To the Selectmen and Said Selectmen Shall Immediately Exhibit
the Same to the Constables and Said Constabels shall Imme
diately Give Creedit to Each Person named and Sett Down in
Each of their Respective Lists for what they shall have paid
in Labour att mending Said ways and the Selectmen shall give
orders to the Town Treasurer to Discount to Each of said
Constables Such Sum as shall then appear to be Paid in Labour
by the persons named and set down in each of their Respective
Lists 10 the Town allowed to Mr Nathan Hood and others School
Commitee Eight Pounds ninteen Shillings and Two pence for
Mr Adams Keeping School four months one Week and Three
Days £8 19s 2d
11 and for Bording Mr Adams Eight pounds Seventeen
Shillings 8 17 0
The Town allowd to Mr Stephen Perkins for atending att
Newbury Court and Salem Court in September & December
A D 1761 in behalf of the Town in order to Get the money
abated that was allowed Capt Benja Town and others for the
New way from Topsfield to middelton £0 16s Od
1762 for one Jurney to Cambridge 0 6 0
for money paid Edmond Trowbridge for his Judgement
Respecting Benja Baleys Family 0 6 0
We the Subscribers Being Appointed by the Selectmen of
Wenham and Topsfield to prambulate on the Line & Renew the
Bounds Between Said Towns have mett for that Purpose on the

222 TOWN RECORDS OF
fifth Day of May 1763 and proceeded in the following manner
(Viz) Begining at the Stump and Stones Northward of Mr Theo
philus Fisks Bam the North East Comer of Danvers from thence
to a Stake and Stones on the West side of the Road Leading to
Bunkers meadow from Thence to a heap of Stones by the Brook
at the End of a Wall from thence to a heap of Stones on the
West Side of Robinsons Island from thence to a heap of Stones
by the South East Comer of pigdons medow and from thence
to the river
Matthew Peabody ) . SamU Tarbox ) for
John Balch > „ ^°^ , , Tyler Porter j Wenham
Zaccheus Gould j Topsfield
To Elieser Lake Juner one of the Constables of the Town of
Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you are hearby Re
quired forthwith to Worn all the free holders and other Inhab
atants of the South ward In Said Town that are Quallified by
Law for Voting to Convean and meet together at the meeting
House in Said Town on Tuesday the Seventeenth Day of may
Currant at Two of the Clock after noon
1 To Choose a man to Represent the Town at Greate and
Generall Court according to precept
2 To See if the Town Will Releve Mr Jacob Dorman in the
whole or in part in the Case of Benja Baleys Law Suit
3 To See if the Town will Drop any other action which they
may hear after Commince against Mr Jacob Dorman for the
Charge that the Town have allridey Been at for the Suport of
Benja Baleys Family
4 To See if the Town vsdll Choose a Comtee to Rectifie sum
mistakes made in the former Reckoning vsrith Deacon Bixby and
Leut Smith Respecting the Building and fineshing the meeting
house and make a full Setterment with them as well on account
of what they have in thire hands for what they have sould of
the Towns Instrest as for what the Tovsm yett owe them
5 To allow Bills of Charge
Hearof fail not and make Retum of this worrant with your
Doings thereon to one or more of the Selectmen of Said Town
at time and place above mentioned
Topsfield may 2nd 1763 Jeremiah Avirell^
John Balch I selectmen
Sen^'pSs fo'Topsfield
Zaccheus Gould

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 223
this is a True Copy of the worrant attest Richard Towne town CI'
Proper Returns being made of worning the Inhabatants of
The Town on both worrants the meeting followeth
At a Legal Town meeting in Topsfield May 17th 1763
1 Mr Elijah Porter was Chosen Moderator for said meeting Voted
2 It was put to Vote to See if Town would Releve Mr Jacob
Dorman the whole or any part of the Cost of Benja Baleys Law
Sute & It Past in the Negetive
3 It was put to Vote to See if the Town would Drop any other
action Which thay may hear after Commince against Mr Jacob
Dorman for the Charges that the town have allredey Been at
for the Suport of Benja Baleys family and it past in the Negtive
4 Mr Elijah Porter Docter Dexter Capt Baker are Chosen a
Comtee to Rectifie Some mestakes made in the former Recken
ing with Deacon Bixby and Leut Smith Respecting the Building
& finishing the meeting house and make a full Settelment with
them as will on account of what thay have in there hands for
what thay have Sold of the Towns Intrest as for what the Town
owes them Voted
5 The Town allowed to Jeremiah AvireU £0 5 4 1/2 It being
an abatement of Samll Dodges Rated in sd Avirells Lists
6 the Tovsm allowed to Mr Jeremiah Averell 0 1 8 It being
abatement of Capt Nathl Browns Rated in sd Averell Lists Voted
7 The Town allowed to Mr Joseph Gould £0 0 10 It being
abatement of James Nickols Rate in sd Gould's List
Topsfield ss To David Perkins one of the Constabels of Tops-
field Greetting In his Majesties Name you are hearby required
forthwith to Wom all the Freeholders and other Inhabatants in
the North Ward in Said Town . that are Qualified by Law for
Voting to Conven and meet together att the meeting House in
said Town on Wednsday the Twenty Seventh Day of July In
stant at Six of the Clock after noon
1 To See if the Town Will Choose a man to Joyn with the
men that Middelton and others adjacent Towns shall Choose to
take Lawfull methods to have a free and Sufficint passage way
made Through the mills Dams that are Erected a Cross Ipswich
River : So Calld : That alewives and other fish may pass up
Said river Into the Natural ponds
2 To allow Bills of Charge

224 TOWN RECORDS OF
hearof fail not and make retum of This Worrant with your
Doings thereon to one or more of the Selectmen of Said Town
at time and place above mentioned
Topsfield July 15th 1763 Jeremiah AvereU^
John Balch Selectinen
Joseph Andrew >-^^ | ,.
Zacheus Gould [of Topsfield
Stephen Perkins J
This is a Tme Copy of the worrant
attest Richard Towne town Ch
Proper Retums Being made of woming the Inhabitants of the
Town the meeting followeth
At a Legall Town meeting in Topsfield July 27th 1763
1 Mr Elijah Porter was Chosen moderator for said meeting Voted
2 the Town made Choise of Mr Elijah Porter to Joyn with
the men that Middelton and others adjacent Towns Shall Chuse :
to take all the Lawfull methods to have a free and Sufficient
passage way made Through the mills Dams that are Erected a
Cross Ipswich River : So Calld: that alewives and other fish may
pass up Said River into the natural ponds
Topsfield ss To Eliezer Lake one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting In his Majestys Name you are
hear by Required forthwith to wom all the freeholders and
other Inhabatants of the South Ward in Said Town that are
Qualified by Law for Voting to Convean and meet together at
the meeting House in Said Town on Tuesday the Sixth Day of
September Next att Two of the Clock after noon
1 To See How much money the Town Will raise to Defray
the Necessary Charges arising with in Said Town the year In-
suing 2 To Choose Jurymen for Newbury Court according to Venire
3 To Consider and act upon a Petition that may be prefard
by Mr Jacob Dorman respecting any action or actions that may
be Brought against the said Jacob for his receving and Enter
taining Benja Baley and his family and not Giving notes to the
Selectmen 4 To allow BiUs of Charge
5 To See if the Tovra WiU Build a School house or housen or
to act any thing that the Tovsm Shall think proper respecting the
Building of a School house or housen

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 225
Hearof fail not and make return of this worrant with your
Doings there on to one or more of the Selectmen of sd town at
time and place above mentioned
Topsfield August 29th 1763 Jeremiah Averell '
John Balch c i 4.
T u A J I Selectmen
Sus^oSd fot Topsfield
Stephen Perkins J
This is a True Copy of the worrant
attest Richard Towne town Clerk
Proper Retums Being made on Both worrants of woming the
Inhabatants of the Town of Topsfield the meeting followeth
At a Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield Sept 6th 1763
1 Mr Elijah Porter was Chosen Modreator for said meeting Voted
2 the Tovsm agreed to raise one hundred and thirty pounds
to Defray the Nessary Charges of the Said Town the year In-
suing Voted
3 Missrs John Bradstrett and Samll Commings was Drawn
out of the Box as the Law Directs to Serve on the Jury of Tryalls
att The Next Infearour Court to be holden at Newbury
then the Modrator put it to Vote to See if the Town would
adjourn the Said meeting and thay Voted it then the Modreator
adjumd said meeting accordingly to the Last Monday in Sep
tember Instant To Two of the Clock after noon
At a Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield heald by adjumment
from the Sixth Day of September Instant to the Last Monday
of Said month and then met and proseeded as followeth
1 the Town allowed to Messrs Elijah Porter and Solomon
Dodge School Comtee for Mr Adams Keeping School Two
months and one Week Seven Pounds Thirteen Shillings and
Eight Pence £7 13 8 Voted
2 The Town allowd Mr Solomon Dodge for Cash paid to Mr
Dan Clarke for Entertaining a Traverling Woman When She
was Sick 0 6 0 Voted
3 the Town abated Peter Woodburys Rate What he was
Rated in Mr Joseph Goulds List of rates which was one Shilling
and Eight pence 0 18 Voted
4 The Town allowed to Mr Joseph Gould nine Shillings old
Tanor Which he paid into the Town Treasurer which he Could not

226 TOWN RECORDS OF
Recover of John Pack for he was not rated for the meadow
then Voted
5 The Town allowed to Mr Zacchuas Gould one Shilling and
Eight pence 0 18 Voted
6 The Town allowed to Mr Joseph Gould one Shilling for
woming the Widow Famam out of Town £0 10 Voted
7 the Town allowed Mr David Balch Juner one ShUling for
Woming the wido Thomas out of Town 0 10 Voted
8 The town made Choise of Mr Elijah Porter to Serve on the
Grand Jury at the Next Supearour Court to be holden att Salem
9 Capt Thomas Baker and Leut Samll Smith ware Drawn
out of the Box to Serve on the Jury of Tryalls at the Next
Supearour Court to be holden att Salem
We the Subscribers Being a Comtee appointed by the Town
of Topsfield & Boxford to prambelate the Line Between Said
Towns This Twenty Eight Day of November 1763 and prambe
lated Said Line and Began att an apeltree with Stones about it
in Capt Asa Parleys field from thence to a Stake and heap of
Stones at the Southerly Comer of Bakers farm So Calld Thence
to where the water runs Through the Dam Near Simon Goulds
house Calld Androwses Dam Thence to a Stake and heap of
Stones by fishing Brook on the Easterly Side of a revilat nming
into Said Brook thence as said Brook runs to Ipswich River So
Calld thence up Said River to Middelton Line
Ebenezer Killam ] Comtee for Joseph Andrew ) Comtee for
Thomas Wood ) Boxford Joseph Gould f Topsfield
We the Subscribers being Impowered to Prambluate ye Line
and renew ye Bounds Between Topsfield and Danvers have mett
this 28 Day of November A D 1763 Viz Begining att a White Oak
Stump with Stones about it Standing about one Rod and an half
northeasterly from Theo Fisks Bam Near wenham Causaway
from thence to a Black Oak Stump vsdth a heap of Stones Stand
ing in Daniel Gotts Dec* Orchard from thence to a heap of Stones
att the Bend of a wall where a run or Stow Emties it Self out of
Archolues Reas Land into Israel Andrew from thence to a heap
of Stones on the Land Belonging to the Heirs of ye Hono Tim"
Lyndell Esqr Deed near Nickoles Brook So on the Same Course
to Said Brook near the remain of an old Sawmill Comonly CaU*
Porters Saw Mill
Arch Dale "^ John Balch ")
OUver Putnam ( p, Enos Knights [-Topsfield
Joseph Putnam J' r^^i^vers Samll Cummings j
George Wiat JunerJ

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 227
We the Subscribers being appointed to Prambulate and renew
the bounds Between Topsfield and Middelton accordingly mett
this Twenty Eight Day of November 1763 and renewed the
Bounds Begining att a heap of Stones in the Brook near whare
Porters Sawmill Stood which is a Bound between Danvers and
Topsfield from thence as the Brook runs to a Small Elmn tree
at the Northeasterly Branch of Said Brook Thence as the North
easterly Branch runs to a heap of Stones by the River
Daniel Robinson ^ John Balch ^
Joseph Symonds >¦ Enos Knights >-
Paul Averill ) Samll Cummings J
We the Subscribers Selectmen of Ipswich & Topsfield met ye
27th Day of February A. D. 1764: and Perambulated the line &
Renewed ye Bounds betwen said Towne: and Begun at the River
at the Mouth of Howlett Brook So Called so by sd Brook to a
Stake & Stones in Nelands Mead"" from thence to a stake & heep
of Stones on a hill & from thence to a Stake Standing in a
grate Spring in Conants Meadow: from thence to a heep of
Stones about Eight Rods Westward from the Brook Near Stephen
Fosters house from thence on a Strate line Runing by Bumams
Land to a Black oake tree at the Bottom of ye hill being the
Comer of Perkins Land so on to ye Pond & so on a straite line
to a Black oake in the Wall by Nathan Hoods orchard & so on
to ye appel-tree & Stones about it the Corner bounds betwen
Ipswich Topsfield & Boxford
Zacheus Gould ) Selectmen Michael Failey ) Selectmen
Stephen Perkins J of Topsfield Samuel Lord Jur j of Ipswich
Topsfield ss To Eliezer Lake Jur one of the Constables of
the Town of Topsfield Greeting In his Majestys Name you
are hereby Required forth with to wam all the free holders &
other Inhabitents of the South Ward in said Town that are
Quallified by Law for Voting to Conven & Meet Togather at
the Meeting House in sd Town on Tuesday the Sixth day of
March Next at Nine of the Clock in the fore Noon
lly To Choose Select Men Town Clerk & all other Town
Officers for the year Ensuing as the Law Directs
21y To See if the Town Will accept of the Select Mens
Reckening With the Town Treasurer
Sly To See if the Town will abate to Mr Jacob Dormon five
dollars of the Charge that the Town was at for the Surpport of
Benja Baleys famely in the year 1762
41y To See if the Town Will Build a School house or housen

228 TOWN RECORDS OF
51y To See if the Town Will agree upon proper place to
build a School house or housens on: or to act any thing the
Town shall think proper Respecting a school house or housen
61y To see if the Town will accept of the Select Mens altering
the Road through Land of David Perkins & PhiUp Towne in
Lieue of the anciant Road through said Mens Land so far as it
is altered71y To see if the Town Will help Dea® George Bixby & others
Mend & keep in Repair the Bridge a Crost the River in Tops-
field Called Rowly Bridg agreable to a petision that may be Pre-
f ared to the Town by the said George Bixby & others
81y To see if the Town Will agree to left John Balch have a
peac of land belonging to the Town adjoining to the River Bridg
Causey in Lieue of the Land that was taken from him to Build
the Causey on : and Remove the fence up to sd Causey at the
Towns Charg
91y To see if the Town Will accept the Return of Capt Thomas
Baker & others a Commette Chosen to Reckon With the Com-
mette that Built & finished the meeting house Respecting the
Remaining Charges that hath a Risen for Building & finishing
sd meeting house
lOly To Choose a Committee to supply the Town with a gram
mer School Master the year Insuing
Illy To see if the Town will left Swine go at large the year
Insuing as the Law Directs
121y To Choose Jury men for Ipswich Court according to
venire 131y To see if the Town will grant the Petision of Thomas
Wildes Respecting the abatement of his Tax for ye year 1763
141y To allow Bills of Charge
Hereof fail Not & Make Retum of this Warrant with your
doing there on to one or more of the select men of said Town
at Time & place above mentioned
Dated Topsfield Febmary 28th 1764
Jeremiah AverelH
John Balch ( q^i 4.
Joseph Andrews ^^ ^^ ^^^^
Zacheus Gould (of Topsfield
Stephen Perkins J
This is a true Copy of ye Warrant
attest David Balch Jur Town Clerk
Proper Retums being Made on Both Warrants the Meeting
followeth

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 229
At a Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield March 6th 1764
lly Lieut Samuel Smith Chosen Moderator for sd Meeting Voted
21y David Balch Jur Chosen Town Clerk for the vear Insuing Voted
31y The Town agreed to adjom said Meeting to Tuesday the
thirteenth day of March Instant to Nine of the Clock in ye Morn
ing Voted
To which time said Meeting was adjorned
At said Meeting held by adjornment on the thirteenth day
of March 1764
lly Miss Jeremiah Averell Daniel Bixby Zacheus Gould Sam
uel Commings David Balch Jur are Chosen Select Men for the
year Insuing Voted
21y Mr Solomon Dodge Mr Benjamin Bixby Chosen Consta
bles for ye Year Insuing Voted Said Solomon Dodge Refused
to sarve Constable though Legally Chosen and paid down his
fine, five Pounds then the Town Proseeded and Made Choise of
Mr Paletiah Commings to sarve Constable the Year Insuing Voted
31y Mr Elijah Porter Chosen Town Treasurer ye year Insuing Voted
41y Mr Abraham Hobbs Mr John Balch Mr Stephen Perkins
Chosen Tything-Men for the Year Insuing Voted
51y Mr Thomas Symonds Mr Zacheus Gould Chosen Surveyors
of high way for the Year Insuing Voted
61y Capt Benja™ Towne Capt Thoma Baker Capt Nathaniel
Averell Chosen fence Viewers for the Year Ensuing Voted
71y Mr David Perkins Chosen Sealer of Leather for ye year
Insuing Voted
Sly Mr John Cree Mr Jeremiah Towne Chosen Hog Reeves
for the Year Insuing Voted
91y Mr Nathan Hood Chosen Surveyor of Clabbords & Shingals
for the year Insuing Voted
lOly Mr Matthew Peabody Mr Joseph Gould Chosen Wardens
for the year Insuing Voted
Illy The Town accepted of the Select Mens Reckoning With
the Town Treasurer Voted
Remains in sd Treasurers hands £161 2s Od
121y The Town Voted to abaite five doUers of the Charge
they was at for the surport of Benja"> Baleys famely in ye year
1762 Voted
131y Misss Capt Nethaniel Averell Elijah Porter Aaron Estey

230 TOWN RECORDS OF
Lie. Samuel Smith Enos Knight John Gould David Perkins are
Chosen a Committee to look out sum Proper place or places in
the Town to Build a School house or housen for the beneifit of
the Town and make Report of there doings to the town Voted
141y The Town heard the Petision of Dea® George Bixby &
others Consaming the Mending the Bridge over the River in
Topsfield in that place of the River Called Rowley Bridge
The Town Voted to Mend said Bridge & Causey as they do
there othere high-ways for the futur Voted
151y We the Subscribers being Desired by PhiUp Towne to alter
the Road through his land have Laid out a way through sd Philip.s
land and by the Consent of David Perkins have laid out a way
on part of said David.s land & on sd Philip.s land to be in Lieue
of the ancient Road on said Mens lands as followeth /Viz/ Be
gining at the North side of the anciant way near said David
Perkins house then Runing West Twenty Six Degrees North
according to the Needle by a small apple tree in sd Davids land
Twelve poles & Eighteen links to land of said Philip Townes
Then North thirty seven Degrees west according to the Needle
by said David Perkins land Twenty Pole : Then West Fifteen
Degrees North Twenty seven poles & twenty links to the edge
of the ancient Road in said Philip Townes land : to Extend so
far South as to Make the sd way one pole & Eighteen links in
bredth Dated Topsfield Febmary 17th 1764
Jeremiah AverelP
John Balch
Joseph Andrews
Zacheus Gould
Stephen Perkin ^
this is a Tme Copy attest David Balch Jur T Clerk
The above going way was accepted by the Town Voted
161y The Town Voted that John Balch should have the land
from the River Bridge North-ward betwen the Causey & Meadow
fence for ye land the Town had of the said John Balch last year to
Build part of the Causey on ; the Town is to be at the Cost of
Moven the fence up to the side of the Causey
171y Mr Aaron Estey Mr Eliezer Lake Jur Mr Nehemiah
Herrick Chosen School Committee to provid a school Master for
ye Town as ye Law directs Voted
181y The Town Voted that swine should go at large as the
Law Directs this present year Voted
191y John Balch Chosen Grand Jury Man for ye year Insuing Voted

.Selectmen of Topsfield

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 231
201y Archelous Rea Robert Perkins Drawn out of the Box
to Serve on the Jury of Trials at the Next Infearour Court to be
holden at Ipswich
211y The Town excepted of the Reckoning of the Commettee
that was Chosen to Reckon with the Committee that Built &
finished the Meeting house & Remains due to said Committe
that Built & finished sd Meeting house Thirty seven pounds &
two pence 1/2
221y The Town allowed to Mr Samuel Smith & Mr Elijah
Porter for there time & Expence at Ipswich & Salem Court to
trie to geet sum help in making & maintaing the River Bridg
& Causey the sum allowed is two pounds sixteen shillings
£2 16 0
231y The Town allowed to Mr Luke Averell one pound four
teen shillings & six pence for 234 feet of plank 1 14 6
241y The Town allowed to Mr Solomon Dodge & Mr Elijah
Porter School Comtee twenty five pounds Nine shillings for Mr
Anglers keeping School & his Bording from 29 of July 1763 to
March 6 1764 £25 9 0
251y The Town allowed to David Perkins Six Shillings it
being abaitment of Enoch Perkins Rates in sd Davids liste of
Rates 0 6 0
261y The Town allowed to Abraham Hobbs Seven Shillings
& ten pence it being an abaitment of Samuel Dodge & Netha"
Browns Rate in sd Hobbes list of Rates £0 7 10
271y The Town allowed to Constable John Perkins two pounds
three shillings & three pence it being an abaitment of Nathan
Wildeses Rates in sd Perkinses list 17/2 and abaitment of the
Widow Abial Tapleys Rates in sd Constables list 9/2 and abait
ment of one Browne Pole a young fellow that lived with John
Herrick in the time of Making the Rates, But a Receipt was
Brought from a Beaverly Constable that he had paid their; the
sum abaited here was 16/11 in sd Perkinses list £2 3 3
281y The Town Voted to Simon Gould thirteen shillings & ten
pence it being an abaitment of part of his Rates in the hundred
pound Rate in Constable Lakes list of Rates £0 13 10
The Persons Chosen into Office att the afore said Meetings
to which an oath did belong were all sworn to the faithfull
Discharge of there office on the 6 13 16 17 19th days of sd
March & April 4th: Except the sessors and Thomas Symonds
Zacheus Gould Abraham Hobbes
1764 June 5th: the sessors was sworn then

232 TOVSTN RECORDS OF
May 9th 1766. There is taken up by Theophelous Fisk of
Danvers. A Rown Mayer as a stray but hath not Brand nor
Fare Mark
Topsfield ss To Palatiah Cummings one of the Constables of
the Town of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you
are hereby Required forth-with to Warn all the free-holders &
other Inhabitents of the Northward in Said Town that are
Qualified by Law for Voting to Conven & meet Togather at the
Meeting-house in said Town on Tuesday the Twenty second
Day of May Next at one of the Clock after noon
lly To Choose a man to Represent the Town at the Greate
and General Court According to Preceipt
21y To see how Much Money the Town will Raise to Defray
ye Charges of Mending the high- ways this Present Year & other
Necessary Charges within said Town as the Town shall think
Proper 31y To see what Meathord the Town Will Come into to mend
the highways this present Year
41y To see if the Town Will Reconsider the Vote that was
passed at the Anniversary Town Meeting on the thirteenth
Day of March A. D. 1764. Respecting the Tovsms Mending ye
Bridge & Causey Called Rowley Bridge in the same Manner as
they Mend their other ways
51y To see if the Town will accept of the Retum of ye
Comtee Chosen to advise the Town Respecting a School house
or housen
61y for the Town to act any thing they shall think proper
Respecting a school house or housen
71y for the Town to have the Petition of Mr Nethaniel Low
Consaming a way for him to Come to Meeting in, and for ye
Town to act any thing they shall think proper Consaming
sd way
81y To allow Bills of Charge
Here of fail Not & Make Retum of this Warrant with your
doings there on to one or more of the Select-men of said Town
at time & Place above mentioned
Dated Topsfield April 30th 1764
Jeremiah Averell ^
Zacheus Gould c i a.
DanielBixby Pf^''^"'^^.
Samuel Cummings f^^ Topsfield
David Balch Ju' J
This is a True Copy of the Warrant
attest David Balch Jur To" Clerk

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 233
Proper Retums being made on Both Warrants the Meeting
followeth At a Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield May 22nd 1764
lly The Town Made Choise of Lieut Samuel Smith to Repre
sent the Town at the Grate & General Court ye year Insuing Voted
and there being other Bisness to be dune at said meeting
21y Lieut Samuel Smith was Chosen Moderator for said
meeting Voted
Sly The Town Voted to Rais one Hundred pounds to be
Assessed by the Select Men on Poles & Estates within ye same
to Defray the Charges in said Town of Mending the high-ways
& other Necessary Charges in said Town & to be paid in to the
Town Treasury for the Use afore said
41y The Town Voted that the sum of Sixty pounds of said
Assessment shall be appropriated to the use of mending ye
high-ways in said Town
51y The Town Voted that the high-ways should be Mended
in ye same way & manner as they was the last year
61y The Town Voted to Build two school housen in said Town
one on the North side of the River, the other on the South Side
of the River
Topsfield ss To Mr Paletiah Cummings one of the Constables
of the Town of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you
are here by Required forth-with to wam all the free holders &
other Inhabitents of the North ward in the Town of Topsfield that
are by Law qualified for Voting to Conven & Meet Together at the
Meeting house in sd Town on Tuesday the Eighteenth day of
Septem' Next at two of the Clock after-noon
lly To see how Much Money the Town will Raise to defray
ye Necessary Charges arising within sd Town ye year Insuing
21y To Choose Jury-Men for Newburyport Court according
to venire
Sly To See if the Town will Reconsider the Vote that was
passed at the Anniversery Town Meeting held by adjornment on
the thirteenth day of March 1764 Respecting the Towne Mend
ing the Bridge & Causey ; Called Rowley Bridge in ye same
manner as they mend there other ways
41y To see if the Town will act any thing Consaming water
courses through the River Bridge Causey
51y To Allow Bill of Charge
Here of fail Not & Make Return of this Warrant with your
doings there on to one or More of the Select-Men of sd Town
at Time & Place above Mentioned

Selectmen

234 TOWN RECORDS OF
Dated Topsfield August 28th 1764
David Balch Jun'
Zacheus Gould
Daniel Bixby ^''^^^^^'^'"^"ij
Samuel Cummings f^^ Topsfield
Jeremiah Averell J
This is a tme Copy of ye Warrant
attest David Balch Ju' Town Clerk
Proper Retums Being Made on Both Warrants the Meeting
followeth At a Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield Septem'' 18th 1764
lly Mr Elijah Porter was Chosen Moderator for said Meeting Voted
21y The Town Voted to Raise one Hundred & fifty pounds
Including our Towns part of the County tax to Defray the
Charges of the Town the year Ensuing
Sly Daniel Lake & Nathan Hood was drawn out of the Box
to Sarve on the jury of Tryalls at the Next Inferier Court to be
holden at Newbury-Port
41y The Tovsm Voted to Reconsider the Vote that was passed
at a Town Meetting March IS 1764 held by a joumment,
Consaming the Mending & Maintaing the Bridge over the
River in Topsfield in that place of the River Called Rowley
Bridge & the Causey, it tis to be Understod that the sd Bridge
& Causey is Not to be Mended & Maintained by the Town for
the futur
51y Then the town Voted that this Meeting should be adjourn
ed to the Second day of October Next Accordingly the Mod
erator adjourned the Meeting to said day at two of the Clock in
the after noon
October 2nd 1764 The Town being Meet According to Ad
journment the former Moderator being Not at said Meeting
61y Lieut Samuel Smith is Chosen Moderator Voted
71y The Town abaited to Const Jeremiah Averell 9s 9d it
being part of what Jacob Dorman & Joseph Lessler was Rated
in sd Averells Meetting house list of Rates and also 7s 7d that
Anna Averell was Rated in sd Jeremiahs Rates 0 17 4
81y The Town allowed to John Balch for his Time & Expence
in the Law sut with Mr Jacob Dorman 1 12 0
91y The Town allowed to David Perkins 5s lid it being
abaitment of Anna Averells Rates in sd Perkinses List 0 5 11
lOly The Town allowed to Elisha Wildes 17s Id it being

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 235
what Nathan Wildes was Rated in sd Elisha Rates and also 16s
4d that Benja Baley was Rated in sd Wildes Rates 1 13 5
Illy The Town allowed to Constab John Perkins 16s lid it
being for what the Wido Hubbord was Rated in his list and also
16s lid it being for what Benja Baley was Rated in sd Perkinses
Ust of Rates 1 13 10
121y The Town Voted to Reconsider the Vote that was passed
on the first day of this meeting that is on the 18 day of Septem''
1764 Consaming the Mending & Maintaining the Bridge & Causey
Commonly Called Rowley Bridge it tis to be Understod that the
Town is to mend & Maintain the sd Bridge & Causey as was
Voted at ye Town Meeting March 13th 1764
ISly Mr Solomon Dodge was Chosen to Sarve on the gran
Jury at the next Superiar Court at Salem
141y Capt John Bordman & Simon Gould was drawn out of
the Box to sarve on the Jury of Tryalls at the next Superior
Court to be holden at Salem
Topsfield ss To Mr Pelatiah Cummings one of the Constables
of the Town of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you
are Required forth with to Wam all the free holders & other in
habitents of the North-Ward in said town by Law qualified for
Voting to Conven & Meet Togather at the Meeting house in
Said Town on Tuesday the fifth day of March Next at Nine of
the Clock in the Morning
lly To Choose Select men a Town Clerk & all other Town
Officers for the year ensuing as the Law Directs
21y To see if the Town WiU Accept of the Select-mens Reck
oning with the Town Treasurer
Sly To Choose a Comtee to Supply the Town with a Grammer
School Master the year Ensuing
41y To see if the Town will grant the Petition of Mr Nethan
iel Low Respecting a way for him that he wants
51y To See if the Town WUl Lett Swine go at Large the year
Ensuing as the Law Directs
61y To See if the Town wiU Accept of a way laid out by ye
Select-men through Land of Mr Jacob Townes & through Land
of Mr Samuel Cummings
71y To Choose jury-Men for Ipswich Court According to
Venire Sly To allow Bills of Charge
Hereof fail Not & make Retum of this Warrant with your
Doings there on to one or More of the Selectmen of sd Town at
Time & place above mentioned

236 TOWN RECORDS OF
Dated Topsfield Febmary 12th 1765
Jeremiah AverelH
David Balch Jur I Selectmen
Zaccheus Gould (of Topsfield
Daniel Bixby J
This is a Tme Copy of the Warrant
Attest David Balch Jur Town Clerk
Proper Retums Being made on both Warrants the Meeting
foUoweth At a Legal To^%ti Meeting in Topsfield March 5th 1765
lly Capt Thomas Baker Chosen Moderator for said meeting Voted
21y Missrs Jeremiah Averell Daniel Bixby Zaccheus Gould
Stephen Perkins John Perkins Jur Chosen Selectmen and also
Sessors for the year Ensuing \'^oted
Sly David Balch Jur Chosen Town Clerk for the year Ensuing \"oted
41y Mr Abraham Hobbes Mr Samuel Commings Chosen
Constables for the year Ensuing Voted
51y Mr Elijah Porter Chosen Town Treasurer for the year
Ensuing Voted
61y Mr Eliezer Lake Junr Lieut Luke Averell Mr Jacob
Kimball are Chosen Tythen-Men for the year Ensuing Voted
71y Capt Thomas Baker Mr Joseph Gould Chosen Surveyors
of highways for the year Ensuing Voted
Sly Mr Solomon Dodge Mr Jacob Averell Mr John Bradstret
Chosen fence- Vewers for the year Ensuing Voted
91y Mr David Perkins Chosen Sealer of Leather for ye year
Ensuing Voted
lOly Mr Robert Perkins Mr Solomon Dodge Chosen hog-
Reavs for ye year Ensuing Voted
Illy Mr Jacob Averell Jur Chosen Surveyor of Clabbords &
Shingals for the year Ensuing
121y Mr Thomas Symonds Mr John Gould Chosen Wardens
for the year Ensuing Voted
ISly Lieut Luke Averell Chosen overseer of the poor for the
year Ensuing Voted
141y Mr Aaron Estey Mr Eliezer Lake Jur Mr Thomas Symonds
are Chosen a Comtee to take Care & provoid a School for the
Town for the year Ensuing as the Law Directs Voted
151y The Town accepted of the Select-Mens Reckoning with
the Town Treasurer & Remains due to the Town Two hundred

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 237
& four pounds thirteen shillings & Eleaven pence not ordered
out 204 13 11 Voted
161y The Town Voted that Swine shall go at Large the year
Ensuing as the Law Directs Voted
171y The Town Accepted the way laid out by the Select-Men
through land of Jacob & Joseph Townes & through land of
Samuel Cummings Voted
181y Mr Joseph Andrews Chosen grand jury man for ye year
ensuing Voted
191y Thomas Perkins Jun & Amos Perkins was drawn out
of ye Box to Serve on the Jury of Tryals at ye next Inferer
Court to be holden at Ipswich
201y The Town allowed to Mr Elezer Lake Jur School
Comtee man for the School Masters Sarvis & for his Boarding
ten months and ten days Thirty Six pounds & Six Shillings &
three pence Voted £36 6 3
211y The Town abaited Isaac Perkins Rates in David Perkins
list of Rates one pound & nine pence Voted 10 9
221y The Town heard the Petition of Mr Nethaniel Low
Respecting a way, and Voted that the way he uses to Come to
Meeting & go to Market through Mr Benja Woodbarys land &
through Mr Stephen Fosters land shall be Mended by the Sur
voyers of high-ways as they mend there other ways in Town
for the futer; and also all un-Reasonable Incumbrances Re
moved from sd way
The Persons Chosen into Office at the fore said Meeting to
which an oath did belong were all sworn to the faithfull
Discharge of there office as the Law Directs on the 5th & 12th
& 2Srd days of said March
Mr Joseph Gould being Chosen Clerk for the Proprieters of
Sticky-Meadow Common-field & he was sworn to the faith-full
Discharge of his Office on the 5th day of said March
Topsfield ss To Abraham Hobbs one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you are
hereby Required forthwith to Wam all the free-holders & other
Inhabitants of the North ward in sd Town that are Quallified by
Law for Voting to Conven & Meet Together at the Meeting
house in said Town on Tuesday the Twenty -first day of May
Next at Two of ye Clock after noon
lly To Choose a man to Represent the Town at the Great &
General Court according to Precept
21y To See how Much Money the Town will agree to Raise

¦ Selectmen of Topsfield

238 TOWN RECORDS OF
to Defray the Charges of Mending the high-ways & other
Necessary Charges arising in sd Town this present year
Sly To See what Method the Town wUl agree to Mend the
high-ways in this present year
41y To allow BiUs of Charge
51y To See if the Town Will agree that the Select Men shaU
order the Town Treasurer to pay Docter Amos Putnam one pound
Six ShiUings & Eight pence for what he did for Mary Cree Late
of Topsfield Deacs*
61y To See if the Town Will grant the petition of Jacob
KimbaU & others
Here of fail not & Make Retum of this Warrant With Your
Doings there on to one or more of the Select men of said Town
at Time and place above mentioned
Dated Topsfield April 30th 1765
Jeremiah AvereU
Zacheus Gould
Daniel Bixby
John Perkins Jur
Stephen Perkins
This is a Tme Copy of the Warrant attest David Balch Jur T. Clerk
Proper Retums of Both Warrants being Made the Meeting
followeth At a Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield May 21st 1765
lly Lieut Samuel Smith was Chosen to Represent the Town
at the General Court the year Ensuing Voted
and there being other Bisness to be dun at said meeting
21y Mr EUjah Porter was Chosen Moderator for sd meeting Voted
Sly The Town Voted to Rais one Hundred pounds to Mend
the highways this present year & to pay what is due towards
Rasing & finishing the meeting-house & other Tovsm Charges
41y The Town Voted that forty pounds of the afore said sum
should be for mending the high-ways this present year
51y The Town Voted to Mend the high-ways this present
year as they Mended them in tiie year 1763 Voted
61y The Town Voted to abait the wido Tapleys Rates in
Constable David Perkins list of Rates the sum is £0 7 6
71y The Town Voted to abait Samuel Tapleys head money
in Const David Perkins list of Rates the Sum is 0 4 0
Sly The Town Voted to abait Joanna Curtis Late Dea^ Rates
in Const EUezer Lakes list of Rates the Sum is 0 4 2

TOPSFIELD, MAS§. 239
91y The Town Voted to Mr Elijah Porter for his Time &
expence to get the fish Course opened through the mill dams
the sum is £4 16 5
lOly The Town Voted to abait Ss 2d of Archelous Deals
Rates in Const Joseph Goulds list of Rates 0 3 2
Illy The Town Voted to abait 14s Id of Benja Irelands
Rates in Cpnsta Eliezer Lakes Jur list of Rates 0 14 1
121y The Town Voted to abait Benja Irelands Rates in Con
stable Benja Bixbys list of Rates the sum is 0 19 9
Topsfield ss To Abraham Hobbs one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you are here
by Required fourthwith to Wam all the Free holders & other In
habitants of the North- Ward in sd Town that are Quallified by
Law for Voting to Conven & Meet Togeather at the Meeting
house in sd Town on Tuesday the Seventeenth Day of September
Next Ensuing at two of the Clock after Noon
lly To See How Much Money the Town Will agree to Raise
to Defray the Necessary Charges arising in sd Town ye year
Ensuing 21y To Choose Jury Men to Serve at the Inferiour Court of
Common Pleas & Court of General Sessions of the peace to be
holden at Newbury-port on ye Last Tuesday of September next
according to Venire
Sly To See if the Town will agree that ye Surveyors shall give
Credit to the Several Select men for as many Days Works in
there High-ways Taxes as they was a Making ye Taxes in June
last 41y To allow Bills of Charge
Hereof fail Not & Make Retum of this Warrant with your
Doings their on to one or more of the Select-Men of said Town
at ye Time & place above mentioned
Dated Topsfield August 27th 1765
Jeremiah Avirell ^
Zacheus Gould ,, i j.
Daniel Bixby ^^^^^^^^^f ,^
John Perkins Jur [ «* Topsfield
Stephen Perkins J
This is a Tme Copy of ye Warrant
attest David Balch Jur Town Clerk
Proper Returns being Made of Both Warrants ye Meeting
followeth . At a Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield September 17th 1765

240 TOWN RECORDS OF
lly Deac George Bixby Chosen Moderator for sd Meeting Voted
21y Thomas Perkins and Elisha Wildes Drawn out of the Box
to Serve on the Jury of Trials at the Next Inferior Court to be
holden at Newbury-port
Sly The Town Voted to Adjom the Meeting to the first Tues
day of October Next to three of the Clock after noon
October 1st 1765 The Town being Meet According to Ad
journment 41y The Town Voted to Rais one Hundred Pounds Including
our Towns part of ye County tax to Defray the Charges of ye
Town the year Ensuing
51y The Town Voted that the Select men should have four
days a peace allowed to them out of ye high way Rates for their
Making the high way Rates in June last
61y The Town Voted to abait Daniel Porters head Rate in
Constable Benja"> Bixbys Rate that is £0 14 5
71y The Town Voted to abait Nathan Wildes Rate in Consta
ble David Perkins List of Rates that is £0 12 9
Sly The Town Voted to Eliezer Lake Jur School Committee
for the School Masters Servis & his Boarding from the 14th :
of March 1765 [to] Septemb' ISth: £21 19 4
91y Capt John Bordman Chosen Gran Jury Man to Sarve on
the Gran jury at the Next Supearer Court to be holden at Salem
lOly Mr Aaron Estey and Deac George Bixby Drawn out of
ye Box to Sarve on the Jury of trials at the Next Supearer Court
to be holden at Salem
Topsfield Octot" Sd : 1765 There is Taken up a Stray Ram
going at Large by Stephen Adams of sd Topsfield a Whit homed
Ram & Marked with a Slit on the Under side of each Ear &
hath been Posted as ye Law Directs
Topsfield October 16 1765 There is Taken up a Ram going
at Large by Joshua Towne of sd Topsfield sd Ram is whit &
hath horns but no Ear Marks and hath been Posted as ye Law
Directs Topsfield October 31 : 1765 There is Taken up a Ram going
at Large by Stephen Adams of sd Topsfield Sd Ram is whit
Marked vsath a Cross of the left Eare is a Notch in the under
side of ye same and hath been Posted as ye Law Directs
Topsfield Novem'' 2 : 1765 There is Taken up a Ram going
at Large by Thomas Symonds of sd Topsfield Sd Ram is whit

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 241
& hath no horns & hath no eare marks & hath been Posted as
the Law Directs
Topsfield Novem" 6 1765 There is Taken up a Ram going
at Large by Stephen Adams of sd Topsfield Sd Ram is whit
hath horns marked with a Cross of the Left Ear & a Small Slit
in ye end towards the under side of the same and hath Been
Posted as the Law Directs Topsfield July 10th 1764
A greable Unto & in Compliance with a Petition Referred to
ye Select Men of ye Town of Topsfield by Thomas Mower &
other Desiring a Road to be Laid out Conveniant for trans-port
ing of him & other Effects : We have Laid out a privet Road in
the following Manner Viz Beginning at the County Road Lead
ing from Middleton to Topsfield in Land of Jacob & Joseph
Townes Said Road Beginning & Runing on Near where ye an
ciant way was : the Courses are taken on the Westerly side of
Said Road according to ye needle the first Cours North twenty
Eight degrees West fourteen pooles & twenty one links Second
Course is west thirty three Degrees North five poles & twenty
one links to land of Samuel Cummings the third Course is West
thirty three degrees North fifteen poles the fourth Course Runs
North Eleaven Degrees west five poles & thirteen links the fifth
Cours Runs North Six poles & fourteen links the Six Cours Runs
North Seventeen degrees East fourteen poles the seventh Course
Runs North twenty seven degrees East twenty six poles the
Eight Cours Runs North ten degrees East six poles to land of
Saml : Towne Jur Zaccheus Gould ) c i t
DanielBixby ^f t f m
Jeremiah AvereU j°f Topsfield
This is a True Copy of the Return
attest David Balch Jur Town Clerk
This Retum should have been Entered following after the
Town Meeting in March 5th 1765 But it was for got
Topsfield ss To Abraham Hobbs one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting In his Majestys Name you are Re
quired forthwith to warn all the freeholders & Other Inhabitants
of the north ward in said Town that are qualified by law for
voteing, to Convene and meet together at the Meeting house in
said Tovs?n, on Tuesday the forth Day of March next Ensuing
at nine of the Clock in the morning

242 TOWN RECORDS OF
lly To Choose Selectmen a Town Clerk and all Other Town
officers for the insuing as the law Directs
21y to see if the Town will accept of the Selectmen's Recken
ing with the Town Treasurer
Sly To see what meathod the Town wiU agree to Mend the
highways in this present year
41y To see how much money the Tovsm will agree to Raise to
Defray the Charge of mending the highways and Other Neces
sary Charges ariseing in said Town the year insuing
51y To see if the Town will left Swine go at large being Yoked
& Ring'd as the law Directs, the year insuing
61y To see if the Town will grant the Petition of Theophilus
Fisk of Danvers, Respecting his house and land now lying in
said Danvers being sett of from said Town and aimexed to the
Town of Topsfield
71y to allow Bills of Charge
Sly To Choose a Committee to Supply the Town with a Gram
mer School the year insuing
hereof fail not and make retum of this warrant with your
Doings thereon to one or more of the Selectmen of said Tovsm
at time and plase above mentioned
Dated in Topsfield Febr ISth 1766
Jeremiah Averell ^
Zacheus Gould
Daniel Bixby
John Perkins Jur
Stephen Perkins ^
Pursuent to the within written Warrant I have warned all the
freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the north ward in Topsfield,
to Convene & meet together at the meeting house in said Tops-
field at time and place within mentioned by posting the same
on the side of the meeting house in said Town on a publick
Lecture Day
Dated Topsfield Febr 26th 1766
Abraham Hobbs Constable for Topsfield
The Inhabitants of the South ward in said Topsfield was
wam'd by a warrant exactly the same as the above warrant,
and a retum of the same purport of ye above Retum, made by
Saml Cummings Constable for said Town
this is A tme Copy of the warrant and the Retums
attest Elijah Porter Town Cle'

.Selectmen of Topsfield

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 243
The afore said freeholders and Other Inhabatants of Tops-
field being Legally Assembled in Town Meeting the 4 Day of
March A D 1766, they proseeded and Choose their Town officers
for the year insuing as followeth
lly Capt Thos Baker was Choosen Morderator for sd meeting
21y Elijah Porter was Choosen Town Clerk
Sly Missrs Danl Bixby Zacheus Gould Jeremiah Averel John
Perkins Jur & Stephn Perkins were Chousen Selectmen and were
also Chosen Assessors
41y Capt John Bordman & Mr Joseph Town were Chosen
Constables 51y Elijah Porter were Chosen Town Treasr
61y Missuers David Lake Solomon Dodge and Joseph Gould
were Chosen Tj^thingmen
71y Missirs Joseph Andrews & Nehemiah Herrick were Chosen
Surveyers of highways
Sly Missirs Robert Perkins David Perkins & Thos Perkins Jur
Fence viewers
91y Mr David Perkins is Sealer of Leather
lOly Missirs John Gould & John Bradstreet Deer Reves
Illy Missirs Amos Perkins & David Towne hog Rives
121y Mr Nathan Hood Surveyor of Clabbords & Shingles
ISly Missirs Jacob Kimball & Simon Gould Wardens
141y Missirs Solomon Dodge & Robt Perkins Overseers of ye
. Poer 151y Missirs David Balch Jur Enos Knight & Capt Thos Baker
were Chosen a Comtee to supply the Town with a grammer
School as the Law Directs
The persons Chosen into office at the aforesaid Meeting to
which an oath did belong took the money oath and were sworn
to the faithfull Discharge of their office (excepting Mr Joseph
Andrews) 161y the Town accepted of the Selectmens Reckening with
the Tovsm Treasurer & there Remains in said Treasurers hands
£180 18 7
171y Voted that the Town mend the highways this present
year by a tax Levied on ye pools & Estates as they did the Last
years ISly Voted that the Town Raise one hundred pounds to mend
the highways, and to Defray the Other necessary Charges this
present year, of which sum the Town appropriated forty pounds
for to Defray the Charge of mending the high ways this present
year

244 TOWN RECORDS OF
191y Voted that Swine shall go at large being Yok'd & Ring'd
as the law Directs
201y on Reading the Petition of Theophelus Fisk of Danvers
praying that Topsfield would Receive him &c
Voted that in case said Danvers should set him of, Then the
prayer of the petition be granted, and that the said Theophelus
be set of from Danvers, and be annexed to the Town of Tops-
field, there to receive priviledges, and pay Taxes as the Inhabi
tants of Topsfield Do to aU Intents «& purposes
211y Voted that Eliezer Lake Jur. & Others the school Com
tee be allowed Twenty pounds two shiUings & nine pence to
pay for the School being kept from Sept 18th 1765 to Mar" 10th
1766 221y Voted that Capt Thos Baker be allowed £0 14s Sd for
what he paid for stones to build a bridge
2Sly Voted that Mr EUezer Lake Jur be allowed £0 13s 7d
being abatement of what WUlm Herrick was tax'd in said Lakes
List Mr Joseph Gould was Chosen to Serve on ye Grand Jury ye
year insuing
Jeremiah Tovsm & Nehemiah Herrick Draw'd out of ye Box
to Serve on ye Jury of Tryals
March 4th 1765 Mr Joseph Gould was swom as Clerk of the
Sticky Meadow Common fields (So Call'd)
pr Elijah Porter Town Cle'
We the Subscribers Jeremiah Averell Daniel Bixby and
Stephen Perkins, Selectmen of Topsfield, & Nath' Kimball Jur.
Josiah Ober & Willm Fisk a Committee appointed by the Select
men of Wenham, met and Perambulated the line and Renewed the
bounds between said Towns on the fourteenth Day of April 1766
as followeth (Viz) begining at a stake and stones in the Meadow
near Wenham Causey, the northeasterly comer of Danvers
from thence northerly to a stump & stones northerly of Mr
Theophelus Fisk's Bam, from thence to a stake and stones on
the west side of the Road leading to Bunkers Meadow from
thence to a heap of stones by the brook at the end of a wall,
from thence to a heap of stones on the west of Robinsons Island,
from thence to a heap of stones by the Southeast Comer of
Pigtons Meadow, from thence to the River
Jeremiah Averell ^ Ceigp*.™gn Nath' Kimball ^ Comtee appoint-
Daniel Bixby r fXn fi ,j Josiah Ober Vedby the Select-
Stephen Perkins )°^^°P^"^'° Willm Fisk ) men of Wenham

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 245
Topsfield ss To John Bordman one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesty's Name you are
hereby Required, fourthwith to warn all the Freeholders and
Other Inhabitants of the north ward in said Town that are
qualified by law for voteing, to Conven and Meet Together at
the Meeting house in said Town on Tuesday the Twentyeth
Day of May Instent at three of the Clock after noon
lly to Elect and Depute one or more persons to serve for and
Represent the Town in the Great and Generel Court or Assembly
the year Ensuing according to Preceipt
21y To Choose a surveyor of highways for the present year
in the room of Joseph Andrews who Refuses to Serve
Sly To see if the Town will vote, to shew Cause if any they
have on the second Fryday of the May Sessions of the Generel
Court, why the Bridge Over Waters River (So Call'd) in Danvers
should not be made a County bridge Exclusive of said Danvers
Hereof fail not and make return of this Warrant with your
doings thereon, to one or more of the Selectmen of said Town
at time and place above mentioned
Dated in Topsfield May 6th 1766
Jeremiah Averell
Zacheus Gould
Danl Bixby }-
John Perkins Jur
Stephen Perkins
Pursuant to the within written warrant I have warned the
freeholders and Other Inhabitants in the north ward to appear
at time and place within mentioned
Topsfield May 14th 1766 pr John Bordman Constable
The Freeholders & Other Inhabitants in the South Ward in
said Town was warned by a warrant Exactly the same as the
above warrant, and a retum made by Joseph Town Constable
A tme Copy of the Warrant & the return
Attest Elijah Porter Town Cle'
The aforesaid freeholders and Other Inhabitants of Topsfield
being leagaly assembled in Town meeting the 20th Day of May
A D 1766
lly Capt Saml Smith was Elected to Represent the Town in
the Great & Genl Court
21y Capt Saml Smith was Chosen Morderator for this meeting
Sly Mr Stephen Foster was Chosen & sworn Surveyer of high-

Selectmen
of Topsfield

246 TOWN RECORDS OF
ways for this year, in the room of Joseph Andrews who Refus'd
to serve
41y The Town haveing been notified of a petition of John
Procter Joseph Perpoint and Others (Inhabitants of the Town
of Danvers) to the Great and Generel Court, praying that the
Bridge in Danvers across Waters River (So Call'd) Might be
Maintained for the future by the County of Essex Exclusive of
Danvers, and also of the Resolve of the said Court thereon, on
the fifteenth Day of Febr. last, that the Several Towns in
said County should be Notified to shew Cause if any they
have on the second fryday of the then next May Sessions
of said Court, why the prayer of said Petr" should not be
granted. The Town haveing Considered thereon and unani-
mosly Voted, that they were against the said bridge being
made a County Bridge, and also that Capt Saml Smith shall
Represent the following to the said Court, why the prayer
of said Petition, should not be granted, (Viz) that the Town
of Danvers is a very Large Town, and that they Enjoy much
greater Previledges, by Jo5ming to the Chief Market Tovsm
in said County, then the Other Town's in said County do, and
that in generel it is a very good Land and well wooded, and
that on the County Road that is laid out a Cross said Waters
River and there is a very great Trade and much Business Car
ried on, viz there is one of the Largest brickyards that is in said
County, there is also in one place two grist mills and one saw
mill and one wheat and bolting mill, and there is a large ship
yard many vessels have been already built and they are still
building more which Trade and business must be a great Ad
vantage to said Town of Danvers as they Can go with their
teams twice in one Day with their wood Timber & plank either
to the Brick or ship yard, which trade & Business is still increas
ing and we apprehend in a little time will be such an advan
tage to the Town of Danvers, as will much more then Ballance
the Charge of said bridge & way and as the Town of Topsfield
is a very Small Town, not half so large as Danvers and we ap
prehend that the Charge that the Town of Topsfield have been
at, for a number of years past to Repair their Roads and Bridges,
has been Equel to the Charge that the whole Town of Danvers
has been at, to repair their Roads & Bridges, as we have two
large bridges across Ipswich River (So Call'd) with long Caus
eys to each of them, which has Cost the Town within about 4
years past, three hundred pounds LavsrfuU money at least, we
have also not less then ten Other bridges the most of which are
Considerable large, for which reasons it is the Opinion of said

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 247
Town of Topsfield, that the bridge in Danvers aforesaid. Ought
not to be a County Charge and much less, that the Town of
Topsfield should be at any Charge for makeing or maintaining
said Bridge
Topsfield ss To John Bordman one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you are
hereby Required fourthwith to wam all the free holders and
Other Inhabitants of the north ward in said Town, that are
qualified by Law for voteing to Conven and Meet Together at
the Meeting house in said Town on Tuesday the Twenty third
Day of September next at two of the Clock afternoon
To See how much money the Town will agree to raise, to
defray the necessary Charges Ariseing within said Town the
year Ensuing
21y To Choose Jurymen to Serve at the next Inferiour Court
of Common pleas & Court of Genl Sessions of the peace to be
holden at Newbury port on the last Tuesday of September next
According to Venire
Sly To see if the Town will agree that the Surveyers of high
ways shall give the Several Assessors Credit on their highway
Rates for as many Days as they was imploy'd, in makeing the
Rates in June last
41y To see if the Town will give Capt Saml Smith their pres
ent Representative Instmctions for his behaveour and manage
ment of the provential affairs in the great & Genl Court for the
futer Sly To allow Bills of Charge
hereof fail not and make Retum of this warrant with your
Doing their on to one or more of the Selectmen of said Town
at time & place above Mentioned
Dated in Topsfield Augt 29th 1766
Jeremiah AvereH
Zaccheus Gould (Selectmen
Danl Bixby (of Topsfield
Stephen Perkins J
Pursuant to the within written warrant I have warned all the
free holders and Other Inhabitants of the north ward in Tops-
field, to appear at time and place within Mentioned by posting
the same on the meeting house on A publick lecter Day in said
Town pr John Bordman Constable
The freeholders and Other Inhabitants in the south ward in
said Town was warned by A warrant Exactly the same as the
afore sd warrant and a retum made by Joseph Town Constable

248 TOWN RECORDS OF
A True Copy of the warrant and the Return
Attest Elijah Porter Town Cler
At a leagal Town Meeting of the freeholders and Other In
habitants of Topsfield Sept 23rd 1766
lly Mr Stephen Perkins was Choosen Morderator of said
meeting 21y Voted That there be one hundred pounds Rais'd by
Assessing ye polls and Estates to Defray the Charges of the
Town and County for the year Ensuing
Sly Missirs Pelatiah Cummings & David Town were Draw'd
Out of the Box to serve as Jurymen at Newbury port Court
next 41y Voted that Missirs Stephen Perkins George Bixby John
Gould Jeremiah Averel & Capt John Bordman, be a Comtee to
Draw Instructions for to be given to Capt Saml Smith for his
future Conduct in the Genl Court
51y Voted that there be AUow'd to ye wido Joanna Clarke
fourteen shillings and three pence £0 14s Sd
for the abatement of what her late husband Elijah Clarke was
Tax'd in Constable Benja Bixby's List for Isaac Peabodys head
61y Voted that the said Meeting be adjumed to the Twenty
first Day of October next at three of the Clock aftemoon and
accordingly ye sd Meeting was Adjumed
At A leagal Town Meeting held by Adjumment on the
Twenty first of October 1766
Mr Stephen Perkins Morderator
lly David Balch Jur was Choosen & Sworn Cler for said
meeting 21y Voted that the said Meeting be further Adjumed to ye
Twenty seventh Day of October Instant at three of ye Clock
aftemoon and accordingly said meeting was Adjurn'd
At A leagal Town meeting held by Adjurnment the Twenty
seventh Day of October A D 1766
Mr Stephen Perkins Morderator
lly Voted that the following instructions be given to Capt
Saml Smith our Representative Viz
To Capt Saml Smith our Representative, Sir as we your Con
stituants have been informed that the General Court are to
take into Consideration at there next Sessions the Damages
that was done by a number of Riotious persons in the Town of
Boston the last year, on which Ocation we have taken this
Oppertunity to let you know our Opinion, and Desire to Conduct

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 249
your self accordingly, we have heard that his Honour the Lieut
Governor Mr Oliver the Seccretary Mr HoUowell and Mr Story
all Suffer'd loss and Damage by said Disturbances, but on
what account we know not, but if it shall appear to you that
the above said Gentlemen or either of them suffer'd by being
actually engag'd for the good of his Majesties Subjects in this
Province, in such a Case it is our Opinion that when proper
Application is made to said Court, by said sufferers, it Ought
to be maturely Consider'd off by said Court, and they have
a proper Allowance made them out of the Province Treasury,
but in case it shall appear to be on any Other account we Ap
prehend it to be of very Bad Tendency to draw money out of
the Province Treasury, for such Damages, and would have you
by no means Consent thereto. However as to makeing good such
Damages to such sufferers we hear is recommended to this Prov
ince by his Majesty our Graccious Sovereign under whose mild
and wise Government we Injoy so many valuable Libertys and
previledges as well as Great kindness which we Receive from
him, an Instence of which we have lately Experienced in his
being Gracciously pleased to hear and Grant the petition of
his subjects on this Continent in the Repeal of the stamp act
&c we look upon it our Greatest Honnor as well as Duty always
to Copy after such wise good and Just examples in Consideration
whereof in case the said sufferers shall make application for
it, we are heartily willing to give them as much as our ability
and low Circomstances will admit of provided we may Do
it either by Subscription or by Contribution as in case of
Calamitious Accidents by fire which we take to be much more
agreable to the Constitution of a free people and the Constant
usage of this Government
21y Voted that Missirs Enos Knight & David Balch Jur be
aUow'd Twenty one pounds Nineteen Shillings & 4d £21 19s
4d for the school being kept from 13 of March 1766 to 23 Sept
1766 Sly Voted that Mr Nathan Wildes be allowed £0 16s Od for
what he was Taxed in ye year 1765 in Mr Abraham Hobbs List
and Mr Pelatiah Cummings List for ye year 1764
41y Mr Stephen Perkins was Choosen Grand Juryman to Serve
at the Supr Court at Salem
51y Capt Thos Baker and Elijah Porter were Drawn out of
the Box to serve as Jury men at the Supr Court at Salem
61y Voted that Mr Luke Averel be allowed £0 2 0 for 30
foot of plank to mend the Bridge by Mr Abraham Hobbs

250 TOWN RECORDS OF
71y Voted that Mr Jeremiah Averel be aUowed £0 4s lOd
for the abatement of WiU™ Hoods Rates
Sly Voted that Mr Stephen Foster be aUowed £0 lis lid for
stones and Other Extraordinary Charge for buUding ye Bridge
by Mr Jacob Dormans
Topsfield ss To Capt Jolm Bordman one of the Constables of
the Town of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you
are hereby Required fourthwith to wam aU the freeholders and
Other Inhabitants of the north ward in said Town that are
QuaUfied by Law for voteing to Conven and meet together at
the meeting house in said Town on Tuesday the eighth Day of
Novr Inst at one of the Clock aftemoon
lly For the Town to hear and Consider on a proposed BiU
now pending in the House of Representatives and Published by
their Order, for the Consideration of the Several Towns in this
Province, for granting Compensation To the sufferers, and of
free and General pardon Indemnity and ObUvion to the offen
ders in the late times
21y To see if the Town will vote that the several Sums Men
tioned in the said proposed BiU shaU be paid Out of the pubUck
Treasury to the Honourable Thomas Hutchinson Esqr and Others
that are severally sett down to each of them in said BUls in fuU
Compensation for their loses and sufferings in the late times of
Confusion Hereof f aU not and make Retum of this warrant with your
doings therein to one or more of the Selectmen of said Town at
time and place above Mentioned
Dated Topsfield Novr 24 1766 Jere" Averel

s

Zacheus Gould i ,, i . 
Danl Bixby ^^^^'^^'f,^
John Perkins Jur p Topsfield
Steph" Perkins J
I*ursuant to this Warrant I have warned all the free holders
and Other Inhabitants of the north ward in Topsfield to appear
at time and place within mentioned, by posting said warrant on
the meeting house on ye 27 Day of this Inst Novr on a pub
lick thanksgiveing Day
Dated Topsfield Novr 28 1766
pr John Bordman Constable of Topsfield
The freeholders and Other Irihabitants of ye South ward ia
said Town was warned by a warrant like the afore said warrant,
and a like Retum made by Joseph Town Constable of Topsfield

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 251
A true Copy of ye warrant and Retum
Attest Elijah Porter Town Cle'
At A leagal Town Meeting of the freeholders and Other in
habitants of Topsfield ye 28 Novr 1766
lly Voted that Capt Saml Smith be Morderator for said Meet
ing 21y the question was put, whether the Several Sums mentioned
in the aforesaid proposed Bill shall be paid out of a Publick
Treasury, to the Hon' Thomas Hutchinson Esqr and Others, as
Mentioned in said Bill, in full Compensation for their Sufferings
in the late times of Confusion, and it passed in the Negative
We the Subscribers met this 24 Day of November A D 1766
and Perambulated the line and Renewed the bounds, between
the Towns of Topsfield & Middleton in the following manner
begining at a heap of stones in the brook (Call'd) Nickols's
brook near where Porters Sawmill stood, which is a bounds be
tween Topsfield and Danvers, from thence as the brook runs
to a small Elm tree, at the northeasterly branch of said brook
thence as the said northeasterly branch runs to a heap of stones
by the River
Thos Cave ) Appointed by Zaccheus Gould ) cpi„pf.™pn
Philip Knight V the Selectmen Danl Bixby rXfTWfiplH
Jonathan Knight ) of Middleton Steph" Perkins ) °^ ^opsneia
We the Subscribers being a Committee appointed by the
Towns of Topsfield and Boxford to perambulate the line
between said Towns this 24 Day of November 1766 and
perambulated said line, and began at an appletree with stones
about it in Capt Asa Perleys field, from thence to a stake and
heap of stones at the Northerly Comer of Bakers farm (So
Calld) thence to where the water runs through the Dam near
Simon Goulds house, Call'd Andrews's Dam, thence to a stake
and heap of stones by the fishing Brook on the Easterly side of
a revilet Runing in to said Brook, thence as said Brook runs
to Ipswich River (So Call'd) thence up said River to Middleton
line Joseph Hale Jur ) Comtee John Gould ) Comtee
NathU Perley j for Boxford Joseph Gould | for Topsfield
We the Subscribers have mett this 24 Day of November 1766,
and Perambulated the line and renewed the bounds between
the Towns of Topsfield and Danvers in the following manner
(Viz) begining at a stake & stones near Wenham Causey being

252 TOWN RECORDS OF
the Northerly bounds between Wenham and Danvers, thence Run
ing westerly eight pole to an Elm tree marked D D A T, thence
runing norwesterly about Twenty two poles to a stake and stones
by the edge of a swamp near Theophelas Fisks bam, thence
runing westerly to a black Oak stump with stones about it, in
an Orchard belonging to the heirs of Danl Gott Deed, from
thence to a heap of stones at the bend of a wall where a run or
slow Emties it self out of Archelaus Rea's land, into the Land of
Israel Andrew, thence to a heap of stones on land, belonging to
the heirs of the Honl Timothy Lendall Esqr Late of Salem
Decas'd near Nickols's brook, thence on the same Course to
said brook near the Remains of an old Sawmill Commonly Call'd
Porters Saw mill
John Nickols ] Appointed by Zacheus Gould ] Selectmen
Joseph Porter >-the Selectmen Danl Bixby >¦ of
Arch. Dale j of Danvers Stephn Perkins J Topsfield
We the Subscribers Meett the 26th Day of Febr 1767 and
perambulated the lines and Renewed the bounds between
Ipswich and Topsfield, and began at the River at the mouth
of Howletts Brook (so CaU'd) by said Brook to a stake and
stones in Nelands Meadow, from thence to a stake and heap
of stones on a hill, and from thence to a stake standing in
a great Spring in Conents Meadow, from thence to a heap
of stones about Eight Rods westward from the Brook near
Stephen Fosters house, from thence on a strate line Runing
by Bumams land to a black Oak tree at the bottom of the
hill being the Corner of Perkins's land so on to ye pond, and
so on a strate line to a black Oak tree in the wall by Nathan
Hoods Orchard and so on to the appletree and stones about it,
the Comer bounds between Ipswich Topsfield & Boxford
Jeremiah Averel P^l^'lt^^" ^ „. ^, 1 ?"'"'^l^!f k
Stenhn Perkins ( °^ ^^™'^ ^°''*^ J"^ l Appointed by
^ ; Topsfield Daniel Lummus fthe Selectmen
J of Ipswich
Topsfield ss To John Bordman one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby appointed and
Directed fourthwith to notifie and warn all the freeholders and
Other Inhabitants of the north ward in said Town that are
qualified by law for voteing to Conven and meet Together at
the meeting house in Said Town on Tuesday the third day of
March next Ensuing at nine of the Clock in the morning
lly To Choose Selectmen a Town Clerk and all Other Town
officers for the year Ensuing as the Law Directs

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 253
21y To see if the Town will accept of the Selectmens Recken
ing with the Town Treasurer
Sly To see if the Town will accept of a Return of a way laid
out by the Selectmen through Land of the heirs of Deacon Daniel
Gould Deed and Joseph Gould in Lieue of an antiant way laid
out through said Danl Goulds land
41y To see if the Town will Accept of a return of a way
laid out by the Selectmen through land of Samuel Towne Jur
and Others tell it Comes into the way that leads from fishing
Brook (So Call'd) to Mr. John Goulds
51y For the Town to make a new Regulation of the mens
names in the Box of Jurors
61y To Choose a Committee to supply the Town with a
Grammer School Master the year Ensuing
71y To see if the Town will let swine go at large the year
Ensuing as the Law Directs
Sly To Choose Jurymen to serve at the next Inf' Court of
Common pleas and Court of Genl Sessions of ye peace to be
holden at Ipswich on the last Tuesday of March next according
to Venire
91y To allow Bills of Charge
Hereof fail not and make return of this appointment &
Direction to one or more of the Selectmen of said Town at time
and place above mentioned
Dated in Topsfield Febr 20th 1767
Jeremiah Averell ^
Zacheus Gould (Selectmen
Daniel Perkins Jur (of Topsfield
Stephn Perkins J
Pursuant to the within appointment and Direction I have
warned all the freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the north
ward in Topsfield to Conven and meet Together at time and
place within mentioned by posting the same on the meeting
house in said Town on a publick lecture Day in said Town
Dated Febr. 25th 1767 John Bordman Constable for Topsfield
The freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the south ward in
said Town was warned by a warrant the same as above and a
return made, ye same as above by Joseph Town Constable for
Topsfield A True Copy of ye warrant & Return
Attest Elijah Porter Town Cle'

254 TOWN RECORDS OF
At a legal Town meeting of the freeholders and Other Inhabi
tants of Topsfield the 3 of March AD 1767
lly Voted that Mr Stephen Perkins be Morderator of this
meeting 21y the Town officers was Choose as foUoweth viz
Misirs Zaccheus Gould John Perkins Jur Jereh AvereU Stephn
Perkins Daniel Bixby were Choosen Selectmen, and were
Choosen Assessors
Elijah Porter was Choosen Town Cler.
Misrs Saml Cummings Stephen Foster & Thos Mower were
Choosen Tything men
Missrs Thos Perkins Jur & Daniel Lake were Choosen Con
stables Elijah Porter was Choosen Town Treas.
Missrs Joseph Andrews & Thos Mower were Choosen Sur
veyers of high ways
Missirs John Bradstreet Solomon Dodge Amos Perkins were
Choosen Fence viewers
Mr. David Perkins was Choosen Sealer of leather
Mr. Nehemiah Herrick was Choosen Deer Rive
Missrs Robert Perkins & Saml Perkins were Choosen hog
Rives Mr Jacob AvereU Jur was Choosen Surveyer of Clabboards
& Shingles
Capt Thos Baker & Mr David Balch Jur were Choosen
Wardens Missrs Joseph Gould & John Gould were Choosen Overseers
of the Poor
Sly Voted to accept of the Selectmens Reckening with the
Town Treasurer and there is £212 18s lOd that was Order'd
to be paid to sd Treas., that is not Order'd Out
41y Missrs Matthew Peabody David Perkins & Simon Gould
were Choosen a Comtee to supply the Town with a Grammer
School Master for the year Ensuing
51y Voted that Swine shall go at large the year Ensuing as
the Law Directs
the aforesaid Town officers to whom an Oath belong'd took
the money Oath and were swom to the faithfull Discharge of
their office
61y Voted to accept of a Retum of a Town way, that is laid
out by the Selectmen as followeth Viz
We the Subscribers have the Day of the Date hereof laid a
Town way in land of the heirs of Deacon Daniel Gould late
Deed and land of Joseph Gould, and is to be Lieue of an

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 255
ancient way laid out in said Danll Gould's land as followeth
(Viz) Begining at Fishing brook bridge (So CaU'd) on the
westerly side of the way, then northeasterly by the old way
side eight pole to an oak tree, them east thirteen Degrees
north according to the needle sixty-one pole in land of the
heirs of said Danll Gould, then north Twenty two Degrees East
according to the needle in land of said heirs and land of said
Joseph Gould Seventy seven pole then north Eleven Dgrees East
according to the needle, in land of the said heirs and land of
Joseph Gould forty pole to the old way, then northeasterly as
the old way now gos to the County road near John Gould's
Bam, said way to Extend so far Easterly, as to make said way
two poles in Bredth
Dated in Topsfield January 19th 1767
Jeremiah Averel ) c i 4.
Zaccheus Gould Pf^ ^", ,
DanielBixby [of Topsfield
71y Voted to accept of a Retum of a Town way that is laid
out by the Selectmen as followeth Viz
Whereas Capt Benja Towne and Others of the Inhabitants of
the Town of Topsfield, by their Petition to the Selectmen of
said Town praying that there may be a way laid out from the
way in Mr Samuel Cummings Land laid out in the year A D
1764 To the highway near Mr John Gould's After Consideration
thereon, We Subscribers have laid out a Town way as followeth
(Viz) Begining at the Land of said Samuel Cummings on the
easterly side of said way in Land of Samuel Towne Jur north 31
Degrees according to the needle 51 pole and 12 links, to land of
Thomas Mower, thence north 25 Degrees west by land of said
Mowers 6 poles and 3 links, then East 41 Degrees north in Land
of said Thos Mower 24 pole, then East 22 Degrees north 36 poles,
then north 25 Degrees East 52 pole in land of said Thos Mower,
then north 36 Degrees East in land of Daniel Lake by land of
Jacob KimbaU 22 pole, then north 37 Degrees East in Land of
said Jacob Kimball 34 pole, then north 36 Degrees East in Land
of Simon Gould 16 pole, then north 1 Degree west 34 pole in said
Simon Gould's land, then north 29 Degrees west in land of
David Balch & Eliezer Lake 6 pole to the River a little below
the bridge, then north about 29 Degrees west in Land of John
Gould 24 pole, then north 12 Degrees East in land of Simon
Gould 44 pole, then north 29 Degrees East 18 pole, then north
16 Degrees west by land of said John Gould 5 pole, then north
16 Degrees west in land of Joseph Gould by land of said John

256 TOWN RECORDS OF
Gould and Zaccheus Gould 65 pole, then north 31 Degrees west
36 pole in said Joseph Gould's land to the Road leading from
fishing Brook So CaU'd to Topsfield Meeting House, said way
to Extend so far west as to make the way two pole wide
Dated Topsfield January 19th 1767
Jeremiah AverelH
Zaccheus Gould (Selectmen
Daniel Bixby (of Topsfield
Stephen Perkins J
Sly Voted that the following mens names should be put into
the Box for Jury men Viz Missirs Stephen Perkins Daniel Bixby
John Balch & Elisha Wildes should be put into the Sup' Box
And Missirs Isaac Averel Jacob Averel Jur Stephen Adams
Samll Bradstreet Nathaniel Dorman Thos Emerson Jacob Kimball
Jacob Peabody Joseph Perkins Zebulun Perkins Saml Perkins
Daniel Reddington Francis Towne Jacob Towne John Baker Jur
Daniel Clarke John Cree Daniel Estey Theophilus Fisk Nathan
iel Fisk John Gould Jur. Enos Knight Moses Perkins Othniel
Thomas Saml Towne Jur Daniel Towne should be put into the
Inf' Box
91y Voted that the following names should be taken out of
the Box of Jurors Viz Dea" George Bixby Capt NathU Averell
& Mr Luke Averell
lOly Mr Thos Symonds was Choosen to serve as Grand Jury
man for the year Ensuing
Illy Missrs Isaac Averell & Francis Towne were Draw'd out
of the Infr Box to serve on ye pety Jury at ye Infr Court to be
holden at Ipswich on ye last Tuesday of March 1767
121y Voted that Capt Thos Baker and Others ye School
Comtee be allowed £19 Os 9d for the school being kept from
23 of September 1766 to the 3 of March 1767
The Town officers for the year 1767 were swom the 3 6 &
11 of March 1767
March 6th 1767 Mr Thos Perkins Jur. paid five pounds as a
fine for his Refusing to serve as a Constable
the 3 of March 1767 Nehemiah Herrick was Sworn as Haward
of the Sticky Meadow Common field by Elijah Porter Town CI'
and Joseph Gould was sworn to ye faithfull Discharge of his
office of Clerk of ye Sticky Meadow Common field
by Elijah Porter Town Cle'
24 Apl. 1767 Mr. John Perkins took ye oath Respecting the
Bills of ye neighbouring Goverments, and also took the Oath
of an assesser

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 257
Topsfield ss To Daniel Lake Constable of the Town of
Topsfield Greeting You are hereby appointed and Required
fourthwith to wam all the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants
of said Town that are qualified by law for voteing to Conven
and meet Together at the meeting House in Said Town on
Tuesday the Thirty first Day of March Instent at one of ye
Clock aftemoon
lly To Choose a Constable for the year Ensuing in the room
of Thos Perkins Jur who Refuses to serve
21y To see how much money the [town] will agree to Raise to
Defray the Charge of mending the highways, and Other neces
sary Charges arising in said [town] the present year
Sly To see what meathod the Town wiU agree to mend the
highways in the present year
41y To allow Bills of charge
Hereof fail not and make return of this appointment with
your Doings thereon to one or more of the selectmen of said
Town at time and place above mentioned
Dated in Topsfield March 20th 1767
Jeremiah AverelH
Zaccheus Gould [Selectmen
Daniel Bixby Coi Topsfield
Stephen Perkins J
Topsfield ss agreeable to this warrant I have notified and
warned all the Inhabitants of this Town to meet at the time
and place within mentioned
Dated Topsfield March 25 1767 Daniel Lake Constable
A tme Copy of the warrant & Return
attest Elijah Porter Town Cle'
At a legal Town meeting of the Freeholders and Other
Inhabitants of ye Town of Topsfield on the 31 Day of March
A D 1767
lly Capt Thos Baker was Chosen Morderator for said meeting
21y Stephen Perkins was Chosen & swom Clerk for said
meeting Sly Mr. Samuel Bradstreet was Chosen Constable for the
year Ensuing in the room of Mr Thomas Perkins who Refused
to serve
41y The Town voted to Raise one hundred > pounds to be
assessed by the assessors, on the polls and Estates within the
same to Defray the charge of mending the highways and Other
necessary Charges in said Town, and to be order'd into the
Town Treasury for the uses aforesaid

258 TOWN RECORDS OF
51y Voted that the sum of sixty Pounds of said assessment
shall be appropriated to the use of Mending the highways in said
Town agreeable to the following meathod (Viz) that the as
sessors shall Exhibit a list of what each of the Inhabitants of
said Tovsms Just proportion of said sixty pounds is as weU
in Labour as in money to the surveyers of highways. Labour
to be Estimated at the following prices (Viz) a man with
sutable Meterials two Shillings pr Day one per of oxen one
shilling pr Day and a Cart or Tumbrel one shilling pr Day,
and the Surveyers shall give each person named and sett Down
in his List Liberty and seasonable notice to pay what they
are sett Down in his List in Labour at Such Time and place
as Such Surveyer shall Judge most proper and said Surveyor
shall keep an account of what each person pays in Labour at
mending said ways, and on or before the fifteenth Day of
November next shall retum a Just and true account of what
each person shall have paid in Labour, to the Selectmen and
the said Selectmen shall immediately Exhibit the same to the
Constables and said Constables shall immediately give Credit
to Each person named and set Down in each of their Respective
Lists for what they shall have paid in Labour at mending said
ways and the Selectmen shall give Orders to the Town Treasurer
to Discount with each of the Constables such sums as shall
then appear to be paid in Labour by the persons named and set
Dovsm in each of their respective Lists
61y Mr EUsha Wildes was Chosen Constable for ye year
Insuing in the Room of Mr Samuel Bradstreet
71y Voted that Mr Pelatiah Cummings Constable for 1764 be
allowed Eighteen Shillings and one penny for the abatement of
Wilhn Hood & Abial Tapley's Tax in his List
Stephen Perkins Clerk for sd meeting
17 April 1767 Mr EUsha Wildes took ye Oath Respecting the
Bills of Credit of the neighbouring Governments and was
Swom to the faithfull Discharge of the office of Constable
Topsfield ss To Elisha Wildes one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby appointed and
Directed Fourthwith to wam all the Freeholders and Other
Inhabitants of the north ward in said Town that are qualified
by law for voting to Conven and meet Together at the meeting
house in said Town on Fryday the Twenty fourth day of April
Instent at three of the Clock aftemoon
The Selectmen haveing Received Infonnation from Royal
Tyler Esqr., that the Comtee of both Houses of Assembly

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 259
appointed During their Last Session, to Repair to Danvers
and there view a Bridge over Waters River in said Town and
Consider of the Expediency of maintaining it, and in what
manner it ought to be supported, will attend that service on
the 28 Day of April Instent (Therefore)
lly To Choose an agent or agents appear before said Com
mittee in behalf of the Town
21y for the Town to give their agent or agents such Instmc
tions as they shall think proper respecting said bridge
Sly To see how much money the Town will give the French
family that Topsfield and Middleton are Obliged to take Care
of to pay their passage to Cannada and to provide necessaries
for their support on the voyage
hereof fail not and make retum of this appointment and
Direction to one or more of the Selectmen of said Town at
Time and place above mentioned
Dated in Topsfield April 16th 1767
TT"i^\^''^f " {selectmen
John Perkins Jur Vf^^^g^,^
Stephen Perkins ;
Pursuent to the within Appointment and Direction I have
warned all the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the North
ward qualified for voteing to Conven and meet Together at
time and place within mentioned
Dated Topsfield Apl. 21st 1767
Elisha Wildes Constable for Topsfield
The Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the South ward
in said Town was warned by a like warrant as aforesaid and a
like Retum as aforesaid made by Danl Lake
Constable for Topsfield
A tme Copy of the warrant & Retum
Attest Elijah Porter Town Cle'
At a legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhab
itants of Topsfield the 24 April 1767
lly Mr Stephen Perkins was Chosen Morderater for said
meeting 21y Capt Saml Smith Missirs Stephen Perkins & Zaccheus
Gould were Chosen agents to appear in behalf of said Town,
before the Honl. Royal Tyler Esqr. and Others a Committee
appointed by both houses of Assembly, to Consider of the
Expediency of Maintaining a Bridge Over Waters's River (So
CaU'd) in Danvers

260 TOWN RECORDS OF
Sly Voted to give the French family, (that was assign'd to
Topsfield and Middleton to maintain) Thirty two DoUers to
pay their passage to Caimada and support them on their
voyage Topsfield ss To Elisha Wildes one of the Constables of the
Tovsm of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby appointed and
Directed fourth with to wam the Freeholders and Other Inhabi
tants of the north ward in said Town, that are qualified by law
for voteing, to Conven and meet Together at the Meeting house
in said Town, on wednsday the Twentyeth Day of May next
Ensuing at three of the Clock aftemoon
To Elect & Depute one or more persons to serve for and Rep
resent the Tovsm in the Great and General Court or Assembly
the year Ensuing according to preceipt
Hereof fail not and make retum of this appointment and
Direction with your doings thereon, to one or more of the Se
lectmen of said Town at time & place above mentioned
Dated Topsfield April 24th 1767 Jeremiah Avereir
Zaccheus Gould
John Perkins Jur
Stephen Perkins ^
Pursuant to the within Appointment & Direction, I have wam'd
all the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the north ward
in Topsfield, to appear at time and place within Mentioned by
posting the same on the side of the meeting house on a publick
lecter Day in said Town
Dated in Topsfield April 29th 1767
Elisha Wildes Constable for Topsfield
The Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the south ward in
said Town was wam'd by a like warrant as afore said and a
like retum made as aforesaid by Danl Lake Constable for Tops-
field A tme Copy of the warrant & Retum
attest Elijah Porter Town Cle'
At a legal Town meeting of the Freeholders and Other In
habitants of Topsfield the 20 May 1767
Capt Samuel Smith was Elected to Represent the Town in the
Great & Genl Court ye year Ensuing
Topsfield ss To Mr. Elisha Wildes one of the Constables of
the Town of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby appointed and

Selectmen of Topsfield

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 261
directed to wam all the free holders and Other inhabitants of
the north ward in said Town that are by law qualified for vote
ing to Convean & meet together at the meeting house in said
Town on Tuesday the Twenty second day of Sept instent at
three of the Clock after noon
lly To see how much money the Town will agree to raise to
defray the necessary charges ariseing within said Town the
year insuing
21y to choose Jury men to serve at the next Infr court at
Newburyport according to veniree
Sly to see if the Town will agree that the Surveyers of high
ways shall give Credit on their lists of Rates to each of the Se
lectmen for as many days as they were a makeing the rates in
Town last
41y to see if the Town will agree that the Selectmen shall
Draw money out of The Town Treasury to pay ye County Tax
5 To see if the Town will Examine into the state of the Town
Treasury, and direct the Town Treasurer what to do respecting
such constables that have failed of compleating their payments
of money to the Town Treasurer for too great a length of time,
after the Time, that was assigned them to compleat their pay
ments 61y To see if the Town will agree to build a new pound and
come into any measures the Town shall think proper to build
said pound
71y To see if the Town will grant the petition of John Lefever
Sly To alow Bills of charge
hereof fail not and make return of this appointment & direc
tion to one or more of the selectmen of said Town at time &
place above mentioned
Dated Topsfield Sept 1st 1767 Zaccheus Gould ^
Danl Bixby (Selectmen
John Perkins Jur [of Topsfield
Jeremiah AverellJ
Persuant to the within written appointment & direction I have
warned all the freeholders & Other Inhabitants in the north ward
to appear at time & place within mentioned by posting it up at
the meeting house
Topsfield Sept. 2 1767 Elisha Wildes Constable
The Freeholders and Other inhabtants of the South Ward in
said Town was wamd by a like warrant as aforesaid and a like
return made by Danl Lake constable of Topsfield

262 TOWN RECORDS OF
A true copy of ye warrant & retum
attest Elijah Porter Town Cle'
At a legal meeting of the Freeholders and Other inhabitants
of Topsfield the 22 Sept 1767
lly Mr Stephen Perkins was Chosen Morderater for said
meeting 21y Voted that one hundred pounds shall be assessed on the
polls and Estates, for to defray the Necessary charges of the
Tovsm for the year insuing
Sly Missirs Jacob Peabody & John Perkins Jur. were Draw'd
out of the Box to serve as Jury men at ye Infr Court to be holden
at Newburyport in Sept Inst.
41y Voted that the Surveyers of highways shaU give each of
the Selectmen Credit for three Days work for their makeing the
highway Taxes
51y Voted that the Selectmen shaU Draw £2 16s 5d Out of the
Town Treasury, to pay the Town's proportion of the County
Tax 61y Voted that the Town Treasurer shaU send an Execution
to Mr Abraham Hobbs in thirty Days from this time for aU the
money of his coUections that shaU be then not paid, and also an
Execution to Mr Saml Cummings in the same manner, and an
Execution to Missirs Pelatiah Cummings & Benja Bixby in ten
days from this time for the money of their Collections that shall
then not be paid, and that the Town Treasurer shall fourthwith
give notice to the said Constabls, of the Town intention as
aforesaid 71y Voted to build a new pound with stones, of the same
length and breadth vsrithin side as the pound in Topsfield is and
the stone wall of said pound to be of the same wedth & height
that the pound in Boxford is
Sly Voted that Missirs Solomon Dodge Elijah Porter and Zac
cheus Gould be a Comtee to let out the buUding of the said
pound to the lowest Bidder
91y Mr John Balch was chosen to serve as a grand Juryman
at the Supr Court to be holden at Salem in Novr next
Mr David Balch Jur was Draw'd out of the Box to Serve as a
Jury man at sd Court
lOly Voted that Nehemiah Herrick be paid for plank for the
river bridge nine shilUngs & 4 pence £0 9 4
Voted that John Lefever be allowed and paid what he was
Taxed in Mr Abraham Hobbs List of Rates for ye Revd Mr
Emersons Land being ye sum of one pound eight shillings eleven
pence £1 8s lid

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 263
¦Topsfield ss To Elisha Wildes one of the Constables of the
T6wn of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby appointed and
Direpted Fourth with to wam all the Freeholders and Other
Inha.iitants of the north ward in said Town that are qualified
by Lay for voteing to conven and meet Together at the meeting
house ii said Town on Fryday the Thirteenth Day of November
Instent ^t three of the Clock afternoon
lly Tl see if the Town will Build the pound (that they voted
on the Twentysecond Day of September last to build) by a Tax
as they mend the highways or to come into any other meathod
to build a p%ind as the Town shall think proper
21y to Choose a Committee to build said Pound
Sly to allowNBills of Charge
hereof fail n->t and make retum of this appointment and
Direction to one o- more of the Selectmen of said Town at time
and place above me Aioned
Dated in Topsfield Novr. 6th 1767
Jeremiah Averell ^
Zaccheus Gould (Selectmen
John Perkins Jur J of Topsfield
Stephen Perkins J
Pursuant to the within appointment and Direction I have
warned all the freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the north
ward in Topsfield qualified for voteing to appear at time and
place within mentioned
Dated Topsfield 10 Novr. 1767
Elisha Wildes Constable of Topsfield
The freeholders & Other Inhabitants of the South ward in
said Town was wam'd by a like warrant as aforesaid, and a
like retum as aforesaid made by Danl Lake Constable of
Topsfield A True Copy of ye warrant and retum
Attest Elijah Porter Town Cle'
At a meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of
Topsfield legally assembled the 13 November 1767
lly Capt Saml Smith was Chosen Morderator for said meeting
21y Voted to build the Pound by a Tax as they mend the
highways Sly Voted that Missuers Enos Knight Zaccheus Gould and
Isaac Averell be a Committee to build said Pound
41y Voted to pay Mr Simon Gould & Others the School
Comtee Twentyone pounds nineteen shillings & 4d for the

264 TOWN RECORDS OF
school being kept from March 9th to 26 Octr 1767 exch;:- c '
7 weeks vacancy £23 lv.=
Voted to Missuers Stephen Perkins & Zaccheus Go. • -;
shillings & two pence half penny for their time ia ;; ¦>
meet the Comtee from the Genl Court about the fii c er
Water's River (so call'd) in Danvers 2/2
Voted to pay Mr Solomon Dodge one shUling & i mney
he expended when he went to get stones for a Br ;^s Sd
At a legal meeting of the Freeholders & Ot';'; .tants of
Topsfield, the first of March A D 1768 /
said meeting wam'd by Mr Elisha Wildrs ; ; : |ne Consta
bles of said Topsfield
lly Mr. Zaccheus Gould was Chouse \ «?¦ Jury man for
the year Ensueing
21y Missrs Jacob Averell Jur. & , i^s jradstreet were
Draw'd Out of the Box to serve on ,- ? of Tryals at the
next In' Court to be holden at Ipsw'- .e last Tuesday of
March Instent
Topsfield ss To Elisha Wildes ^n .he Constables of the
•Town of Topsfield Greeting - ..t'- hereby appointed and
•Directed fourthwith to wam a' " /feeholders and Other In
habitants of the north ward ; i .eld that are qualified by
law for voting, to Conven -: ¦ -^*- l together at the meeting
house in said Town on Tues,^ . .e first day of March next at
nine of the Clock in the morning
lly To See if the Town will agree to pay the Constables or
Collectors that shall be Chosen for Collecting the Taxes this
present year
21y for the Town to agree upon what sum to give the Con
stables or Collectors pr pound for Collecting the Taxes this
present year
Sly To Choose Selectmen a Town Clerk and all Other Town
officers as the Law Directs
41y To see what Method the Town will agree to mend the
highways in this present year
Sly To see how much money the Town will agree to raise to
defray the Charge of Building the pound mending the highways
and Other necessary Charges ariseing within the Town this
present year
61y To Choose a Committee to Supply the Town with a
grammer school Master
71y to see if the Town will let swine go at large as the law
Directs

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 265
Sly To see if the Town will accept of the Selectmens Recken
ing with the Town Treasurer
91y To see if the Town will agree to purchas a bell, and to
see how much money the Town will raise to purchas a bell
lOly to aUow BUls of Charge
hereof fail not and make return of this appointment and
Direction to one or more of the selectmen of said Town at time
and place above mentioned
Dated at Topsfield 11 Febr 1768
Jeremiah AvereU [ggj^^^^^^
Zaccheus Goud Kf Topsfield
John Perkins Jur ) ^
Pursuent to the within appointment & Direction, I have
warned all the freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the north
ward in Topsfield to Conven and meet together at time and
place within mentioned-
Dated in Topsfield Febr-20th 1768
'Elisha Wildes Constable for Topsfield
The freeholders ^r Inhabitants of the south ward in
said Town were , ^ like warrant as aforesaid and a
Uke return as afoxesi. ^'^ Danl Lake Constable for Tops-
field A true Copy of the v/an. ' '.urn
:4;^ 'i ah Porter Town Cle'
At a legal Town Meeting oi%fef; ' Mders and Other In
habitants of Topsfi^ild the first of i^; . ""
lly Mr Stephen ferkins was Chose. . "or of said meet
ing 21> Mr Elisha Wildes was Chosen a Seis- .
Sly Voted that said meeting be Adjurnt -day the
eighth Day of March Instent at nine of the C; ^ fore
noon at the meeting house, and accordingly saw . was
adjurned '', ,
At a legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders and v ..
habitants of Topsfield held by adjurnment from ye 1 of !•'';.:>
1768 to this 8th of March 1768
lly Missrs Zaccheus Gould Jeremiah Averell Stephen Perku .
& Danl Bixby were Chosen Selectmen
21y Voted that the five Selectmen Chosen for the year Ensu
ing shall be assessors
Sly Elijah Porter was Chosen Town Cle'

266 TOVFN RECORDS OF
41y Mr John Peabody & Capt Thomas Baker were Chosen
Constables Sly Missrs Solomon Dodge Jacob Kimball & Robert Perkins
were Chosen Tything men
61y Elijah Porter was Chosen Town Treasurer
71y Missrs Enos Knight Isaac Averell & Zaccheus Gould were
Chosen Surveyers of highways
Sly Missrs Amos Perkins Nehemiah Herrick & Solomon Dodge
were Chosen Fence viewers
91y Mr David Perkins was Chosen Sealer of leather
lOly Mr Nehemiah Herrick was Chosen Deer Reeve
Illy Missrs Danl Reddington & Eliezer Lake Jur were Chosen
hog Reeves
121y Mr Jacob Averell Jur was Chosen Surveyer of Clab
boards & Shingles
ISly Missrs Stephen Foster & Jacob Dwinel were Chosen
Wardens ^
141y Dean John Gould & Mr Joseph Gould were Chosen Over
seers of the poor
ISly Voted that the highways shall be m;,.idc3 in the same
meathod as they was mended in ye vea- "! '
161y Voted to Raise one Hund^ <rd p. _• • ' . ef r;; v ve Charges
of building the pound & me:d!ing th.? . :.,^ ivay? and Other
Necessary Charges ariseinei* the Tov : "tis present year of
which sums Eighty Pour^^is approp: 1. 1 r 1 to pay the Charge
of building the poiind aol^^ending the highv. a\ s
171y Missrs Enos g^ght Saml Cum.rriinijs & Isaac Averell
were Chosen a C^Ttee to s'lppiy ye Tow,', with a Grammer
School Master /
ISly Voted t^-'let Swine go at Large as the Law Directs
191y Voted^o aec^t of the Selectmens Reckening with trie
Town Trr* iTrer, and there is in said Treasrs hands the sum of
£232 14=; '7 1/2 not Ordered Out
201y Voted that Benja Bayley be abatted one pound eighteen
^ shillirgs & eleven pence £1 18s lid being what he is Taxed in
' Mr. Abraham Hobbs Lists and in Capt John Bordmans Lists
y?lly Voted that Benja Ireland be abated £0 ISs Id being what
" Itf is Tax'd in Mr. Joseph Towns' Lists
221y Voted that Mr Simon Gould (one of ye school Comtee)
y.^ be allowed Ten pounds nineteen shilUngs and eight pence, for
r.- schooling and Boarding from Octr 29 1767 to Febr 3d 1768 it
^ being 3 months exclusive of 5 Days lost
231y Voted that Mr. Abraham Hobbs be abated £0 6s 6d for
the abatement of PhiUp Kneeland's head

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 267
241y Voted that said Abraham Hobbs be abated £0 14s Od
being part of what Willm Hood was Tax'd in sd Abraham
Hobbs Lists
8 March 1768 all the aforesaid Town officers to whom an
Oath belongs took the Oath respecting the Bills of the Neigh
bouring Goverments and was sworn to the faithfull Discharge
/Of their Respective offices excepting ye assessors & Missrs David
' Perkins & Jacob Averel Jur. and the assessors March 8th 1768
Mr. Joseph Gould, Came and was sworn to the faithfull Dis
charge of his office, of Clerk of the Sticky Meadow Common
field part in Topsfield Middleton & Boxford
by me Elijah Porter Town Cle'
The 16 May 1768 Missrs Zaccheus Gould 'Jeremiah Averell
Stephen Perkins & Elisha Wildes took the Oath respecting the
Bills of Credit of the Neighbouring Goverments, and was sworn
to the faithfull Discharge of the off.ce of Assessors and also
took the Oath of assessors for inquireing into the Rateable Es
tates of this Province
The 17 May 1768 Mr. Daniel Bixby took the aforesaid Oaths
Topsfield ss To Thomas Baker one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby appointed and
Directed forthwith to warn all the freeholders and Other In
habitants of the Town of Topsfield that are qualified by law for
voteing, to Conven & meet together at the meeting house in said
Town on Wednsday the Eighteenth Day of May next insuing at
four of the Clock in the afternoon
lly To Elect and Depute a person to serve for and Represent
the Town at the Great and Generel Court the year Ensuing ac
cording to preceipt
21y To see if the Town will gram the petition of Mr. Luke
Averell and Others respecting a piece of land to set a horse
stable upon
Sly To allow bills of Charge
hereof fail not and make Return of this appointment and Di
rection to one or more of the select men of said Town at time
and place above mentioned
Dated in Topsfield April 26th 1768
Jeremiah Averell ) o i ^
Elisha Wildes (-Selectmen

Stephen Perkins j of Topsfield

268 TOWN RECORDS OF
Topsfield March 2Srd 1763 Received of Mr Stephen Foster
Town Treasurer ye Sum of Thirty three Pounds Six Shillings
and Eight pence in full of this order and in full of my Sallary
to September 2nd 1762 By me John Emerson Clerk
Topsfield December 2nd 1763 Reed one pound Two Shillings
and Eight pence in full of this order and in full of my Sallary
to March 2nd 1763 By me John Emerson Clerk
the Two above Receipts are Tme Copeys
attest Richd Towne town CI.
Pursuant to the within Warrant for the purposes therein, I
have warned all the freeholders and Other Inhabitants within
mentioned, to appear at time and place, by posting this warrant
by the meeting house Door on the Lecture Day according to the
Custom of the Town
Dated April 27th 1768 Thos Baker Constable
A true Copy of the warrant and Retum
Attest Elijah Porter Town Cler.
At a legal Town meeting of the freeholders and Other Inhabi
tants of Topsfield ye 13 May 1768
lly Capt Saml Smith was Chosen to Represent the Town in
the Great and Genl Court ye year Ensuing
21y Capt Saml Smith was Chosen Morderator for this Meeting
Sly On reading the petition of Luke Averel and Others Voted
that Missrs Luke Averell John Bradstreet Samuel Bradstreet
Isaac Averell Thos Baker Matthew Peabody Saml Smith Solomon
Dodge Robt Perkins Abraham Hobbs & Nathan Wildes, shall
have Liberty to set a horse Stable by the personage wall near
the Meeting house
41y Voted to abate John Lefever £1 7s 7d part of what he is
Taxed in Mr. Abraham Hobbs Lists
Topsfield March 6th 1758 Reed of Mr Richard Towne Town
Treasurer five Shillings in full for my Sallary to September 2d
1757 by me John Emerson Clerk
This is a True Copy attest Richard Towne Town Clr
Topsfield Novbr 29th 1758 Received of Mr Richard Towne
Town Treasurer Thirty pounds the full of the within writen
order and the full of my Salary to March Second 1758
By me John Emerson
this is a true Copy attest Richd Towne Town Treasurer

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 269
Topsfield June 18th 1759 Reed of Treasurer Foster fourteen
pounds fifteen shillings and Eightt pence in full of the within
written order and in full for my Sallary to the 2 of September
1758 be me John Emerson Clerk
Topsfield January 28th 1760 Reed of Mr Treasurer Foster
Thirty pounds money the full of this order and in full for my
Sallary to March 2nd 1759 by me John Emerson Clerk
Topsfield June 4th 1760 Reed five shillings in full of the
Within order and in full for my Sallary to September the Second
1759 by me John Emerson Clerk
Topsfield October 31st 1760 Reed five pounds in full of ye
Within Written order and in full for my Sallary to March 2nd
1760 By me John Emerson Clerk
these four Recepts above are True as they stand Recorded
attest Richard Towne town Clerk
Topsfield November 3rd 1761 Reed Eight Pounds Eleven
Shillings money in full of this order and the full of my Salary
to March 2nd 1761 By me John Emerson Clerk
Topsfield May 8th 1762 Reed one pound Six Shillings &
Eight pence in full of this order and in full for my Salary to Sep
tember 2nd 1761 By me John Emerson Clerk
The Two Receipts are true Copeys as they stand Recorded
attest Richard Towne town Clerk
Topsfield Sept 22nd 1762 Receved Eleven pounds Five Shill
ings and three pence money ye full of this order and in full of
my SaUary to March 2nd 1762 by me John Emerson Clerk
A tme Copey attest Richard Towne town Clr
the mark of Aaron Easty Sheep is A Cross of Each Ear
Topsfield ss To Thomas Baker one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby appointed and Di
rected fourthwith to wam all the Freeholders and Other Inhabi
tants, of the north ward in said Town, that are qualified by law
for voteing, to Conven & Meet together, at the Meeting house in
said Town, on Monday the Eleventh Day of July Instent at four
of the Clock afternoon
Whereas a number of the Inhabitants of Ipswich, Wenham
Topsfield Boxford Middleton Danvers & Reding, Prefer'd a pe-

270 TOWN RECORDS OF
tition to the General Court at their Last Sessions praying that
a law might be made to Oblige the proprietors of mills on Ips
wich River and Other Streems runing into said River in the
above said Towns, to make and keep open in the most proper
seasons Sufficient ways through their mill Dams for Alewives
and Other fish, to pass up said streems to the Several ponds in
said Towns, to Cast their spawns &c, said Court has appointed
a Comtee to view said streems and ponds, and make report at
the next Sessions of said Court, said Comtee appointed Tues
day next for the purpose, but a small part of this Town sign'd
said petition
lly To see if it is the minds of this Town to have sufficient
ways made through the MiU Dams on Ipswich River and Other
Streems in this Town, which Obstructs the passage of said fish
in their way up into the ponds to Cast their spavsms
21y To see if the Town will Choose a man or men, to meet
and wait on said Comtee to the several ponds streems and Dams,
and use their utmost Endeavours in behalf of said Town that
ways may be made through said Dams and kept Open, for ale
wives and Other fish, to pass up and Down said streems in their
proper seasons as formerly
Hereof fail not and make Retum of this Appointment and
Direction to one or more of the Selectmen of said Town at time
and place above Mentioned
Dated Topsfield July 7th 1768 Zaccheus Gould ] Selectmen
Elisha Wildes r x -r c u
Stephen Perkins r* Topsfield
July Sth 1768 In Obedience to the within Warrant I have
warned The Freeholders and Other inhabitants within mentioned
to appear at time and place pr Thos Baker Constable
The Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the South ward in
said Town, were wam'd by a like Warrant as afore said and a
like retum as aforesaid made by John Peabody Constable
A tme Copy of the Warrant & retum
Attest Elijah Porter Town Cler
At a Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield July 11th 1768
lly Capt Benja Towne was Chosen Morderator for sd Meeting
21y Stephen Perkins was Chosen & swom Clerk for said
Meeting

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 271
Sly The Town voted that it was their minds to have sufficient
ways made through the Mill Dams on Ipswich River and Other
Streems in this Town which Obstruct the passage of alewives
and Other fish, in their way up into the ponds to Cast their
Spawns 41y Capt Saml Smith & Mr John Gould was Chosen, to meet
and wait on a Comtee appointed by the Generel Court, to view
the Mill Dams on Ipswich River &c and use their utmost En
deavours in behalf of said Town, that ways may be made through
said Dams and kept Open for alewives and Other fish, to pass
up and Down said Streems in their proper seasons as formerly
Attest Stepheh Perlcins Clerk for sd Meeting
12 Deer 1768 David Perkins Took ye Oath respecting ye
Bills of Credit of ye Neighbouring Goverments, and was swom
to faithfull Discharge of his office of Seeler of Leather
The Number of v/hite people in the Town of Topsfield
Taken in the month of June A D 1776 amounted to 733
At the Same time the No of Negroes & mollattoes was 25
and at the Same time their was 50 white people and one
Negro, that belonged to Other towns but was resident in Tops-
field that ware Numbred at the same time
All numbred by order of the general Court
Topsfield ss To John Peabody one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby appointed and
Directed fourthwith to wam all the freeholders and Other In
habitants of the Town of Topsfield, that are qualified by law
for voteing to Conven and Meet Together at the Meeting house
in said Town on Tuesday the sixth Day of Sept next Ensuing,
at three of the Clock afternoon
lly To see how much money the Town will agree to Raise to
Defray the Necessary Charges arising v/ithin the same the year
Ensuing 21y To see if the Town will agree that the Surveyers of
highways shall give Credit on their highway Taxes to the
Severall Selectmen for as many Days works as they were
makeing the said Taxes for this present year
Sly to allow Bills of Charge
41y To see if the Town will vote that the Selectmen shall
Draw money out of the Town Treasury to pay the Towns
proportion of the County Charges which they are now order'd
to pay

272 TOWN RECORDS OF
Sly To Choose Jurymen to serve at the next Court of Genl
Sessions of the peace and at ye Infr. Court of Common pleas to
be holden at Newburyport on the last Tuesday of Sept next
according to Venire
Hereof fail not and make retum of this appointment and
Direction to one or more of the Selectmen of said Town at
time and place above Mention'd
Dated in Topsfield August SOth 1768
Jeremiah Averell ^
Zachs Gould (Selectmen
Elisha Wildes fof Topsfield
Stephen Perkins J
Pursuant to the within appointment and Direction I have
warned all the freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the Town
of Topsfield that are qualified by law for voteing to Con
ven and Meet Together at time and place within Mentioned
by posting on the Meeting House in said Town on a publick
Lecture Day
Topsfield Augt. Slst 1768 John Peabody Constable of Topsfield
A true Copy of the Waraant & Retum
Attest Elijah Porter Town CI'
At a legal Town meeting, of the Freeholders and Other
Inhabitants of Topsfield the 6 Sept. 1768
lly Mr. Stephen Perkins was Chosen Morderator for this
meeting 21y Voted to Raise one Hundred & Twenty pounds to Defray
the Necessary Charges of the Town the year Ensuing
Sly Voted that the Surveyers of highways, shall give the
Selectmen Credit on their highway Taxes for three Days Each,
for their makeing the Taxes for Mending the highways
41y Voted that the Selectmen shall Draw five pounds Twelve
Shillings and ten out of the Town Treasury to pay the Towns
proportion of the County Tax which they are now Order'd to pay
51y Missrs Nath" Fisk & Joseph Towne were Draw'd out of
the Box to serve as Jurymen at the Infr. Court to be holden at
Newbury port in Sept Inst
61y Voted to allow Mr Saml Cummings one of the School Cum-
mittee for the School being kept IS weeks and for Bording the
school Master said time £9 14s Od
71y Voted to allow Capt John Bordman an abatement of
Philip Kneelands Taxes £0 6s 6d

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 273
Topsfield ss To Capt Thos Baker one of the Constables of
the Town of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby appointed
and Directed fourthwith to warn all the freeholders and Other
Inhabitants of the north ward in said Town, that are by law
qualified for voteing to Conven and meet Together at the Meet
ing house in said Town on Wednsday the Twenty first Day of
Sept Instent at three of the Clock aftemoon
lly To see if the Town will agreie and fall in with the votes
and Resolves agreed upon by the Inhabitants of the Town of
Boston at their Town Meeting Septr 12 1768 and Choose a man
or men as a Committee in behalf of this Town, to repair to the
Town of Boston, as soon as may be to Joyn with Such Others
as may be Chosen and sent there by the Severall Towns in this
Province, in Order that such Measures may be Consulted and
Advised as his Majesties Service and the peace and Safty of his
Subjects in this Province may Require
Sly To allow Bills of Charge
Hereof fail not and make Return of this appointment and
Direction with your Doings thereon to one or more of the
selectmen of said Town at time and place above Mentioned
Dated Topsfield Septr 19th 1768 Zachs Gould ) c ^ *.
Elisha Wildes Pf^'^^"^^,^
Jeremiah AvereU j°f Topsfield
Essex ss in Observance of the within written Direction I have
wamed the freeholders and Other Inhabitants in the north
ward in Topsfield to meet at time and place
Topsfield Septr 20th 1768 pr. Thos. Baker Constable
The freeholders and Other Inhabitants of ye South ward in
said Town, was wam'd by a like warrant as aforesd and a like
Retum made as aforesaid by
John Peabody Constable of Topsfield
A tme Copy of ye warrant and Retum
Attest Elijah Porter Town Cle'
At a legal Town Meeting in Topsfield Septr 21st 1768
lly Capt Saml Smith was Chosen Morderater
21y David Balch Jur was Chosen and Sworn Clerk for said
Meeting Sly Capt Saml Smith was Chosen in behalf of said Town as
one of a Comtee to repair to Boston as soon as may be to Joyn with
Such Others, as May be Chosen and sent there by the Severall

274 TOWN RECORDS OF
Towns in this Province, in Order that such Measures may be
Consulted and advised as his Majestys Service and the peace
and Safty of his Subjects in this Province may require
David Balch Jur. Cle'
Topsfield ss To Thomas Baker one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby appointed and
Directed fourthwith to warn all the freeholders and Other
Inhabitants of the Town of Topsfield, that are qualified by law
for voteing to Conven and meet Together at the Meeting
house in said Town on Tuesday the ye Seventh Day of March
next Ensuing at nine of the Clock in the morning
lly To Choose Selectmen a Town Clark and all Other Town
officers as the law Directs
21y To see if the Town will Accept of the Selectmens Reck
ening with the Town Treasurer
Sly To see if the Town will give liberty for swine to go at
large being yoked and ringed as the Law Directs
41y To Choose a Committee to supply the Town with a
grammer School Master this present year
Sly To see what Method the Town will agree to mend the
Highways in this present year
61y To see how much money the Town will agree to Raise
to Defray the Charges of mending the highways, and Other
Necessary Charges arising within the same the year Ensuing
71y to allow Bills of Charge
Hereof fail not and make Return of this appointment and
Direction to one or more of the Selectmen of said Town at time
and place above Mentioned
Dated in Topsfield Febr 24th 1769
Jeremiah Averell ")
Zachs Gould (Selectmen
Elisha Wildes fof Topsfield
Stephen Perkins J
Topsfield March first 1769
Being Appointed and Directed to Notifie or Wam all the free
holders and Other Inhabtants of Topsfield qualified by law for
voteing to Conven at the meting house in said Town on Tuesday
ye Seventh Day of March. Accordingly I have Done it, by
posting up this appointment at the meeting in said Town on
the Lecture Day according to the Custom of the Town
Mr. Thos Baker Constable
A tme Copy of warrant and Retum
Attest Elijah Porter Town Cle'

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 275
At a legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders and Other
Inhabitants of Topsfield the 7 March 1769
lly Capt Saml Smith was Chosen Morderator of sd Meeting
21y Missrs Elisha Wildes Stephen Perkins Jeremiah Averell
Danl Bixby Zach^ Gould were Chosen Selectmen
Sly Voted that the Selectmen shall be assessors & all Swom
but D. Bixby
41y Elijah Porter was Chosen Town Cle' Swom
Sly Missrs Luke AvereU Amos Perkins & John Balch were
Chosen Tythingmen
61y Elijah Porter was Chosen Town Treasr Swom
71y Missrs Zach^ Gould Thos Symonds Saml Town Jur were
Chosen Surveyers of highways
Sly Missrs Pelatiah Cummings Saml Cummings Thos Perkins
Jur were Chosen Fence viewers
9 Mr. David Perkins was Chosen Sealer of leather
lOly Mr. John Bradstreet was Chosen Deer Rieve
Illy Missrs. Thos Perkins John Bordman were Chosen hog
Rieves 121y Mr. Jacob Averell Jur. was Chosen Surveyer of Clab-
board & Shingles
ISly Missrs Joseph Andrews & John Baker Jur were Chosen
wardens 141y Mr. Eliezer Lake Jur. was Chosen Overseer of the Poor
ISly Voted to accept of the Selectmens Reckening with the
Town Treasurer and there Remains in the Treasurers hands
not Order'd out £244 9s lid
161y Voted to let swine go at large being yoked & Ringed as
the Law Directs
171y Capt John Bordman Missrs David Perkins and Saml
Cummings be a Comtee to Supply the Tovsm with a Grammer
School Master this present year
ISly Voted to mend the highways in the same Meathod as
they did in the year 1767
191y Voted to Raise one hundred pounds for mending the
highways and Other Necessary Charges
Voted that sixty pound of sd hundred pounds be appropriated
for mending the highways
201y Voted to allow Mr Saml Cummings and Others of the
School Comtee for the School being kept from ye first of Septr
1768 to ye first of March 1769 £19 8 0
211y Voted to allow ye Selectmen two shillings for paper
£0 2 0

276 TOWN RECORDS OF
221y Voted to aUow Missrs Zach^ Gould Enos Knight ye
Comtee for building the pound £6 2 8
231y Voted allow Mr Enos Knight for plank 0 13 4
241y Voted to allow Dea" John Gould 0 6 8
251y Voted to allow Capt Saml Smith 12 0
261y Voted to allow Capt Saml Smith for his time and ex
pences to Boston to meet ye Comtee of Convention 3 0 0
271y Voted to allow Capt John Bordman an abatement of
part of Nathan Hoods Rates for the highways 0 2 0
281y Voted to allow Mr Saml Cummings 1 / an abatement of
Jerusha Porters Rates & 1/ for warning Sarah Bayley out of
Town 0 2 0
291y Mr Nathl Dorman was Chosen Constable
SOly Mr Archelaus Rea was Chosen Constable
Misrs Amos Perkins John Balch Zach^ Gould Thos Symonds
Saml Town Jur. Pelatiah Cummings John Bradstreet Capt John
Bordman Misrs. Joseph Andrews John Baker Jur. all took the
oath Respecting the Bills of ye Neighbouring Governments and
was swom to ye faithfull Discharge of their Respective offices
14 March 1769 Mr. Saml Cummings took ye Oath respecting
ye Bills of ye neighbouring Goverments & was swom as fence
viewer 16 March 1769 Mr. NathU Dorman Took ye Oath Respecting
sd Bills and was Swom as fence viewer
23 March 1769 Mr. Luke Averell took ye Oath respecting sd
Bills and was Swom as Tythingman
27 March Mr. David Perkins took ye Oath respecting sd Bills
and was Swom as Sealer of leather
14 March 1769 Mr. Danl Bixby took the Oath Respecting sd
Bills and was Swom as assessor
The Freeholders & Other Inhabitants of Topsfield, being as
sembled by the Constable, the 7 March 1769
lly Mr. Eliezer Lake Jur. was Chosen Grand Juryman for ye
year Ensuing
Missrs Joseph Gould & Saml Cummings were Draw'd out of
the Box to serve on ye Jury of Tryals at March Court 1769
Topsfield ss To Nathaniel Dorman Constable of the Town of
Topsfield Greeting You are hereby appointed and Directed
fourthwith to wam all the freeholders and Other Inhabitants of

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 277
the Town of Topsfield that are qualified by law for voteing to
Conven and Meet Together, at the meeting house in said Town
on Wednsday the Twentysecond Day of March Instent at two
of the Clock aftemoon
lly To see if the Town will agree to pay the Constables or
Collectors for their services in Collecting the Taxes in ye Town
for the year 1769
21y For the Tovsm to agree upon any perticuler Sum to give
the Constables or Collectors pr pound for their service in Col
lecting the Taxes in said Town for the year 1769
Sly To Choose a Constable for this present year in the room
of Archelaus Rea who Refuses to serve
41y To see if the Town will vote to Excuse Arch' Rea from
paying a fine for refusing to serve as a Constable
51y To allow Bills of Charge
Hereof fail not and make return of this appointment and
Direction to one of the Selectmen of said Town at time and
place above mentioned
Dated in Topsfield March 16th 1769
Jeremiah Averell ")
Zachs Gould (Selectmen
Elisha Wildes l^of Topsfield
Stephen Perkins J
Pursuant to the within Appointment and Direction I have
wamed all the freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the Town
of Topsfield that are qualified by Law for voteing to Conven
and meet Together at the meeting house in said Town, at time
and place within mentioned
Dated in Topsfield March ISth 1769
Nath' Dorman Constable for Topsfield
A tme Copy of ye warrant and Retum
Attest Elijah Porter Town Cle'
At a legal Town meeting of the freeholders and Other Inhabi
tants of Topsfield ye 22 March 1769
lly Capt Saml Smith was Chosen Morderator for sd meeting
21y Mr Aaron Estey was Chosen Constable
Sly Voted to Excuse Archelaus Rea from paying a fine for his
Refusing to serve as Constable
41y Voted to allow Mr Zach^ Gould for plank £0 2s Od
Sly Voted to allow Mr Elisha Wildes an abatement of Benja
Bayleys Rates £0 Ss 9d

278 TOWN RECORDS OF
22 March 1769 Mr Joseph Gould was swom to the faithfull
Discharge of his office of Clerk of ye Proprietors of ye Sticky
Meadow Common field in Topsfield by Elijah Porter Town Cle'
22 March 1769 Mr. Nehemiah Herrick was swom as Haward
and fence viewer of the Sticky Meadow Common field in Tops-
field by Elijah Porter Town Cle'
Topsfield ss To Nathaniel Dorman Constable of the Town of
Topsfield Greeting You are Hereby Appointed and Directed
fourth with to Wam all the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants
of the Town of Topsfield that are qualified by law for Voting to
Conven and Meet Together at the Meeting house in said Town
on Tuesday the Twentythird Day of May Instent at three of
the Clock aftemoon
lly To Elect and Depute a person to serve for & Represent
The Town in the Great and General Court or assembly accord
ing to precept
21y To see if the Town will agree to pay the Constables or
Collectors for their services in Collecting the Taxes in the Town,
for this present year, and for ye future
Sly For the Town to agree upon any perticuler sum to give
the Constables or Collectors, pr pound for their service in Col
lecting the Taxes in the Town for this present year and for the
future Wheras Mr. Aaron Estey was Chosen Constable at a legal
Town Meeting in Topsfield 22 Day of March last past and after
wards (Viz) at his Majestys Court of General Sessions of the
peace held at Ipswich in the County of Essex in March last
past, said Aaron by the Judgment of the Justices of said Court
was Judged incapable to serve in said office, whereby there be
came a vacancy of the usual Town officers in said Town There
fore 41y To Choose a Constable
Sly To allow Bills of Charge
61y To see if the Town will Grant the Petition of Jacob Towne
Hereof fail not, and make Retum of this appointment and
Direction with your doings thereon to one or more of the Se
lectmen of said Town at time and place above mentioned
Dated in Topsfield May 16 1769 Jeremiah AverilH
Zachs Gould f o i i.
T-, 1 D- u I Selectmen
Sa'^wSes fo' Topsfield
Stephen Perkins J

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 279
Pursuant to the within appointment and Direction I have
Wamed all the freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the Town
of Topsfield that are qualified by law for voteing, to Conven
and meet Together at the Meeting House in said Town, at time
and place within Mentioned
Dated Topsfield May 19th 1769
Nath' Dorman Constable of Topsfield
A tme Copy of the Warrant & Retum
Attest Elijah Porter Town Cle'
At a legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders and Other In
habitants of Topsfield 23 May 1769
lly Capt Saml Smith was Chosen to Represent the Town in
the Great & Genl Court the year Ensuing
21y Capt Saml Smith was Chosen Morderater for said Meeting
Sly Mr. Nehemah Herrick was Chosen Constable
41y Voted that Mr Jacob Town be allowed to work out what
he and the land he improves is or may be Taxed, to work at
the highways this present year, in Makeing a bridge over a
slough for him to get to meeting, as he Petition'd for
29 May 1769 Mr. NeheJ^ Herrick took ye Oath Respecting the
bills of ye Neighbouring Goverments and swom as Constable
Topsfield ss To Nath" Dorman one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby Appointed and
Directed fourthwith to wam all the Freeholders and Other In
habitants of said Town that are qualified by law for voteing, to
Conven and Meet Together at the Meeting house in said Town
on Tuesday the Nineteenth Day of Septr next Ensuing at two of
the Clock aftemoon
lly To see how much money the Town will agree to raise to
Defray the Necessary Charges ariseing in said Town
21y To see if the Town will agree, that the Surveyers of high
ways, shall give Credit on their highway Lists to ye severall
assessors for as many Days works as they were imploy'd in
makeing the highway Taxes for this present year
Sly To allow BUls of Charge
41y To see if the Town will vote that ye Selectmen shall
purchas weights and Other Necessarys to Draw tue the four
Inside Doors of the Meeting house, or to act any thing Respect
ing the Meeting house Doors as the Town shall think proper
Sly To see if the Town will vote that the Selectmen shall
Draw money cut of the Treasury to pay the Towns proportion
of the County Tax for this present year

280 TOWN RECORDS OF
Hereof fail not and make Return of this appointment and
Direction with your Doings thereon to one or more of the
Selectmen of said Town at time and place above mentioned
Dated in Topsfield August 29th 1769
Jeremiah AverelH
Zach. Gould I Selectmen
Sa'^Wifdes N' Topsfield
Stephen Perkins J
Pursuant to ye within appointment & Direction I have wamed
all the freeholders and Other Inhabitants within Mentioned to
appear at time and place within Mentioned by posting this
appointment on the meeting house near the Door
this 30 August 1769 Nathl Dorman Constable for Topsfield
A tme Copy of the Warrant & Return
Attest Elijah Porter Town Cle'
At a legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders and Other
Inhabitants of Topsfield the 19 Septr 1769
lly Capt Saml Smith was Chosen Morderator of this Meeting
21y Voted to Raise one Hundred pounds to Defray the
Necessary Charges ariseing in said Town
Sly Voted that the Surveyers of highways shall give the
Selectmen Credit on their highways lists of Taxes for three
Days work each for their makeing the highway Rates this
present year
41y Voted that the Selectmen shall purchas weights and
Other Necessarys to Draw too the west Gallary Door
Sly Voted that the Selectmen shall purchas weights and Other
Necessarys to Draw too the East Gallary Door
61y Voted that the School Committee be allowed for the
School being kept from ye 13 March 1769 to the 13 September
1769 £19 8s
71y Voted that Mr Danl Lake be allowed for warning John
Stams and his wife out of Town 4/ and for Geting the Consta
bles Staf Done 7/4 and for abatement of Benja Irelands Tax
8/1 £0 19s Sd
Topsfield ss You To NathU Dorman one of the Constables of
the Town of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby appointed and
Directed fourthwith to warn all the Freeholders and Other In
habitants of the north ward in said Town that are qualified for

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 281
voteing to conven and meet Together at the meeting house in
said Town on Tuesday the Twenty fourth Day of October
Instent at two of the Clock afternoon
lly To see if the Town will Choose a Committee to act in
Conjunction with such persons as may be impowered by the
Town of Wenham, in straitning the line between Topsfield and
Wenham or makeing such alterations in it as they, when
Conven'd shall Judge Necessary.
21y To see if the Town is Willing that Joseph Cummings
John Lampson Israel Clarke Joseph Cummings Jur John Lampson
Jur and Thomas Cummings with their Estates should be set
of from the Town of Ipswich and annexed to the Town of
Topsfield Sly To allow Bills of Charge
Hereof fail not and make Return of this appointment and
Direction to one or more of the Selectmen of said Town at
time and place above mentioned
Dated in Topsfield October 13th 1769
Jeremiah Averell
Zachs Gould \ c i 4.
T-, , r). u I Selectmen
Danl Bixby r * t- ^ u
Elisha Wildes (of Topsfield
Stephen Perkins ^
Pursuant to the within appointment & Direction I have
warned aU the freeholders & Other Inhabitants within men
tioned, to Conven and Meet Together at time & place within
Mentioned Dated Topsfield 17 Octr 1769
Nathl Dorman Constable for Topsfield
The freeholders and Other Inhabitants of ye south ward in
said Town was wam'd by a like Warrant as aforesd, and a like
Retum made as aforesd, by Neheh. Herrick Constable for
Topsfield A true Copy of ye Warrant & Return
Attest Elijah Porter Town Cle'
At a legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders & Other Inhab
itants of Topsfield the 24 October 1769
lly Capt Saml Smith was Chosen Morderter of this Meeting
21y Voted that Nath" Averell Capt Sam" Smith Missrs Elijah
Porter Zachs Gould & Stephen Perkins be a Committee to act
in Conjunction with such persons as may be impowered by the

282 TOWN RECORDS OF
Town of Wenham, to straiten the line between Topsfield and
Wenham, or make such alterations as they shall think necessary
Sly Voted that the Town is free and willing that Capt Joseph
Cummings Missrs John Lampson Israel Clark Joseph Cummings
Jur John Lampson Jur & Thomas Cummings, with their Estates,
shall be sett of from the Town of Ipswich, and annexed to the
Town of Topsfield
41y Voted that Missrs Zach^ Gould Elisha Wildes & Stephen
Perkins be aUowed for Citing Mr. Aaron Estey before the Court
of Genl Sessions of ye peace held at Ipsv/ich in Mar'^ 1769,
for his Refusing to serve as Constable £1 15s Sd
Sly Voted to allow Mr. Abraham Hobbs an abatement of
John Cloughs Rates £0 Ss 7d
61y Voted to allow Mr. Thos Symonds for plank £1 Ss Od
At a meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of
Topsfield assembled by ye Constable the 24 Octr 1769
Mr Solomon Dodge was Chosen Grand Jury man for ye Supr.
Court to be holden at Salem in Novr 1769
Capt John Bordman was Draw'd out of the Box to serve on
the Jury of Tryals at said Court
We the Subscribers Met this Twentj^hird Day of November
A D 1769 and perambulated the line and renewed the bounds
between the Towns of Topsfield and Middleton, in the following
manner (Viz) begining at a heep of stones in the Brook Called
Nickolss Brook near where Porters saw mill stood, which is
a bounds between Topsfield and Danvers, from thence as the
Brook runs to a small Elm tree at the northeasterly branch of
said Brook, thence as said northeasterly Branch Runs to a heap
of Stones by the River
^ v, p u ^ Comtee ^ Select-
josepnruuer (appointed by Danl Bixby (^men of
bami bymonas ^^j^^ Selectmen Stephen Perkins (Tops-
Bartholomew BerryJ ^^ Middleton J field
We the Subscribers have mett this 23 Day of Novr 1769 and
Perabulated the line and renewed the bounds between the
Tovsms of Topsfield and Danvers, in the following manner Viz
begining at a stake and stones near Wenham Causey the north
erly bound between Wenham and Danvers thence runing west
erly Eight poles to an Elm tree marked D D & T thence runing
norwesterly about Twentytwo poles to a stake and stones by
the Edge of the Swamp near Theophelus Fisk's Bam thence
runing westerly to a black Oak Stump with Stones about it in an

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 283
Orchard belonging to the heirs of Danl Gott Deceas'd from
thence to a heap of stones, at the bend of a well where a run
or slow emties it self out of Archelaus Reas land into the
land of Israel Andrews, thence to a heap of stones on land
belonging to the heirs of ye Honl. Timothy Lendall Esqr late
of Salem Deed, near Nichols's Brook, thence on the same
Course to said brook near the remains of an old saw mill
Commonly CaU'd Porters Saw Mill
^ Comtee
Archl. Dale (appointed by Danl Bixby ) Selectmen
Tarrant Putnam Cye selectmen Stephen Perkins J of Topsfield
J of Danvers
We the Subscribers Danl Bixby Elisha Wildes Zacch^ Gould
& Stephen Perkins Selectmen of Topsfield, and Willi" pisk and
Matthew Fairfield A Committee appointed by the Selectmen of
Wenham, Mett and Perambulated the line and renewed the
bounds between said Towns on the 27 Day of April 1769 as fol
loweth Viz beginning at a Stake and stones in the meadow near
Wenham Causey the Northeasterly Corner of Danvers from
thence northerly to a Stump and stones northerly of Theophelus
Fisks Bam from thence to a stake and stones on the west side
of the road leading to Bunkers meadow, from thence to a heap
of stones by a brook at the end of a wall from thence to a heap
of stones on the west of Robinsons Island from thence to a heap
of stones by the southerly Corner of Pigtons Meadow from
thence to ye River
Danl Bixby ^
Elisha Wildes (Selectmen Willm Fisk ) Comtee for
Zachs Gould (of Topsfield Matthew Fairfield j Wenham
Stephen PerkinsJ
Topsfield ss To Nath" Dorman one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby appointed and
Directed fourthwith to warn all the freeholders and Other
Inhabitants of the Town of Topsfield that are qualified by law
for voteing to Conven and meet Together at the meeting house
in said Town on Tuesday the sixth Day of March next Ensuing,
at Ten of the Clock in the forenoon
lly To Choose Selectmen a Town Clerk and all Other Town
Officers as the Law Directs for the ensuing year
21y To see if Town will accept of the Selectmens Reckening
with the Town Treasurer
Sly To Choose a Committee to supply the Town with a
Grammer School Master the year Ensuing

284 TOWN RECORDS OF
41y For the Town to bring in their votes for a County
Treasurer Sly To see if Town will accept of the Return of the Comtee
that was Chosen to Straiten or alter the line between the
Towns of Wenham and Topsfield
61y To see what Meathod the Town will agree to Mend the
highways in this present year
71y To see how much money the Town agree to Raise to
Defray the Charge of Mending the highways and Other Neces
sary Charges ariseing in the Town ye year Ensuing
Sly To allow Bills of Charge
Whereof fail not and make Retum of this appointment and
Direction with your doings Thereon to one or more of the
Selectmen of said Town at time and place above Mentioned
Dated in Topsfield Febr. 27th 1770
Jeremiah AverelH
Zachs Gould ^ i *.
Dan' Bixby Pf^'^*"'!^.
Elisha Wildes (of Topsfield
Step° Perkins J
Pursuant to ye within appointment & Direction I have wamed
all the freeholders and Other Inhabitants of ye Town of Tops-
field that are qualified by law for voteing to Conven and meet
Together, at time and place within Mentioned by posting this
notification on ye meeting house Door on a publick Lecture Day
Topsfield Febr. 28th 1770
Nathl Dorman Constable of Topsfield
A true Copy of ye warrant & Return
Attest Elijah Porter Tovsm Cler.
At a legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders and Other In
habitants of Topsfield the 6 March 1770
lly Capt Saml Smith was Chosen Morderater of this meeting
21y Elijah Porter was Chosen Town Cler
Sly Voted that this meeting be adjumed to Monday the Twelvth
Day of March Inst, at Ten of the Clock in the fore noon accord
ingly sd. meeting was adjurnd
At a legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inabi-
tants of Topsfield, held by Adjurnment ye 12 March A D 1770.
Capt Saml Smith Morderater
lly Misrs. Stephen Perkins Danl Bixby Zach^ Gould Solomon
Dodge Joseph Gould were Chosen Selectmen

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 285
21y Voted that the sd Selectmen shall be assessors
Sly Misrs. Thos Mower & Robert Perkins were Chosen Con
stables 41y Missrs. Abraham Hobbs John Peabody NathU Low wer
Chosen Tythingmen
Sly Elijah Porter was Chosen Town Treasuer
61y Capt Saml Smith Missrs Zach^ Gould Nehe'> Herrick were
Chosen Surveyers of highways
71y Missrs John Bradstreet Elisha Wildes & Joseph Andrews
were Chosen Fence Viewers
Sly Mr David Perkins was Chosen Sealer of leather
91y Mr. Aaron Estey was Chosen Deer Rieve
lOly Misrs. Danl. Clarke & John Becker Jur. were Chosen
hog Rieves
Illy Mr. Jacob Averell Jur. was Chosen Surveyer of Clab
boards & Shingles
121y Misrs. John Perkins Jur. & Thos. Emerson were Chosen
Wardens 131y Voted to accept of the Selectmens Reckening with the
Town Treasuer, and there remains in said Treasurers hands not
order'd out £231 Ss 8 1/2
14 Misrs. Saml. Cummings & Enos Knight were Chosen Over
seers of the Poor
151y Misrs. Jacob Peabody Simon Gould & Archl. Rea were
Chosen a Comtee to supply the Town with a Grammer School
Master for ye year Ensuing
161y The Town Brought in their votes for a County Treas
urer 171y Voted to accept of the lines being altered and straitened
between the Towns of Wenham & Topsfield by the Committees
of said Towns, which is as followeth viz
Where as the lines between Wenham and Topsfield are very
Intregate, and the bounds being in such Boggy Meadows that
they Could not Get at them when they Perambulated Therefore
ye sd Towns of Wenham and Topsfield have impowered us the
Subscribers to Straiten the lines between said Towns, or make
such alterations as we think necessary, we haveing mett for
the purpose aforesaid, and have altered and straitened said
lines and made Monuments as followeth Viz Begining at a stake
and Stones near Wenham Causey (so Called) being a bounds be
tween Wenham Topsfield and Danvers from thence runing north
36 1/2 Degrees East 117 1/2 poles to a stake and stones by a
wall thence north 15 Degrees East 82 1/2 poles to a stake

286 TOWN RECORDS OF
and stones at the northeast Comer of Robinsons Island (so
Calld) thence north 20 1/2 Degrees East 60 poles to a stake
and stones at the Southwest Comer of Wenham Island (so Calld)
thence north 58 1/2 Degrees East 29 poles to the river at the
northwest Comer of said Wenham Island thence by the River
to Ipswich fine
Dated December 12th 1769
ifr^fr^t^^ Icomteefor f?^ ^"^l" l Comtee for
Saml Tarbox )-^" {. Stephen Perkins r^  ^£„ij
Wilhn. Fairfield j Wenham ^achs Gould [Topsfield
18 Voted to Mend the highways in the Same Method as the
Town did in the year 1767 which is as foUoweth. Viz that the
assessors shall Exhibit a list of what each of the Inhabitants
(of said Town) Just proportion is of the sum that shaU be ap
propriated for mending the highways and Each persons propor
tion is as weU paid in Labour, as in money, to the Surveyers of
highways. Labour to be Estimated at the following prices Viz
a man vsdth sutable meterials two Shillings pr Day one per of
Oxen one ShiUing pr. Day and a Cart or Tumbrel one Shilling
pr. Day and the Surveyers shall give Each person named and
sett Down in his List Liberty and Seasonable Notice to pay what
they are set Down in his List in labour at such time and place
as such Surveyer shall Judge most proper, and said Sur\'eyer
shaU keep an account of what each person pays in Labour at
Mending said ways, and on or before the fifteenth Day of No
vember next, shall Return a Just and tme account of what Each
person shaU have paid in Labour, to the Selectmen, and the
said Selectmen shall immediately Exhibit ye same to ye Con
stables & sd Constables shall immediately give Credit to each
person named and sett Down in Each of their Respective Lists,
for what they shall have paid in Labour, at mending said ways
and the Selectmen shall give orders, to the Town Treasurer to
Discount with each of ye Constables such sums as shall then
appear to be paid in Labour, by the persons named and set
Down in Each of their Respective Lists
191y Voted to Raise one hundred pounds to Defray the Charge
of Mending the highways and Other Necessary Charges ariseing
in ye Town ye year Ensuing
Voted to appropriate Sixty pounds of said hundred pounds
for to Defray the Charge of Mending the highways this present
year 201y Voted to allow Capt John Bordman and Others the
School Comtee for the Schools being kept five months and five

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 287
Days £11 9s 6 1/4 and for Boarding ye School Master sd time
£5 7s 4d £16 16s 10 1/4
211y Voted to allow Mr Stephen Perkins for paper £0 2s Sd
221y Voted to allow Mr NathU Dorman for warning one Town
Meeting £0 6s Od
At a meeting of the freeholders and Other Inhabitants of
Topsfield, assembled by Neheh. Herrich (Constabel) ye 6 March
1770 Mr Jacob Kimball was Chosen Grand Jury man for the year
Ensuing Misrs. Joseph Perkins & Thos. Perkins Jur. were Draw'd out
of the Box to serve on ye Jury of Tryals at ye Infr. Court at
Ipswich in March 1770
Elijah Porter Thos Mov/er Robt Perkins Abraham Hobbs
John Peabody NathU Low Capt Saml Smith Zach^ Gould Nehe
mah Herrick John Bradstreet Elisha Wildes Joseph Andrews
Danl. Clarke Thos. Emerson, v/ere all sworn Respecting the bills
of Credit of the Neighbouring Goverments and also were Swom
to the faithful Discharge of their Respective offices the 12 March
1770 The 26 March 1770 Misrs. Stephen Perkins Danl. Bixby Zachs.
Gould Solomon Dodge & Joseph Gould, were all Swom Respect
ing ye afore said Bills, and also were Sworn as assessors
The 28 March 1770 Mr. David Perkins was Sworn Respecting
ye afore said bills, and also was sworn as Sealer of leather
The 27 March 1770 Mr. John Perkins was sworn Respecting
the aforesd. Bills, and also was Swom as Warden
the 4 April 1770 Mr. John Baker Jur. was Sworn Respecting
the aforesaid Bills, and also was sworn as hog Rieve
the 7 April 1770 Mr. Jacob Averell Jur. was Sworn Respect
ing the afore said Bills, and also was Swom as Surveyer of Clab
boards and Shingles
May 2, 1770 Misrs. Joseph Andrews Jereh. Averell & Isaac
Averell, were Sworn as assessors of ye River Meadow Salten-
stalls Meadow & hassokey meadow by me Elijah Porter Town Cler
Mr. Amos Perkins was sworn as CoUecter for ye Proprieters
of the above sd Meadow. by me Elijah Porter Town Cler

288 TOWN RECORDS OF
Mr. Jereh. Averell was swom as Treasurer for ye Proprietors
of ye above sd. Meadow by me Elijah Porter Town Cler.
Mr. Isaac Averell was swom as Clerk of ye Proprietors of the
above sd. Meadow by me Elijah Porter Town Cler.
Topsfield ss To Robert Perkins one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby appointed and
Directed fourthwith to warn all the freeholders and Other In
habitants for said Town, that are qualified by law for voteing
to Conven and meet Together, at the Meeting house in said
Town on Wednesday the Twentythird day of May Instent at
two of the Clock after noon
lly To Choose a man to Represent the Town at the Great &
General Court the year Ensuing according to precept
21y To see if the Town will Choose a man or men to see that
there are good and Sufficient ways made and kept Open through
the mill Dams in this Town, for alewives and Other fish to pass
up into the ponds to Cast their Spauns
Sly for the Town to act any thing they shall think proper
Respecting getting alewives up into the ponds in this Town
41y To see if the Town will vote not to Purchas any Com
modities of, or have any tradeing with any importers, or traders
with importers, Conterary to the agreement of the united body
of merchants, and not to [use] any foreign Tea
Sly To see if the Town Choose a Committee to offer to the
Inhabitants of this Town, a subscription to sign against purchas
ing of or Tradeing with Importers, or Traders with importers,
and also against useing any foreign Tea
61y To allow Bills of Charge
71y To see if the Town will agree to move the parting in the
frunt Gallery in the Meeting house so as to inlarge the mens
Seats as the Town shall think proper
Hereof fail not and make return of this appointment and Di
rection with your doings thereon to one or more of the Select
men of said Town at time and place above mentioned
Dated in Topsfield May 1st 1770 Zachs Gould
Daniel Bixby Selectmen
Solomon Dodge t'r rj.  ^^^i j
Joseph Gould r* Topsfield
Stephen Perkins^
Pursuant to ye within appointment & Direction I have warned
all the freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the Town of Tops-

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 289
field, that are qualified for voteing to Conven and meet Together
at time and place within mentioned
Dated in Topsfield May 2 1770
Robert Perkins Constable of Topsfield
A true Copy of the warrant & Return
Attest Elijah Porter Town Cler
At a legal Meeting of the freeholders and Other Inhabitants
of Topsfield the 23 May A D 1770
lly Capt Saml Smith was Chosen to Represent the Town in
the Great and Genl. Court
21y Mr. Stephen Perkins was Chosen Morderator for this
meeting Sly Misrs. Saml. Cummings Solomon Dodge Elijah Porter
Capt John Bordman & Mr. Thos Symonds, were Chosen to see
there is good fish ways made through ye Mill Dams
41y Voted that the Town will be at the Charge of haveing
alewives brought into ye ponds
Sly Misrs. NathU Dorman Thos. Symonds Solomon Dodge
and Danl. Bixby, were Chosen to get a quantity of alewives
brought into the ponds
61y Voted that this meeting be adjurned to Monday ye 28
of May Instent at 3 of the Clock afternoon, accordingly sd.
Meeting was Adjurned
At a legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders and Other In
habitants of Topsfield the 28 Day of May A D 1770 held by ad
jumment Mr. Stephen Perkins Morderater
Voted that this meeting be Adjurned to Monday ye Eleventh
of June next, at three of the Clock afternoon, accordingly
said Meeting was adjurned to said day and time
At a legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders & Other Inhabi
tants of Topsfield held by Adjurnment the Eleventh of June
A D 1770 Mr. Stephen Perkins Morderater
The Town takeing into Consideration, the grivances the Colo
nies labour under, by reason of the acts of Parlament, for
raising a revennue in america, by imposing dutys on glass
painters Colours Tea &c, and said dutys being imposed, with
out the Consent of any of the americans. The Town apprehends
are unconstitutional, and that it is grievous hard and unreas
onable, to have our Money Extorted from us, without our
Consent, and we apprehend the Money raised by said Dutys,
never will do any service to the Community, but only serve to

290 TOWN RECORDS OF
support, useless pentioners and place men, and further we think
it Cruel hard, that we have had our Just Rights and Priveledges
invaded, by a Milatary force, quartered in the heart of the
metropulus of this Province at a time of peace, as we appre
hend to force us to a Complyance with sd acts, who have be
haved themselves, in such a Cruel and hostile manner, as to
kiU a number of our unarmed fellow subjects. Therefore we
think it is high time for every part of ye Community, to do
every thing they Can in a Constitutional way, to obtain Redress
of our grievances, and hearty ly rejoyce, that ye united body
of Merchants in this Province, of all ye rest of the Colonys,
have acted so wisely and Constitutionally, by Comeing into an
agreement, not to import goods from Great Britton till our
grievances are redressed. Therefore voted that we will do
every thing that is in Our power, to Ennable the said Mer
chants to Continue in their agreement for the non importation
of goods from Great Britton, and that we will Endeavour to
Incourrage and promote all our own Manufactures, and make
our own Clothing, and that we will not knowingly have any
tradeing, with those that import goods Contarary to the agree
ment of the united body of Merchants, nither will we purchas
any thing of those that trade with ye said importers of goods,
and that we will not Buy nor sell any foreign Tea, nor know
ingly suffer any of our familys, to buy or sell any till a generel
importation takes place
Misrs. Thos. Emerson Nehemiah Herrick & Luke Averell,
were Chosen a Comtee. to offer to ye Inhabitants of this Town,
the aforesaid vote for them to sign
Whereas Enos Knight of Topsfield, Stephen Putnam and
Phinehas Putnam of Danvers, by their Petition to the Selectmen
of Topsfield, shewing that a private way, was much wanted for
them, to pass and repass, through land of the heirs of Liut.
Nathl. Porter Deed, and laid out to the widow Abigail Porter as
thirds out of her late husbands Estate. After vewing the way
Petitioned for, and Consideration thereon do proseed to lay
out a way for the said Enos Knight Stephen Putnam and
Phinehas Putnam as followeth (Viz) Begining at a stake &
stones, at the Road near the said Abigail Porters house, from
thence runing East 44 Degrees north ninteen pole to a stake
and stones at the end of the Causey, from thence north 4 De
grees east to a stake and stones, at the wall by land of Enos
Knight 23 pole & 20 links, to Extend so far Easterly as to
make said way one & a half wide, and do Estimate the Damages

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 291
at three pounds to be paid by the Petitioners, to the said
Abigail Porter and the heirs of the said NathU Porter
Topsfield April 26th 1770 Zaccheus Gould ^
Daniel Bixby (Selectmen
Solomon Dodge [of Topsfield
Joseph Gould J
The above return was Received on Record ye 17 May 1770
Topsfield ss To Thomas Mower one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby appointed and
Directed Fourthwith to wam, all the Freeholders and Other
Inhabitants of the Town of Topsfield, that are qualified by law
for voteing, to Conven and meet Together at the Meeting house
in said Town, on Tuesday the Eighteenth day of September
next Ensuing at two oclock afteimoon
lly To see how much money the Town will agree to raise to
Defray the Necessary Charges ariseing in the Town the year
Ensuing 21y To see if the Town will vote that the Selectmen shall
Draw Money out of the Town Treasury to pay the Towns pro
portion of the County Tax
Sly To see if the Town will agree to Order the Town Treas
urer to Issue Executions (in such time as the Town shall think
proper) against the Constables that are Delinquent, in makeing
up their accounts with the Treasurer agreeable to their
warrants 41y To see if the Town will provide wood for the school
Sly To allow Bills of Charge
61y To see if the Town will agree that the Several Surveyers
of highways shall give Credit on their highway Taxes, to the
several Selectmen for as many days work as they was imployed
in makeing the highway Taxes the Present year
Hereof fail not and make return of this appointment and
Direction to one or more of the Selectmen of said Town at
time and place above mentioned
Dated in Topsfield Augt. 2Srd 1770
Zaccfis Gould
Danl Bixby Selectmen
Solomon Dodge r t t- ^ u
Joseph Gould (of Topsfield
Stephen PerkinsJ
Pursuant to ye within appointment & Direction I have wamed
all the freeholders and Other Inhabitants of Topsfield qualified

292 TOWN RECORDS OF
by law for voteing to Conven & Meet Together at time & place
within Mentioned by posting up ye within appointment on the
Meeting house on a publick lecture Day
Dated Topsfield August 28th 1770
Thomas Mower Constable of Topsfield
A tme Copy of the warrant & Return
Attest Elijah Porter Town Cler
At a legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi
tants of Topsfield the 18 Sept. 1770
lly Mr. Stephen Perkins was Chosen Morderater for this
meeting 21y Voted to Raise One hundred pounds for to Defray the
Necessary Charges arising in said Town ye year Ensuing
Sly Voted that the Selectmen shall Draw Money Out of the
Town Treasurer to pay the Towns proportion of the County Tax
41y Voted that the Town Treasurer shall issue his Execution
against Abraham Hobbs (one of the Constable of said Town)
the first of November next, for what he is Delinquent
Sly Voted that the Town Treasurer shall issue his Execution
against Capt John Bordman (one of the Constables of sd Town)
the first of November next, for what he is Delinquent
61y Voted that the Town Treasurer shall issue his Execution
against Joseph Tovsme (one of ye Constables of said Town) the
first of November next for what he is Delinquent
71y Voted that the Town Treasurer shall issue his Execution
against Elisha Wildes (one of ye Constables of said Town) the
fifteenth of November next, for what he is Delinquent
Sly Voted that the Town Treasurer shall issue his Execution
against Danl. Lake (one of the Constables of said Town) the
fifteenth of November next, for what he is Delinquent
91y Voted that the Town Treasurer, shall issue his Execution
against Capt Thomas Baker (one of the Constables of said
Town) the first of February next, for what he is Delinquent
lOly Voted that the Town Treasurer, shall issue his Execu
tion against John Peabody (one of the Constables of Town) the
first of February next, for what he is Delinquent
Illy Voted that the Town shall provide wood for the school
121y Voted that Capt John Bordman be allowed an abatement
of John Lef avers Tax £1 7s lid and also be allowed 10/2 an
abatement of Elnathan Hubbards Tax 10s 2d
and also be allowed 9/5 an abatement of Henry Bradstreets
Tax £0 9s Sd

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 293
and also be allowed 10/2 an abatement of Joseph Hoods Tax
£0 10s 2d
and also be allowed 12/8 an abatement of Simon Bradstreets
Tax 12s 8d
ISly Voted that Mr. Elisha Wildes be allowed 10/6 an abate
ment of Elnathan Hubbards Tax 10s 6d
And also be allowed 1/9 an abatement of John Stums Tax Is 9d
and also be aUowed 26/2 an abatement of John Lefavers Tax
£1 6s 2d
and also sd. Elisha be allowed /4 an abatement of Capt. Asa
Perleys Tax £0 Os 4s
141y Voted that Mr. Jacob Peabody and Others be allowd for
ye School being kept from ye 12 of March to ye 12 of June and
boarding ^ £10 2s Sd
ISly Voted that Mr John Peabody be aUow'd 4/7 an abate
ment of Benja Irelands Tax £0 4s 7d
161y Voted that the Surveyers of highways shall give Credit
to each of the Selectmen 3 Days for their makeing the highway
Tax At a legal meeting of the Freeholders & Other Inhabitants of
Topsfield, assembled by the Constable, ye 18 of Sept 1770 Misirs
John Baker Jur. & Henry Bradstreet were Chosen to serve as
Jury men at the Infr. Court to be holden at Newburyport in
Sept. Instent
At a legal Meeting of the Freeholders & Other Inhabitants of
Topsfield, assembled by the Constable the second Day of No
vember 1770 Mr. Daniel Bixby was Chosen to Serve on the
Grand Jury & Mr. David Perkins to Serve on the Jury of Tryals
at the Supr. Court to be holden at Salem on the first Tuesday
of November Inst.
Topsfield ss To Robert Perkins one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby appointed and
Directed Fourth with to warn the freeholders and Other Inhabi
tants of said Town, that are Qualified by law for voteing, to
Conven and Meet Together at the Meeting house in said Town,
on Tuesday ye fifth Day of March next Ensuing at nine of the
Clock in the fore Noon
lly To Chuse Selectmen a Town Clerk and all Other Town
Officers as the law Directs for the year Ensuing
21y To see if the Town will accept of the Selectmens Reck
ening with the Town Treasurer

294 TOWN RECORDS OF
Sly To see how much money the Town will agree to Raise to
Defray the Charges of mending highways and Other Necessary
Charges ariseing in said Town this present year
41y To see what Method the Town will agree to mend the
highways in this present year
Sly For the Town to bring in their votes for a County Trea^
61y For the Town to bring in their votes for a County Reg
ister 71y Whereas John Balch Apprehends that the Selectmen
through some mistake, or Otherwise have Rated him much more
for his real Estate, than they have Other persons in said Town
in proportion to their severall incomes. Therefore to see if the
Town will take that matter under their Consideration and make
Choise of two or more sutable persons (and upon said Balch's
Own Cost) to inquire and make sarch into that matter by Com-
pairing the former single bills, with those that the Selectmen
have lately used, for their Guide for Taxing the Inhabitants of
said Town, and see whether there is any mistake or not and
make Report to the Town of their Opinion thereon at the next
meeting of sd Town
Sly To see if the Tovsm will assign such approportion of room
in the seats in the Gallery of the meeting house, for a number
of singers to sit in, as the Town shall think proper, also to chouse
a man or men, to select out such a number of singers as may
Conveniently sit in such Room as the Town assigns and seat them
there 91y To hear and Consider of a petition of the widow Abigail
Porter praying to have a way Discontinued and abolish'd, that
the Select men, on the 26th Day of April A D 1770, laid out
through over land set of as part of her Dower in her late Hus
bands Estate in Topsfield
lOly To see if the Town will Chouse a Committee to seat the
Inhabitants of this Town in the meeting house & give them In
stmctions Illy To see if the Town will accept of a way laid out by the
Selectmen, begining at an ancient Town way in Mr David Balch's
land, to Zaccheus Goulds and so on to the Town way leading
to fishing brook
121y To see if the Town will Chuse a man or men to bring
some live alewives and put them into the pond in Topsfield
(CaU'd Prichards pond) that they may cast their spovsms in said
pond ISly To allow Bills of Charge

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 295
Hereof fail not and make return of this appointment & Direc
tion to one or more of the Select men of said Town at time &
place above Mentioned
Dated in Topsfield Febr 21st. 1771
Zaccheus Gould^
Danl Bixby
Solomon Dodge
Joseph Gould
Stephen Perkins^

.Selectmen of Topsfield

Persuant to ye within appointment & Direction I have wamed
the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the Town of Tops-
field qualified by law for voteing to Conven and meet To
gether at time and place within mentioned, by posting the
within, on ye side of the meeting house in said Town on a
Publick Lecture Dav
Topsfield Febr. 27th 1771
Robert Perkins Constable of Topsfield
A true Copy of ye warrant and return Elijah Porter Town Cler
At a legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders and Other
Inhabitants of Topsfield, the 5 March 1771
Capt Samuel Smith was Chosen Morderator of this Meeting
Elijah Porter was Chosen Town Clerk
Missrs. Enos Knight & Isaac Averell were Chosen Constables
Missrs. David Perkins & Stephen Adams were Chosen War
dens Elijah Porter was Chosen Town Treasurer
Misrs. Eliezer Lake Jur Jacob Kimball & Thomas Perkins Jur
were Chosen Tythingmen
Misrs. NathU. Dorman Zaccheus Gould & John Peabody were
Chosen Surveyers of highways
Misrs. Thomas Emerson Jacob Kimball & John Baker Jur.
were Chosen Fence viewers
Mr. Thomas Mower was Chosen Sealer of leather
Mr. John Bradstreet was Chosen Deer Rieve
Misrs. Amos Perkins & Henry Bradstreet were Chosen hog
Rieves Mr. Jacob Averell Jur. was Chosen Surveyer of Clabboards &
Shingles Capt Thos Baker & Mr Abraham Hobbs were Chosen Over
seers of the poor

296 TOWN RECORDS OF
Misrs. NathU Dorman Thomas Mower & John Baker Jur
were Chosen a Comtee to supply the Town with a Grammer
School Master
Voted to accept of the Selectmens Reckening with the Town
Treasurer and there remains in said Treasurers hands not
order'd out the sum of two hundred and Twenty one pounds
seven shillings and three pence three farthings £221 7s 3 3/4
Voted to Raise one hundred pounds, to Defray the Charge of
Mending the highways and Other necessary Charges ariseing
in said Town
The Town Brought in their votes for a County Treasurer
The Town Brought in their votes for a County Register
Capt Benja Towne Mr. Abraham Hobbs Mr- Abraham Hobbs
Capt. Thos Baker Missrs Solomon Dodge & John Balch were
Chosen a Committee to seat the Inhabitants of sd. Town in the
Meeting house
On Reading the petition of the widow Abigail Porter, praying
to have the way Discontinued and abolished, that the Selectmen,
on the Twenty sixth Day of April last, laid Out thro, and Over
land, set of as part of her Dower, in her late husbands Estate in
Topsfield Voted that the prayer of said petition be Granted, and that
said way be Discontinued and abolished
Voted that this Meeting be adjumed to Monday ye eleventh
Day of March Instant, then to Meet at the Meeting house at
one of the Clock aftemoon, and said Meeting was adjurn'd to
said time & place
At a legal Town Meeting, of the Freeholders and Other In
habitants of Topsfield held by adjumment, the 11 of March 1771
Capt Saml. Smith Morderater
Misrs. NathU. Dorman Thomas Symonds & Luke Averell were
Chosen to bring live alewives and put them into Prichards pond
(so call'd)
Voted to allow Mr. Simon Gould & Others the School Com
tee. for ye school being kept & for Boarding & for wood, from
ye 12 June 1770 to ye 12 March 1771 £24 18s 2d
Voted to allow Mr. Daniel Lake an abatement of John Mays
Taxes & ye widdow Nickols Taxes £0 14s Sd
Voted to allow Mr. Stephen Perkins for paper £0 2s 4d
Voted to allow Capt Thos Baker an abatement of NathU Lows
Jur. Taxes £0 Ss Sd
Voted to allow Mr Joseph Town 13/9 an abatement of John
Mays Taxes & 4/ an abatement of Walter Everdans Taxes £0 17s 9d

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 297
Voted to allow Mr John Peabody 6/, 1/2 an abatement of
John Mays Taxes & 4/8 an abatement of Jonathan Dwinels
Taxes £0 10s 9 1/2
Voted that this Meeting be Adjurn'd to the 12 Day of March
Instent, then to Meet at the Meeting house at one of the Clock
aftemoon, and said meeting was adjurn'd to said time & place
At a legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabi
tants of Topsfield held by adjurnment ye 12 Day of March 1771
Capt Saml Smith Morderater
Mr. Thomas Mower Capt Saml Smith & Elijah Porter were
Chosen Selectmen
Voted that the Selectmen shall be assessors
Voted that this Meeting be adjurned to the 25 Day of March
Instent, then to meet at the Meeting house at one of the Clock
aftemoon, and said meeting was Adjurned to said time and place
At a legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabi
tants of Topsfield the 25 Day of March 1771 held by adjurnment
Capt Saml Smith Morderater
Misrs. Abraham Hobbs & Saml. Bradstreet were Chosen Se
lectmen Voted that ye sd. Abraham Hobbs & Saml Bradstreet shall
be assessors
Voted that Ninety pounds, of the hundred pounds that was
Voted to be raised, the fifth Day of March Instent, shall be ap
propriated for to Defray the Charge of mending the highways
this present year
Voted to allow Mr Joseph Gould 6/4 an abatement of what
Isaac Estey is Taxed in his lists £0 6s 4d
Voted that this Meeting be adjumed to ye first Day of April
next, then to meet at the meeting house, at one of the Clock
aftemoon, and said Meeting was Adjurn'd to said time and
place At a legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders and Other In
habitants of Topsfield the first Day of April held by Adjumment
Capt Saml Smith Morderater
Voted to accept of a Town way laid out by the Select men as
followeth Viz
At the petition of David Balch and Others, praying to have a
Town way laid out, from said Balches land &c. agreeable to
said petition, we have laid out a Town way as followeth Viz
Beginning at an ancient Town way in land of David Balch at
the Comer of a stone wall, between said Balch and Henry

298 TOWN RECORDS OF
Bradstreet, from thence runing west fortyfour Degrees north.
Twenty poles, thence west Thirty Degrees north nine poles,
to said Bradstreets Pasture, thence west Twentynine Degrees
north forty poles, thence thirty Degrees Eleven poles, to land
of Eliezer Lake, thence west Twentysix Degrees north six
poles, thence north Fortyfour Degrees west fourteen poles thence
west Eleven Degrees north, four poles, thence west fifteen De
grees south 19 poles, which Comes a little below the gate, near
to Zaccheus Goulds house, said way to Extend so far northerly,
as to make it one Rod and a half wide, thence the way is to Ex
tend on westerly Thirty four poles and Eighteen links, to a stone
near to a gate post, and to Extend so far southerly from Zac
cheus Goulds land, as the stone wall now stands, as to make
the way, one Rod and a half wide, thence from the said stone
near to the sd. gate post, west thirteen Dress, north nine poles,
thence west three Degrees north fourteen poles, thence west
nineteen Degrees north nine poles, thence west nine Degrees
north thirteen poles thence west Twentyseven Degrees north
Twelve poles, thence South fortytwo Degrees west Eleven poles,
thence west seven Degrees south thirty six poles and Eleven links,
which Comes to the Town way that leads to fishing brook bridge
and to Extend so far northerly, as to make the way one Rod
and a half wide, with Liberty to hang Convenient Cart gates.
And we have aUow'd no Damage, to any person for land, but
as the stone wall against the land of Henry Bradstreet and the
stone wall against the land of John Cree & Elijah Porter as they
now stand, are in some places within the line of said way,
and in case any surveyer shall at any time hereafter, think
proper to remove said wall, it shall be removed, and rebuilt on
the line, on the Towns Cost, and in Our Opinion in the same
way and manner, as the Inhabitants work out their highway
Rate

Topsfield 27 March 1771

Saml Smith ^
Abraham Hobbs
Thos. Mower
Saml Bradstreet
Elijah Porter

.Selectmen of Topsfield

Voted to allow Mr NathU Averell Jur 6/ for his assisting the
Selectmen /as a surveyer/ in laying out a Tovsm way £0 6 0
Voted to allow Mr Benja Bixby 14/3 being what John Hub
bard was assessed in his lists, till such time as the said Benja
Can get the same of the said John £0 14s Sd

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 299
Voted to allow Mr Abraham Hobbs 15/6 being what Elnathan
Hubbard was assessed in his Lists to such time as the said Ab
raham Can get ye same of ye said Elnathan £0 ISs 6d
At a legal Town meeting of the freeholders and Other In
habitants of Topsfield, assembled by ye Constable ye 11 Day of
March 1771
Mr. Abraham Hobbs was Chosen Grand Jury man for ye year
Ensuing Misrs. Jacob Dwinel & John Peabody were Draw'd out of ye
Box to serve on ye Jury of Tryals at ye Infr. Court to be holden
at Ipswich in March 1771
March Sth 1771. Misrs Nathl Dorman & John Peabody were
Swom as Surveyers of highways
Misrs. Thos. Emerson & John Baker Jur. were Swom as Fence
viewers. Mr Thos. Mower was Swom as Sealer of leather
Mr John Bradstreet was Sworn as Deer Rieve
Mr Henry Bradstreet took ye Oath respecting ye bills of Credit
and was Swom as hog rive
March 6th 1771 Mr. David Perkins was swom as warden
March 7th 1771 Mr. Stephen Adams was sworn as warden
March 12th 1771 Mr. Isaac Averell was swom as Constable
March 25th 1771 Mr, Enos Knight was sworn as Constable
Mr. Thos. Perkins Jur. was sworn as Tythingman
April 3rd 1771 Mr. Eliezer Lake Jur. was sworn as Tything
man May 27. 1771 Mr. Thos. Mower Capt Saml Smith Misrs Elijah
Porter Abraham Hobbs Saml Bradstreet were swom as assessors
April 20th 1771 Mr. Zacchs. Gould was sworn as surveyer of
highways June 29th 1771 Mr. Jacob Kimball was sworn as Tything
man & Fence viewer
Essex ss Topsfield May the 2nd 1771 To Isaac Averell one
of the Constables of said Town of Topsfield, you are hereby Re
quired to notifiy and warn all the freeholders and Other Inhabi
tants of said Town that are qualified for voteing in Town Meet
ings as the law Directs, that they assemble and Meet Together
at the meeting house in said Town on Thursday the Sixteenth
Day of May Instent at three of the Clock in the afternoon
lly To make Choice of a person to Represent said Town at
the Great and Genl. Court for the year Insuing according to
precept

300 TOWN RECORDS OF
21y To see if the Town will assign such a part of the Room
in the meeting house Gallary, for a number of such persons as
have learnt and informed themselves in the Rules of Singing to
set Together in, as the Town shall think proper, and also to
Chuse a man or men, to Select out such a number of singers
as may Convenienly set in such Room as said Town may assigne
and seat them therein. During the Towns pleasure
Sly To see if the Town will Chuse a Committee, to seat the
Inhabitants of said Town in the Meeting house and also to give
said Committee Instructions in what meathod to proseed in
seating said Inhabitants
41y To allow Bills of Charge
Hereof fail not and make Return of this Warrant vsnth your
doings to one or more of ye Selectmen at time & place above
Mentioned Abraham Hobbs ^
Thos. Mower I Selectmen
Saml Bradstreet (of Topsfield
Saml Smith J
Topsfield May ye 16 1771
by virtue of this Warrant I have wamed ye Inhabitants of the
Town of Topsfield to meet according to time and place within
mentioned by posting ye same on fryday the third Day of May
Instent at a publick lecture Isaac Averell Constable of Topsfield
A tme Copy of ye Warrant and Retum Elijah Porter Town Cler
At a legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders and Other
Inhabitants of Topsfield the 29 May 1771
lly Capt. Saml Smith was Chosen to Represent ye Tovsm in
ye Great & Genl Court this present year
21y Capt Thos Baker was Chosen Morderator for sd Meeting
Sly Mr. Zachs Gould Capt Saml Smith Misrs. Jacob Dwinel
& Thos Symonds were Chosen a Comtee'to seat the Inhabitants
of the Town in the Meeting House Essex County 26 Augt. 1771
To Enos Knight one of the Constables of said Topsfield
Greeting You are hereby Required, to Notifie & wam all ye
Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of said Town, that are
qualified by law for voteing in Town meetings, to assemble
& meet together, at ye meeting house in said Town, on

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 301
Tuesday ye third day of September Insuing at two of the Clock
aftemoon lly To See how much money the Tovsm will agree to Raise
to Defray the Necessary Charges ariseing in the Town ye year
Ensuing 21y To See if the Town will Vote that the Selectmen Shall
Draw money out of ye Town Treasury, to pay the Towns pro
portion of the County Tax
Sly To See if the Town will agree to Order ye Town Treas
urer to Issue Executions /in such time as the Town Shall think
proper/ against the Constables that are Delinquent, in makeing
up their accounts with said Treasurer, agreeable to their
warrants 41y To See if the Tovsm will agree that ye Several Surveyers of
highways shall give Credit on their highway Taxes to ye Several
Selectmen, for as many Days work, as they was imploy'd in
makeing ye highway Taxes ye present year
Sly To Consider & Determine in what way and manner the
Town would have the Surveyers Mend the River Bridge
61y To See if the Town will purchas of ye heirs of Mr. John
Prichard late of Topsfield Deed., the house the said John
Prichard built on the Towns land
71y To Chuse a man or men to Serve with the Comtee already
Chosen to Seat ye Inhabitants of said Town in ye Meeting
house, in the room of Such as refuse to Serve
Sly To give said Comtee Instmctions in what manner to Seat
Said Inhabitants
91y to Chouse Jurymen for Newburyport Court according to
venire lOly to allow Bills of Charge
hereof fail not and make retum of this Warrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of said Town at time
& place above mentioned Saml Smith ) r- i 4.
™, n, ( Selectmen
Thos Mower >• r t, ^ , ¦,
Elijah Porter [of Topsfield
Topsfield Sept 3 1771
In Obediance to the within warrant I have notified ye within
mentioned Inhabitants to assemble and meet Together at time
and place as within mentioned, by posting this warrant on the
meeting house on ye Lecture day as usual Enos Knight Constable

302 TOWN RECORDS OF
a tme Copy of ye Warrant & Retum Elijah Porter Town Cler
At a Legal Town meeting of the Freeholders & Other Inhabi
tants of Topsfield ye 3 day of September 1771
Capt Saml Smith was Chosen Morderater of this Meeting
Voted to Raise one hundred & thirty pounds to Defray ye
Necessary Charges ariseing in said Town this present year
Voted that the Selectmen Shall Draw money Out of the Tovsm
Treasury, to pay the Towns proportion of County Tax, this
present year
Voted that the Town Treasurer Shall Issue Execution against
Misrs. Elisha Wildes Danl Lake Capt Thos Baker and Mr.
John Peabody, immediately after ye Expiration of one month
from this Day, for what they are Delinquent in makeing up
their accounts
Voted that ye said Treasurer shall Issue Execution against
Misrs. Nathl Dorman & NeheJi Herrick (Constables) immediately
after ye first day of Febr. next for what they are Delinquent
Voted that the Surveyers of highways shall give Credit on
their highway Usts, to ye Selectmen for three Days Each
Voted that Mr John Balch Dea" George Bixby Misrs Solomon
Dodge Saml Bradstreet Isaac Averell Capt. Saml Smith &
Elijah Porter be a Comtee to advise with ye Surveyers respect
ing ye way and manner to mend ye River Bridge
Voted that ye Town will Buy the house, that Mr John Prichard
built on the Towns land, of ye heirs of ye said John Prichard
Dec*, provided they Can have it for what it shall be Judg'd to
be worth
Thos. Symonds & Danl Clarke were Draw'd out of ye Box to
Serve on ye Jury of Trials at Newbury port Court in Sept Inst
Voted that this meeting be adjurn'd to Tuesday the Eight day
of Octr. next at three of ye Clock aftemoon then to meet at
ye meeting house in sd. Town, accordingly said meeting was
adjurn'd At a Legal Town meeting of ye Freeholders & Other Inhabi
tants of Topsfield held by Adjoummen, ye Eighth day of Octr.
1771 Capt Saml Smith Morderator
lly Mr. Stephen Perkins was Chosen and Swom a Special
Clerk for sd Meeting
21y the Town Voted that this meeting be Adjurn'd to Tuesday
the fifteenth day of October Instent at two of the Clock
aftemoon

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 303
At a legal Town Meeting of the freeholders & Other Inhabi
tants of Topsfield held by Adjumment the fifteenth day of
October 1771
Capt Saml Smith Morderater & Mr Stephen Perkins Special
Clerk as above said
lly Capt John Bordman & Mr Abraham Hobbs were Chose
to serve with ye Comtee that was Chosen at ye last May Meet
ing to Seat ye Inhabitants of this Town in ye meeting house
21y Voted that ye Comtee Seat the Inhabitants of the Town
in the Meeting house, according to their Discression
Voted that Mr. Zach^. Gould be aUow'd 4/ for plank for
fishing Brook Bridge £0 4 0
Voted that Mr. John Peabody be aUow'd for Timber and
plank £15 7
Voted that Mr. Elisha Wildes be aUow'd 22/6 an abatement
of John Bakers Rates 12 6
Voted that Mr. Nath" Dorman be aUow'd 2 1/6 an abatement
of John Bakers Rates £1 Is 6d
Voted that Misrs. Zach^ Gould Nath" Dorman & John Peabody
be aUow'd for Timber Plank & iron both for ye River Bridge
£3 13 1/4
Voted that Mr. Joseph Andrews be aUow'd 6/ for a stone to
build mile brook bridge Os 6d
Voted that Mr. Nath" Dorman be aUow'd 9/ 11 1/4 an abate
ment of Will"! Monies Rate in his Usts £0 9 11 1/4
and also ye sd Dorman be aUow'd 11 /2 an abatement to
Benja Kimball for Benja Knight poll Tax 0 11 2
Voted that Mr. Dorman & Others School Comtee be aUow'd
for ye School being kept from ye 13 Day of March last to ye
13 Day of Sept last £20 2 8
Voted that Misrs Luke Avererell & NathU Dorman be aUow'd
for their time & what they paid for Geting 110 live alewives
brought & put into ye pond 1 17 0
Essex County Topsfield ss Febmary 24th 1772 To Isaac
Averell one of the Constables of said Topsfield Greeting You
are hereby Required, to Notifie and warn all the Free holders
and Other Inhabitants of said Town that are qualified by Law
for Voteing in Town Meetings, to Assemble and meet Together
at the Meeting house in said Town on Tuesday the third Day
of March next insueing at nine of ye Clock in the forenoon
lly to Chuse Selectmen a Town Clerk and all Other Town
Officers as the Law Directs for the year Ensueing
21y To see if the Town will Accept of the Selectmens Recken
ing with the Town Treasurer

304 TOWN RECORDS OF
Sly To see how much money the Town will agree to Raise to
Defray the Charges of Mending the highways and Other neces
sary Charges ariseing in said Town this present year
41y To see what Method the Town will agree to mend the
highways in this present year
Sly To see if the Town will give Liberty for Such a Number
of persons as Capt Averell shall Judge to be well Skill'd in
Singing to Set Together on Sundays, in the two first seats in the
north part of the west Galerie in the Meeting house so far as to
the South part of the Alley against the west Gallerie Door, Dur
ing the Towns pleasure, or in any Other part of the Meeting
Either above or below as the Town shall think proper
61y To Chuse a Committee to take Care that good and Con
venient ways are made and kept Open in the Streems and Brooks
in this Town for the alewives to pass and Repass to Cast their
Spawns in the ponds
71y To See if the Town will Chuse a man or men to bring
Some More live alewives into Prichards pond /so call'd/ this
Spring Sly To see if the Town will accept of the Selectmens Laying
out a Town way from the County Road to Boxford Line near
to Chas Smiths
91y To allow Bills of Charge
hereof fail not and make Retum of this Warrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Select men of said Town at Time
and place above mentioned Tho^Mower i^fS^;^^",.
Saml Bradstreet r^ Topsfield
Persuant to the within Warrant I have wamed all the Inhabi
tants of this Town that are qualified by Law for voteing to as
semble and meet at time and place within Mentioned, by post
ing the same on Wednesday ye Twentysixth Day of Febmary
at a Publick Lecture
Topsfield March Srd 1772 Isaac Averell Constable of Topsfield
A tme Copy of the Warrant and Retum Elijah Porter Town Cler.
At a legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders and Other In
habitants of Topsfield the 3 March A. D. 1772
Capt Thomas Baker was Chosen Morderator of this Meeting
Capt Saml Smith Misrs. Abraham Hobbs Saml Bradstreet
Thos Mower & Stephen Perkins were Chosen Selectmen

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 305
Voted that the Selectmen shall be assessors
Elijah Porter was Chosen Town Cler
Misrs. Thos Emerson & John Baker Jur. were Chosen Con
stables Misrs. Jacob Kimball & John Peabody were Chosen Wardens
Elijah Porter was Chosen Town Treas.
Misrs. Abraham Hobbs John Balch & Saml. Towne were
Chosen Tythingmen
Misrs. Zacheus Gould John Balch & David Perkins were
Chosen Surveyers of highways
Misrs. Robt. Perkins Solomon Dodge & Joseph Andrews were
Chosen Fence Viewers
Mr. Thos. Mower was Chosen Sealer of Leather
Mr. John Bradstreet was Chosen Deer Rieve
Misrs. Amos Perkins Solomon Dodge & NathU Low were
Chosen hog Rieves
Mr. Jacob Averell Jur. was Chosen Surveyer of Clabboards
& Shingles
Capt Thomas Baker & Mr Joseph Gould were Chosen Over
Seers of ye Poor
Misrs. Amos Perkins Jacob Kimball & David Towne were
Chosen a Comtee. to Supply the Town with a Grammer School
Master this present year
Voted to accept of the Selectmens Reckening with the Town
Treasurer and there is in ye Town Treasurers hands ye Sum of
one hundred & Ninety six pounds Seventeen & six pence one
farthing not order'd out 196 : 17 : 6 1/4
Voted to Raise one hundred pounds, on ye polls and Estates to
Defray ye Charges of mending ye highways and Other necessary
Charges ariseing in said Town this present year
Voted that Sixty pounds of ye above said hundred pounds,
shall be appropriated to Defray ye Charge of mending the
highways this year
Voted to mend the highways this present year in ye following
manner, Viz that the assessors shall Exhibit a list of what
Each of the Inhabitants /of said Town/ Just proportion is of
the Sum that is or shall be appropriated for mending the high
ways, and Each Persons proportion is as well paid in Labour
as in money, to the Surveyers of highways. Labour to be Esti
mated at the following prices, viz a man with Sutable Meter
ials two shillings per Day, one per of Oxen one Shilling pr Day
a Cart or Tumbrel one shilling per Day, and the surveyer
shall give Each person named and set Down in his List, Liberty
& seasonable notice, to pay what they are set Down in his List

306 TOWN RECORDS OF
in Labour, at such time and place, as such Surveyer shall Judge
proper, and said Surveyer shall keep an account of what Each
person pays in Labour at mending said highways, and on or
before the fifteenth Day of November next, shall retum a
Just and tme account of what Each person shall have paid
in Labour, to the Selectmen, and the said Selectmen shall
immediately Exhibit the same to the Constables, and said Con
stables shall imediately give Credit to each person named
and set Down in each of their Respective lists, for what
they shall have paid in Labour, at mending said ways, and
the Selectmen shall give Orders, to the Town Treasurer, to
Discount with each of the Constables, such sums as shall then
appear to be paid in Labour, by the persons named and set
Down in each of their Respective Lists
Voted that this Meeting be Adjumed to Wednesday ye fourth
of March Instent at one O clock aftemoon, then to meet at the
Meeting house, accordingly said Meeting was adjumed
At a legal Tovsm Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhab
itants of Topsfield held by adjumment the 4 Day of March 1772
Capt Thos. Baker Morderator
Voted that Capt Thos. Baker Misrs. Zaccheus Gould & Solo
mon Dodge, be a Committee to take Care that good and Con
venient ways are made and kept open in the Streems and
Brooks in this Town for the alewives to pass & repass to Cast
their Spawns in ye ponds
Misrs. Nath" Dorman & Stephen Foster were Chosen to get
some more live alewives brought into Prichards pond /so calld/
this spring
Voted to accept of the Selectmens laying out a Town way
from the County Road to Boxford line near to Elias Smiths
house, which is as followeth Viz Topsfield Febmary 20th 1772
At the Desire of a number of the Inhabitants of said Town we
have laid a Town way from the County road in Topsfield along
by the northerly side of bare hill so call'd and so on to Box
ford line near to Elias Smiths house in Boxford as followeth
Viz Begining at said County Road about one Rod Distance
from the middle of the old Troden way thence Running west
14 Degrees north on Land of Stephen Adams 32 Rods thence
west 29 Degrees through said Adams's Land IS Rods to Land of
Capt. John Bordman and Land of the heirs of Timothy Perkins
Deed, thence west 39 Degrees north 20 Rods thence north S3
Degrees west through Land of said Bordman and said heirs 10

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 307
Rods to Land of Thomas Perkins, thence north 26 Degrees west
29 Rods, thence west 10 Degrees north through said Perkins
Land 12 Rods to Land of Joseph Brown, thence west 39 Degrees
north 16 Rods thence west 15 Degrees north 32 Rods thence
north 38 Degrees west 6 Rods, thence north 11 Degrees west
27 Rods thence north 41 Degrees west 12 Rods thence north
3 Degrees west 10 Rods and IS Links of the Chain through
said Browns Land to Land of Elias Smith, thence north IS
Degrees west on said Smiths Land 45 Rods and 16 Links Links
of the Chain to Boxford Line near to Elias Smiths house,
said Boundary Line is Drawn on the Southerly and South
westerly side of said way, and sd. way is to Extend northerly
and northeasterly from said Line two Rods in width, we also
Consider'd of the Damages Done to the Several proprietors by
reason of said way being Laid out, and as it appears that there
was an ancient way and much Improved ever sence and Long
before the now Owners of the Lands over which said way is
Laid Came into possession of, and in or near the same place
Except in one or two places, where the now Owners of the Land,
have removed it a small Distance on there own Land, and for
their Own advantage, for which Reasons we have Estimated no
Damage to any person but we do reserve for each of the Owners
of the Land over which said way is Laid, free and full Liberty
to hang & keep up good Cart Gates across said way for ye
Better improveing their Land as they shall have Occation
Saml Smith
Thos. Mower
Elijah Porter
Abraham Hobbs
Saml. Bradstreet

.Selectmen¦^of Topsfield

Voted that Elijah Porter be allowed three shillings for paper
he found for ye Selectmen ye year past 0 3 0
Voted that Mr. Simon Gould be allowed 1/7 1/4 for what was
Omitted in a school Bill £0 Is 7 1/4
Voted that Mr. Nehemiah Herrick be aUow'd 10/5 an abate
ment of Stephen Towne Jur. poll Tax and also 9/01/4 an abate
ment of Benja Irelands Rates £0 9s 0 1/4
Voted that Misrs. John Baker Jur. & Nathl. Dorman as School
Commitee be aUow'd £20 2s Sd for the school being kept from
ye 13 Sept. Last six months £20 2s Sd
Voted that ye sd Baker & Dorman be allowed 38/ for wood
for the school £1 18s Od
Voted that Mr Nathl. Dorman be aUow'd for Timber & plank

308 TOWN RECORDS OF
he bought for ye Towns use when he was Surveyer of high
ways £0 lis 3 1/4
Voted that the Selectmen for ye year A D 1770 be aUow'd
for their time and Exspences in Carrying on a law Suit with
Ipswich respecting John Lefavour Viz
To Danl Bixby 13/4 £0 13s 4d
To Zacchs Gould 10/8 £0 10s Sd
To Solomon Dodge 2/8 £0 2s Sd
To Stephen Perkins 10/8 £0 10s Sd
To Joseph Gould 2/8 £0 2s Sd
Misrs. Jacob Kimball & John Peabody were Swom as wardens
the 3 March 1772
Misrs. Abraham Hobbs John Balch & Saml Towne were swom
as Tything men ye 3 March 1772
Misrs Zaccheus Gould & John Balch were swom as Surveyers
of high ways ye 3 March 1772
Misrs. Robt. Perkins & Solomon Dodge were swom as Fence
Viewers ye 3 March 1772
Misrs. Amos Perkins Solomon Dodge & NathU. Low were
sworn as hog Rieves ye 3 March 1772
ye 3 March 1772 Mr. John Bradstreet was swom respecting
ye Bills of Credit of ye Neighbouring Goverments and also was
sworn as Deer Reive
ye 4 March 1772 Misrs. Thomas Emerson & John Baker Jur.
were swom as Constables
Mr. David Perkins was sworn as Surveyer of highways ye 10
March 1772
ye 4 March 1772 Mr. Joseph Andrews was swom as Fence
Viewer The 3 June 1772 Elijah Porter was swom as Town Clerk &
as Town Treasurer
Capt. Samuel Smith Misrs. Abraham Hobbs Stephen Perkins
Thomas Mower & Samuel Bradstreet were all swom as assessors
At a legal Town meeting of the Freeholders & Other Inhabi
tants of Topsfield assembled by Constable Isaac Averell the 4
March 1772
Mr. Pelitiah Cummings was Chosen to serve as Grand Jury
man for ye year ensuing
Misrs. Saml. Towne & Moses Perkins were Draw'd out of ye
Box to serve as Jurymen at ye Infr. Court to be holden at Ips
wich in March. 1772
Topsfield ss To Thomas Emerson one of the Constables of ye
Town of Topsfield, Greeting You are Hereby appointed and

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 309
Directed fourthwith to warn all the Freeholders and Other In
habitants of said Town that are qualified by Law for voteing to
Convene and meet together at the Meeting house in said Town
on Tuesday the nineteenth Day of May next Ensuing at three
of the Clock afternoon
To Elect and Depute one or more persons to serve for and
Represent them in the Great & General Court or assembly the
year Ensuing according to precept
Hereof fail not and make retum of this appointment and Di
rection to one or more of the Selectmen of said Town at time
and place above mentioned
Dated in Topsfield April 28th 1772
Saml Smith ^
Abraham Hobbs Selectmen
Thos. Mower >r ^^  „«„! j
Saml. Bradstreet f^^ Topsfield
Stephen Perkins J
To Obedience to this Warrant I have warned the Inhabitants
of the Town of Topsfield by posting this warrant at the meet
ing house Door on a publick Lecture Day which was the 29 of
April 1772 Thos Emerson Constable
A tme Copy of the Warrant & Retum Elijah Porter Town Cler
At a legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders & Other Inhabi
tants of Topsfield ye 19 May 1772
Capt. Samuel Smith was Chosen to Represent the Town in
the Great & General Court this present year
Essex ss To Thomas Emerson one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby Required to wam
all the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the Town of Tops-
field that are quallified for Voteing in Town Meeting as the Law
Directs to Convean and meet Together at the meeting house in
said Town on Wednesday the sixteenth Day of September next
at three of the Clock aftemoon
lly To see how much money the Town will agree to raise to
Defray the necessary Charges of said Town this present year
21y To see how many days Labour at mending the high ways
the Town will allow the assessors for their service in makeing
the highway Tax this present year
Sly For the Town if they see Cause to Chuse a Comtee. to
Joyne with such Other Committees, as may be Chosen by such
Other Towns as may see Cause to Chuse, to meet ye Owners of

310 TOWN RECORDS OF
the Dams built a Cross Ipswich River /so CaU'd/ to see if they
Can agree upon Sutable and Convenient ways through said Dams
for the alewives and Other fish to pass up said River to Cast
their Spawns in the several ponds in the several Towns above
near Said River agreeable to a proposal made by the Owners of
the Dams aforesd. ye Late Act respecting said fish ways being
near Expireing
41y To See if the Town will agree that the Selectmen shall
Draw money out of the Town Treasury to pay ye Towns pro
portion of the County Tax
Sly To See if the Town will agree to abate John Balch Such
Sum or Sums of money as Can be made to appear he was Over
Taxed in the years 1768 1769 & 1770 agreeable to a petition
then to be prefered by said Balch
61y To allow Bills of Charge
Hereof fail not and make retum of this Warrant with your
doings to one or more of the Selectmen of said Town at time
and place above mentioned
Dated Topsfield August 26th AD 1772
Abraham Hobbs ^
Stephen Perkins
Thos. Mower
Saml. Bradstreet
Saml. Smith ^
in Obedience to this Warrent I have wamed ye Inhabtants of
the Town of Topsfield by posting this warrant at the Meeting
house a publick Lecture Day which was the Second Day of
September 1772 Thos Emerson Constable
A tme Copy of ye Warrant & Retum Elijah Porter Tovsm Cler
At a legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabi
tants of Topsfield the 16th Day of September 1772
Voted that Capt Saml Smith shall be Morderator of this
meeting Voted to Raise one hundred pounds to Defray the necessary
Town Charges this present year
Voted that the Surveyers of highways shall give Credit to
each of the Selectmen for three Days work at the highways,
for thier makeing ye highway Taxes
Voted that Mr. Nathl. Dorman Capt Saml Smith and Mr. Solo
mon Dodge be a Comtee. to Joyn with such Other Comtees. as
Other Towns may Chuse, to meet ye Owners of the Dams built

.Selectmen of Topsfield

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 311
a Cross Ipswich River /so CaU'd/ to See if they Can agree up
on Sutable and Conveniet way through said Dams for ye ale
wives and Other fish to pass up said River to Cast their Spawns
in the several ponds in the Several Towns above near said River
agreeable to a proposal made by ye Owners of the Dams afore
said Voted that the Selectmen shall Draw money Out of the Town
Treasury to pay the Towns proportion of the County Tax
Voted that Misrs. NathU. Dorman and Stephen Foster Jur. be
allowed for their time & Charges in geting alewives brought
into Prichard Pond /so call'd/ fourteen shilling and three pence
half penny £0 14 3 1/2
The Freeholders and Other Inhabtants of Topsfield being
assembled by Mr. John Baker Jur. one of ye Constables of said
Town the 26th of September 1772 Misrs. Joseph Andrews & Enos
Knight were Draw'd out of ye Box to Serve as Jurymen at New
bury Port Court to be holden in Sept. Instent
The Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of Topsfield being a
Sembled by Mr. John Baker Jur one of the Constables of said
Town, the 2 Day of October 1772
Mr. Solomon Dodge was Chosen to Serve on the Grand inquest
at ye Supr. Court to be holden at Salem on ye first Tuesday
of Novr. 1772, and Mr. EUsha Wildes was Draw'd out of the
Box to serve on ye Jury of Tryals at said Court
We the Subscribers have mett this Twenty third Day of April
A D 1772 and Perambulated the line & renewed the bounds be
tween the Towns of Wenham & Topsfield in the following man
ner Viz/ Begining at a stake & Stones near Wenham Causey /so
call'd/ being a bounds between Wenham Topsfield & Danvers,
from thence runing north 36 1/2 Degrees East 117 1/2 poles
to a Stake and Stones by a wall, then north 15 Degrees East
82 1/2 poles to a stake and stones at the northeast Corner
of Robinsons Island (so CaU'd) thence north 20 1/2 Degrees
East 60 poles to a stake and stones at the Southwest Comer
of Wenham Island (so CaU'd) thence north 58 1/2 Degrees East
29 poles to the River at the northwest Corner of said Wenham
Island thence by the River to Ipswich Line
o. u r, 1 • 1 c 1 ^ Caleb Kimball "l Comtee
Stephen Perkins I Selectmen Saml Tarbox L appointed by
Saml. Bradstreet j of Topsfield t„^„„ K-Jmhoii fthe Selectmen
James Kimball J of ^g^ham

312 TOWN RECORDS OF
We the Subscribers Mett this 20th Day of November 1772
and Permabulated the Line and renewed the bounds between
the Towns of Topsfield & Danvers in the following manner
(Viz) Begining at a stake & Stones near Wenham Causey the
northerly bounds between Wenham & Danvers thence Runing
westerly Eight pole to an Elm tree marked DD & T thence runing
norwesterly about Twentytwo poles to a stake and stones by
the Edge of a Swamp near Theophelus Fisks Barn thence runing
Westerly to a black Oak Stump with Stones about it in an Or
chard belonging to ye heirs of Danl Gott Deed, from thence
to a heap of Stones at the bend of a wall where a run or slow
emties it self out of John Reas Land into the Land of Israel
Andrew, thence to a heap of Stones on Land belonging to
heirs of the Hon. Timothy Lindall Esqr. late of Salem Deed.
near Nickols's Brook thence on the same Corse to said Brook
near ye remains of an old sawmill Commonly CaU'd Porters
Savsmiill Gideon Putnam ) Selectmen y^ . ; ^ (^appointed by
Benja. Procter | of Danvers ^KniS J ^^ fj-^d"
We the Subscribers Mett this 20 Day of November A D 1772
and Perambulated the Line & Renewed the bounds between the
Towns of Topsfield and Middleton in the following Manner
(Viz) Begining at a heap of Stones in the brook (Call'd) Nickols's
brook near where Porters Saw mill Stood which is a bounds be
tween Topsfield and Danvers, from thence as the brook Runs
to a small Elm tree at the northeasterly Branch of said Brook
thence as said northeasterly branch runs to a heap of Stones
by the River D 'H T 1 Comtee
Joseph Sjmionds ) Selectmen ^^^^ irS^-wf L^PPointed by
Amos Curtice j of Middleton Thos Mower (ye Selectmen
J of Topsfield
We the Subscribers Met this 13th Day of Janr. 1773 and
Perambulated the line and Renewed the Bounds between
Ipswich and Topsfield began at the River at the Mouth of
Howletts brook (so CaU'd) and by said brook to a stake and
stones in Nealands meadow, from thence to a stake and stones
on a hill from thence to a stake standing in a great spring in
Conants Meadow and from thence to a heap of stones about
eight Rods westward from the brook near Stephen Foster

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 313
House from thence on a strait Line runing by Bumams Land
to a black Oak tree at the bottom of the hill being the Corner
of Perkins Land so unto the pond and so on a strait line to a
black Oak tree in the wall by Nathan Hoods Orchard and so to
the apple tree and stones about it the Comer bounds between
Ipswich Topsfield and Boxford Comtee

Abraham Hobbs ) Selectmen Elisha Brown
Saml Bradstreet ) of Topsfield Saml Lord

^appointed by
the Selectmen
of Ipswich
Whereas the Selectmen of Topsfield have appointed to Per
ambulate ye Line and renew the bounds between ye Towns of
Topsfield and Middleton on ye 20th day of November Instent
to meet at ye house of Mr Enos Knight at one of ye clock after
noon, we Do hereby appoint you Misrs. Thos. Mower David
Town & Enos Knight a Comtee. to meet the Selectmen of Middle-
ton or Such Other Gentlemen as they shall appoint and peram
bulate the Line and Renew ye bounds between said Towns
Dated Topsfield Novr. 10th 1772 Saml Smith ^ Selectmen
Saml Bradstreet V . ^  ^^r;^, •,
Stephen Perkins r* Topsfield
Topsfield ss To John Baker Jur. one of the Constables of
the Tovsm of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby Required
fourthwith to wam the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants
of the South ward in said Tovsm, that are qualified by Law for
voteing to Convene and meet Together at the Meeting house
in said Town on Tuesday the Second Day of March next at
nine of the Clock in the forenoon
lly To Chuse Selectmen a Town Clark and all Other Town
officers for the Ensuing year as the Law Directs
21y To See how much money the Town will agree to raise
to Defray the Charge of Mending the highways and Other
necessary Charges within said Tovsm this present year
Sly To see what Method the Town will agree to mend the
highways in this present year
41y To see if the Town will agree that Swine shall go at large
this present year being yoked and Ringed as the Law Directs
Sly To see if the Town Chuse a Comtee to bring some live
alewives into the pond in Topsfield, CaU'd Prichards pond to
Cast their spawns
61y To allow bills of Charge

314 TOWN RECORDS OF
71y To see if the Town will accept of the Selectmens Recken
ing with the Tovsm Treasurer
Sly For the Town to bring in their votes for a County
Treasurer 91y To See if the Town will Chuse a Committee to Seat the
people in the meeting house
lOly To See if ye Tovsm will grant ye Petition of John
Lefavour Hereof faU not and make Retum hereof with your doings
thereon to one or more of the Selectmen of said Town at time
and place above mentioned
Dated in Topsfield Febr. 22nd. 1773
Abraham Hobbs ^
Thos. Mower (Selectmen
Saml. Bradstreet (of Topsfield
Stephn. Perkins J
Febr. 23 1773 Pursuant to ye within warrant I have wamed
all the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants in the South ward to
attend and meet at time and place for the Business within
mentioned John Baker Jur. Constable of Topsfield
The Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of ye North ward were
wamed by a like warrant as aforesaid, and a retum made as
followeth. Viz. Topsfield Febr. 23 1773 I have wamed the
north ward in Topsfield qualified by Law for voteing by going
from house to house notffieing them to appear at ye meeting
house in Topsfield on march the 2 Day 1773 at nine of ye
Clock in ye morning Thos. Emerson Constable
A tme Copy of ye Warrant and retums
Attest Elijah Porter Town Cler
At a Legal Tovsm Meeting of the Free holders and Other
Inhabitants of Topsfield the 2 Day of March A D 1773
Mr. Stephen Perkins was Chosen Morderator of said Meeting
Misrs. Stephen Perkins Thomas Mower Capt Saml. Smith
Misrs. Daniel Bixby & Zaccheus Gould were Chosen Selectmen
Voted that the afore said Selectmen shall be Assessors
Elijah Porter was Chosen Town Clarke
Misrs. Henry Bradstreet & Jacob Kimball were Chosen Con
stables Misrs. Moses Perkins & Jacob Averel Jur. were Chosen
Wardens Elijah Porter was Chosen Tovsm Treasurer

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 315
Misrs. Eliezer Lake Solomon Dodge & Stephen Foster Jur.
were Chosen Tything men
Misrs. Eliezer Lake Solomon Dodge David Towne & Stephen
Foster Jur. were Chosen Surveyers of highways
Misrs. Nehemiah Herrick David Perkins & Thomas Perkins
Jur. were Chosen Fence Viewers
Mr. Henry Bradstreet was Chosen Sealer of Leather
Mr. John Bradstreet was Chosen Deer Rieve
Misrs. Samuel Perkins Thomas Wildes & Zebulun Perkins
were Chosen hog Rives
Mr. Jacob Averell Jur. was Chosen Surveyer of Clabboards
& Shingles
Mr. Eliezer Lake & Capt. John Boardman were Chosen Over
Seers of the poor
Misrs. Eliezer Lake John Perkins Jur. & Nehemiah Herrick
were Chosen a Comtee. to Supply the Tovsm with a Cramer
School Master
Voted to Raise One Hundred pounds to Defray the Charge of
Mending highways and Other Necessary Charges this present
year Voted that Sixty pounds of the aforesaid hundred pounds be
apropriated for mending highways this year
Voted that the highways shall be mended this present year
in the same way & method as they were mended in Last year
Misrs. Nathl. Dorman & Stephen Foster Jur. were Chosen to
bring some live alewives into ye Pond /Calld/ Prichards pond,
to Cast their Spawn
Voted to allow Misrs. Amos Perkins & Jacob Kimball (School
Comtee) for supplying ye Town with a gramer school master
from ye 7 of April 1772 a year £40 5 4 & and £1 14 10 for
wood they provided for ye School
Voted to accept of the Selectmens Reckening with the Town
Treasurer, and there Remains in said Treasurers hands not
Order'd Out ye sum of £217 17 11 3/4
Voted that Misrs. Zaccheus Gould Isaac Averel and Nehemiah
Herrick be a Committee to seat the People in the Meeting
house Voted to allow Mr. Isaac Averell (Constable) as an abatement
of Nathan Hood Jur. & David Nutings Taxes £0 14s 11 1/2
Voted to allow Mr. Thomas Mower (Constable) as an abate
ment of Benja. Irelands Tax £0 6s Sd
Voted to allow Mr. Robert Perkins (Constable) as an abatement
of Nathan Hood Jur. & wid. Martha Perkins Taxes £0 Ss Od

316 TOWN RECORDS OF
March 2d 1773 Mr. Henry Bradstreet was Swom as Constable
Misrs. Moses Perkins & Jacob Averell Jur. were Swom as
Wardens Misrs. Eliezer Lake & Solomon Dodge were Swom as
Tything men
Misrs. Solomon Dodge & Eliezer Lake were Swom as sur
veyers of highways
Mr. Nehemiah Herrick was swom as Fence Viewer
Mr. Henry Bradstreet was swom as Sealer of leather
Mr. John Bradstreet was swom as Deer Rieve
Mr. Saml. Perkins was swom as hog Rieve
Mr Jacob Averell Jur. was swom as Surveyer of Clabboards
& Shingle
March 15th 1773 Mr. Jacob Kimball was swom as Constable
March 24 1773 Mr. Stephen Foster Jur was swom as Tyth
ing man
March 3 1773 Mr. Stephen Foster Jur. was swom as Sur
veyer of highways
March 6 1773 Mr. David Town was swom as Surveyer of
high ways
March 12 1773 Mr. David Perkins was swom as Fence Viewer
March 23 1773 Mr. Thomas Perkins Jur. was swom as Fence
Viewer March 5 1773 Mr. Zebulon Perkins was swom as hog Rieve
March 8 1773 Mr. Thomas Wildes was swom as hog Rieve
May 27 1773 Capt Saml. Smith Misrs. Stephen Perkins Zac
cheus Gould Danl. Bixby & Thomas Mower were swom as as
sessors Elijah Porter was swom by the Selectmen as Town Cler. and
was also swom as Town Treasuer
At a legal Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants
of Topsfield 2 March 1773 said meeting was wam'd by Mr. John
Baker Jur. one of ye Constables & Mr. John Perkins Jur. was
Chosen to Serve as Grand Juryman for ye year Ensuing
Misrs. John Cree & Saml Bradstreet were Draw'd out of the
Box to Serve on ye Jury of Tryals at the Infr. Court to be holden
at Ipswich in March, 1773
March 2d. 1773 Mr. Joseph Gould was swom as Clerk of the
Sticky Meadow Common field by me Elijah Porter Town Cler
Mr. Nehemiah Herrick was sworn as Fence viewer of the
Sticky Meadow Common field by me Elijah Porter Tovni Cler

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 317
Topsfield ss To Jacob Kimball one of the Constables of the
Tovsm of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby Required fourth
with to warn all the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of said
Town, that are qualified by Law for voteing, to Convean and
meet together at the Meeting house in said Tovsm on Tuesday ye
Eighteenth Day of May next Ensuing at two of the Clock after
noon lly to Elect and Depute one or more persons to serve for and
Represent them in the Great and General Court or Assembly
the year Ensuing according to precept
21y To see if the Town will agree to new paint and CoUer the
Out Side of the Meeting house, and to agree upon any Other
matter or thing. Respecting the same that the Town shall think
proper Sly To see if the Town will Chuse a Committee to Petition the
Justices of the Court of General Sessions of the peace, next
to be holden at Salem, in behalf of said Town, that the Road
Lately laid out from Boxford line near Elias Smiths house to
the County Road in Topsfield, might not be accepted and Es
tablished as a County Road, by reason of the small advantage
that it is or ever will be to the publick in Comparison to the
Cost and Damage that will arise to ye Town thereby
41y For the Town to Consider and act on a petition of Nathl.
Raymond of Beverly, and Others, as said Town shall think
proper Sly To see if the Town will give Enos Knight and Nehemiah
Herrick Liberty to set up a Stable near the Meeting house
Sly For the Tovsm to Consider and Act Relateing to Severall
papers Sent to said Town, from a Committee of Corispondence
in the Town of Boston as they shall think proper
71y To allow Bills of Charge
Hereof fail not and make Retum hereof with your doings
thereon, to one or more of the Selectmen of said Town at time
and place above mentioned
Dated in Topsfield April 26th 1773
Saml Smith
Zaccheus Gould
Danl. Bixby
Stephen Perkins
Thos. Mower
May ye 18 1773 In Obedience to this warrant I have warned
the within named Inhabitants to appear at time and place by
posting up said warrant on the Meeting house side on a publick
Leckter Day Jacob Kimball Constable

^Selectmen of Topsfield

318 TOWN RECORDS OF
A true Copy of ye warrant & Retum
Attest Elijah Porter Town Cler
At a Legal Town meeting of the Freeholders and Other In
habitants of Topsfield the 18 May 1773
lly Dean. John Gould was Chosen to Represent the Town in
the Great & General Court ye year Ensuing
21y Capt. Saml. Smith was Chosen Morderator of this Meet
ing Voted that Capt. Saml. Smith Misrs. Zaccheus Gould and Sol
omon Dodge, be a Committee to petition the Justices of the
Court of General Sessions of the peace next to be holden at
Salem, in behalf of said Town, that the Road lately laid out
from Boxford Line, near to Elias Smiths house to the County
Road in Topsfield, might not be accepted and Established as a
County Road, by reason of the small advantage that it is or
ever will be to the Publick, in Comparison to the lost and Dam
age that will arise to the Town thereby
Voted that Misrs. Enos Knight & Nehemiah Herrick shall
have Liberty to set up a stable near the Meeting house
Voted that Capt Saml Smith Elijah Porter Capt Thomas Baker
Misrs Stephen Foster John Gould Solomon Dodge Abraham
Hobbs Capt John Bordman & Mr. David Perkins, be a Comtee.
to Consider and Report what they think is proper for the Town
to do Respecting a printed pamfilet and Other papers Sent from
the Committee of Corrispondence of Boston, to this Town
Voted that Mr. Stephen Foster Jur one of ye Surveyers of
highways, shall give Mr Thomas Symonds Credit for three Days
work, in Lieu of three Days work ye said Thos. did more than
what he was assessed, when Capt. Thos. Baker was Surveyer
of highways
Voted that this Meeting be Adjumed to the Sth Day of June
next, there to meet at the Meeting house at three of the Clock
aftemoon At a legal Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants
of Topsfield, held by Adjumment the 8 Day of June 1773 Capt.
Saml. Smith Morderator
At a Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield May the ISth 1773
agreeable to an Article in the V/arrant the Town took under
Consideration a letter a pamphilet and Other papers accom
panying the same, sent to this Town by a Committee of Corris
pondence of the Town of Boston, Containing a list of the Rights
of the Colonists, and of this Province in Perticuler, also a

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 319
list of the Infringments and violations of those Rights, for
the Consideration of this Town, it being near the Close of the
Day a motion was made to Chuse a Committee to take under
their Consideration, their Letter &c, and that the Meeting be Ad
jumed, and the Comtee. to make a Draft in answer to said Letter
(if they should Judge proper) and to Lay the same before the
Town at the adjumment of said Meeting, the Town Chose a
Committee of nine persons for the purpose aforesaid, and ad
jumed said Meeting, to ye Eighth Day of June June ye Sth
1773 the Town being met Together on the Adjumment, the
Letter pamphilet & Other papers being Read and duly Considered,
the Committee then Reported the following Draft in answer &c
That it is the Opinion of this Town that the Inhabitants of
the Town of Boston have Truely and Justly stated the Rights
of the Colonests and of this Province in perticuler, as first
their natural Rights as men. Secondly their Rights as Chris
tians by the Laws of God, and thirdly their Rights as Subjects
by the Constitution, all which Rights in the Opinion of this
Town, the Colonists in General, and the Inhabitants of this
province in perticuler, are and forever Ought to be truely
and Justly intitled to, unless by their Own Act they forfit
them, it is also the Opinion of this Town that the Infringments
and Violations made on those Rights are truely & Rightly
Stated, and that if Such violations and Infringments are still Con
tinued in, it will prove the Ruin of this Province if not the
whole Continent of Amarica and we fear the Kingdom of Great
Britton too, and we Look upon it the duty of this and of every
Town in this Province in a legal way to use our and their ut
most Endeavours to prevent the Execution of any and all un
constitutional act or acts that has been or that may hereafter
be made, to Deprive us of any of our Just Rights or Liberty, or
to take away our property from us without our Consent, and
that this Town in perticuler will be ready at all times to Joyn
with their Brethren in every legal way and manner, to Defend
the life and person of his Majesty, and the lives of Our Breth
ren his Majestys Loyal Subjects, and in the same way to pre
serve and Defend Our Own Lawfull Rights Libertys and propertys
even to the Last Exstremity. And that the thanks of this Town be
given to the Town of Boston, for their takeing such early Care,
in Stateing the Rights of the Colonists and makeing a Repre
sentation of the Infringments and Violations, that are made on
our Just Rights and Libertys. The Town voted to accept of
the above Report by a great Majority

320 TOWN RECORDS OF
Then the Town Chose Capt Saml Smith Capt John Bordman
& Dean John Gould a Committee for Corrispondence with the
Committee of Corrispondence of Boston
Also Voted that the Town Clerk Transmit an Authenticated
Copy of the foregoing Votes to the Committee of Corrispon
dence of Boston
Voted that Mr. Solomon Dodge one of ye Surveyers of high
ways, shall do so much work on Kiziah Perkins Land as he
thinks is Reasonable, in mending the way for Mr Jacob Town
to Come to Meeting
Voted to allow Mr. Thomas Mower one of ye former Consta
bles, Ten Shillings an abatement of what George Dwinel was
assessed in his Lists
and Eight Shillings & one penny an abatement of what
Abijah Wilkins was assessed in his Lists
Topsfield ss To Jacob Kimball one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield in sd County Greeting You are hereby
Required fourthwith to warn all the Freeholders and Other
Inhabitants of said Town, that are qualified by law for voteing
to Conven and meet Together at the Meeting house in said
Town on Monday the Twentyeth Day of September next En
suing at one of the Clock aftemoon
lly To See how much money the Town will agree to Raise
to Defray ye necessary Charges within ye Town ye year En
suing 21y To see if the Town will Vote that the Surveyers of high
ways shall give Credit on their highway Lists to each of ye
assessors as many Days workes as they were imploy'd in
makeing the highway Rates in May last
Sly To Choose one Overseer of the poor in Room of Capt
John Bordman who declines to Serve
41y To See if the Tovsm will Chuse a man or men to wait on a
Comtee. of Both Houses of the General Court appointed to View
the Situation and Circumstances of Joseph Cummings and
Others; and also To See if the Town will again Vote to Recieve
the Said Joseph Cummings and Others, who have petitioned
Said Court to be set of from Ipswich and annexed to Topsfield
Sly That Zaccheus Gould and Others the Committee Chosen
at the Annual Meeting in March Last, to Seat ye Inhabitants
of said Town in the Meeting house be Directed (Viz) if they
have Done it, to lay the full form and manner of their Seating
before the Town for their Acceptance or Refusal
61y for the Town (if they see cause) to Chuse a Committee

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 321
to Seat Such of the Inhabitants of Said Town (only) in the
Common Seats in the meeting house that have not Seats
already Consigned to them by the Town for that purpose
71y To See if the Town will vote that the Selectmen shall
Draw money out of the Town Treasury to pay the Towns pro
portion of the County Tax for this present year
Sly To aUow Bills of Charge
hereof fail not and make Retum of your Doings thereon to
one or more of the Selectmen of said Town at time and place
above mentioned
Dated in Topsfield August SOth 1773
Saml. Smith ) ^ i i.
Stephen Perkins Pf^'^^^'f ,^
Thomas Mower j ^^ Topsfield
Topsfield 1st. of September 1773
pursuant to this Warrant I have wamed the within named
Inhabitants to appear at time and place within mentioned, by
posting up said warrant upon ye side of the meeting house, on
a publick Lecture Day Jacob Kimball Constable of Topsfield
A tme Copy of ye warrant & Retum
Attest Elijah Porter Town Cler
At a Legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders and Other
Inhabitants of Topsfield the 20 Day of September 1773 Capt
Samuel Smith was Chosen Morderator of this meeting
Voted to Raise one hundred and fortysix pounds to Defray
the necessary Charges ariseing in said Town for ye year
Ensuing Voted that the Surveyers of highways Shall give Credit to
each of the Selectmen on their high way Lists for three Days
work each, for their makeing the highway Tax
Voted that Mr. David Balch shall be an Overseer of the poor
in the Room of Capt. John Bordman who Refuses to Serve
Voted that Elijah Porter Capt Smith & Deacon John Gould
be a Comtee. to wait on the Comtee appointed by both houses
of the General Court to view the Circumstances of Capt Joseph
Cummings and Others, Respecting their being set of from
Ipswich and annexed to Topsfield
Voted that the Town is free and willing to have Capt Joseph
Cummings & Others set of from Ipswich and annexed to
Topsfield Voted that the Selectmen shall Draw money out of the Town

322 TOWN RECORDS OP
Treasury to pay ye Towns proportion of ye County Tax
being £6 13s 0 3/4
At a Legal Meeting of ye Freeholders and Other Inhabitants
of Topsfield Assembled by Henry Bradstreet one of ye Consta
bles of sd. Topsfield, the 20 September 1773
Messrs. Nehemiah Herrick and Joseph Towne were Draw'd
out of the Box to Serve as Jurymen at ye Infr. Court to Be
holden at Newbury port in Sept. Instent
At a Legal Meeting of the freeholders and Other Inhabitants
of Topsfield, Assembled by Jacob Kimball one of the Constables
of sd Topsfield the 27 Octr. 1773
Mr. Joseph Gould was Chosen to Serve on the Grand Inquest,
and Mr. Zacheus Gould was Draw'd Out of ye Box to Serve on
ye Jury of Tryals at ye next Infr. Court to be holden at Salem
in November next
Essex ss To Jacob Kimball one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby Required fourth
with to wam all the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of
the Town of Topsfield that are qualified for voteing in Town
Meetings as the Law Directs to Conven and Meet Together
at the Meeting house in said Town, on Thursday the sixth Day
of Jany. next at one O clock aftemoon
lly To see if the Town will agree in sentiments with the In
habitants of the Town of Boston, and many Other Towns,
Respecting Teas being Exported into this, and the Other north
Amarican Colonys, by the East India Company on their own
account, with a duty Imposed on it, for the purpose of raiseing
a revenue in Amarca, as set fourth in a Letter, sent to the
Town Clerk, by a Comtee. of the Town of Boston, to be Com
municated to this Town for that purpose
21y To see if the Town will agree in sentiments with the
Inhabitants of the Town of Boston Respecting their Late Con
duct and proseedings in Regard to ye Tea, and the manner of
its being Exported &C, as set fourth in a pamphylet, and Other
papers accompaning the Letter, also to be Commuicated to said
Town Hereof fail not and make Retum of this warrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Select men on or before ye time
of said Meeting

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 323

Dated Topsfield December 27th 1773
Saml. Smith
Zaccheus Gould Cz^i^^f^^^
T> • 1 D- u I Selectmen
Ste°ph!,?e*L ro« Topsfield
Thos Mower

f

Persuant to this Warrant I have wamed the within named
Inhabitants to appear at time and place within Mentioned, by
posting up said Warrant upon the Side of the Meeting house
on a publick Lecture Day
Topsfield Deer, ye 29th 1773 Jacob Kimball Constable
A tme Copy of ye Warrant & Retum
Attest Elijah Porter Town Cler.
At a Legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders and Other In
habitants of Topsfield the 6 Jany. 1774
Capt Saml Smith was Chosen Morderator of sd Meeting
Voted to Chuse a Committee of five men to Consider & make
Report to ye Town, what they think is proper for the Tovsm to
do Respecting ye East India Company sending Tea here on
their own account
The Tovsm Choose Capt. Saml. Smith Misrs. Elijah Porter
Stephen Foster David Towne & Solomon Dodge To be sd.
Comtee. Voted that this Meeting be Adjumed to Thursday the 20th
Jany Instent at one O clock aftemoon and said meeting was
Adjumed At a legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders and Other In
habitants of Topsfield the 6 Jany. 1774 Capt. Saml. Smith
Morderator The papers that was sent from Boston to this Town Respect
ing the East India Company sending Tea here on their Own
account being Read
The Town Choos a Committee of five men to Consider and
make Report to the Town, what they think is proper for the
Town to do Respecting the East India Company sending Tea
here on their Own Account and then Voted that said Meeting
be Adjumed to Thursday ye 20th Jany. Instent at one O clock
aftemoon, and accordingly said Meeting was Adjumed
Thursday 20 Jany. 1774 said Freeholders and Other Inhab
tants Met according to Said Adjurnment and the said Com
mittee Reported as foUoweth Viz : That to purchas and Consume

324 TOWN RECORDS OF
such quantitys of Tea as has been sent here, would be extreamly
impoverishing to the American Colonys even if there was no
Duty imposed on it as it would Carry very Great Sums of money
from us, and has a much Greater Tendency to impoverish and
inslave us, if we should purchas and consume the East India
Companys Tea sent here with a duty imposed on it
2 Therefore Voted that we will not buy nor sell any Tea
that has or may be Exported from Great Britton, untill such
time as there is a totell Repeal of the Oppressive and unconsti
tutional Act or acts of Parlament for imposeing a Duty on Tea &c
S Voted that we highly approve of every Legal Method the
Town of Boston and Others have taken to prevent said Com
panys Tea being Landed, and to have it Sent Back from whence
it Came 4 And that we will Joyn with and assist Our Brethren of the
Town of Boston and Elsewhere to preserve our Just Rights and
Previldges which have been and still are Enfringed upon by
the Acts of the parlament of Great Britton and Especially in
Such a Crafty manner, by their late act in Granting Liberty
to ye East India Company to Export Tea into America with a
Duty imposed on it, we therefore Look upon it Our Duty to En
deavour to ye utmost of our power in every Legal way to pre
vent any Teas Exported from Great Britton, being Landed here
with a duty imposed on it
5 That if any Merchant or Merchants of Boston or Elsewhere,
shall for the future import any Tea from Great Britton with
a Duty imposed on it, we shall Look upon them as Enimes to
all the American Colonys
The above Report being Destinstly read Several times ye
question was put whether ye Town would accept of it and it
passed in the afirmative and that it be Entered on ye Town
Records and that an Attested Copy be Given to ye Comtee of
Corrispondence, for them to send to the Comtee of Corrispond
ence of Boston
Topsfield ss To Jacob Kimball one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting In His Majestys Name you are
Required fourthwith to warn all the Freeholders and Other In
habitants of the north ward in said Town, that are qualified by
Law for Voteing, to Conven and Meet Together at the Meeting
house in said Town on Tuesday the first Day of March next at
nine of the Clock in the morning
lly To Chuse Selectmen a Town Clerk and all Other Tovsm
Officers for the year ensueing as the Law Directs

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 325
21y To Chuse a Committee to Supply the Town with a Gram
mer School Master the year Ensuing
Sly To See if the Town will Vote that Swine may go at Large
being yoked & Ringed as ye Law Directs
41y To Chuse a man or men to see that there is good and
Sufficient ways made and kept Open agreeable to Law through
the Mill Dams and Streems that alewives and Other fish may
pass into the ponds to Cast their Spawns
Sly To See what Method the Tovsm will agree to mend the
highways in this present year
Sly To See how much Money the Town will agree to Raise
to Defray the Charge of Mending the highways and Other nec
essary Charges ariseing within the same
71y To See how much money the Town will agree to appro
priate to the Charge of Mending highways this present year
Sly To See if the Town will accept of the Selectmens Recken
ing with the Town Treasurer
91y To see if the Town will Chuse a Committee to Clear the
Brook from Capt. Bordmans Down to the River by Removeing
out of said brook what may appear to said Comtee. an Obstmc
tion and hinderence to the free passage for the alewives in pass
ing up said Brook to Cast their Spawns
lOly To see if the Town will Disapprove of and Disannul the
proseedings of Zaccheus Gould and Others a Committee in Seat
ing the Inhabitants of Said Town in the meeting house in such a
way and manner as it appears they have Done it in
Illy To see if the Town wiU Chuse a Committee to Seat the
Inhabitants of said Town in the meeting house and give said
Committee Instmctions for their guidence and Direction therein
12 To aUow Bills of Charge
IS To See if the Town wiU Grant the Petition of John Rea
and Others, Respecting the Towns mending a way for them to
go to Meeting in
Hereof fail not and make Retum of this Warrant with your
doings thereon to one or more of the Selectmen of said Town at
time and place above Mentioned
Dated in Topsfield Febr. 16th 1774
Saml Smith "^
Zaccheus Gould (Selectmen
Thos. Mower (of Topsfield
Stephen PerkinsJ
Pursuant to this Warrant I have wamed the within named
Inhabitants to appear at the time and place within Mentioned
Topsfield February ye 2Sth 1774 Jacob Kimball Constable

326 TOWN RECORDS OF
The Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the South ward in
said Town was wam'd by a like Warrant, and a like Retum
made as aforesaid by Henry Bradstreet Constable
A True Copy of ye Warrant and Retum
Attest Elijah Porter Town Cler
At a legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders and Other In
habitants of Topsfield ye 1st March 1774
lly Mr. Stephen Perkins was Chosen Morderator of said
Meeting Misrs. Stephen Perkins Daniel Bixby Capt. Saml. Smith
Missrs. Zaccheus Gould & Thomas Mower were Chosen Select
men Voted that the said Selectmen shall be assessors, and aU were
swom Elijah Porter was Chosen Town Clerk and was Swom by ye
Selectmen Misrs. Daniel Estey & Stephen Adams were Chosen Constables
Misrs. Nathl. Dorman & Elijah Porter were Chosen Wardens
sd Dorman was swom
Elijah Porter was swom by ye Selectmen
Elijah Porter was Chosen Town Treasurer and was swom by
the Selectmen
Misrs. Joseph Perkins John Baker Jur. & Jacob Kimball were
Chosen Tything men and all were swom
Misrs. Zebulun Perkins David Balch John Batcheler & Ephraim
Towne were Chosen Surveyers of highways. John Batcheler
was Swom Ephraim Tovsme & Zebulun Perkins were swom ye
2 March 1774
Misrs. Joseph Perkins Thomas Symonds & Jacob Peabody
were Chosen Fence Viewers Joseph Perkins & Jacob Peabody
were Swom
Mr. Joseph Perkins was Chosen Sealer of Leather and was
swom Mr. Nathaniel Low was Chosen Deer Rieve & was swom
Misrs. Benja. Kimball Moses Wildes & Moses Perkins were
Chosen hog Rieves and all were Swom
Mr. Jacob AvereU Jur. was Chosen Surveyer of Clabboards
and Shingles
Misrs. Thomas Emerson & Nehemiah Herrick were Chosen
Overseers of the Poor
Misrs. Joseph Gould Amos Wildes & John Peabody were Chosen
a Committee to Supply the Town with a Grammer School
Master this year

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 327
Voted that Misrs. John Perkins Jur. Thomas Symonds & Capt
John Bordman, be a Committee to see that there is good and
sufficient ways made and kept Open agreeable to Law, through
ye Mill Dams, that alewives & Other fish may pass into ye ponds
to Cast their Spawns
Voted to mend the highways this present year in the same
method as the Town did in the year 1772
Voted to Raise one hundred Pounds to mend the highways
and Other necessary Charges
Voted that Eighty pounds of ye aforesaid hundred pounds
shall be appropriated for mending the highways this present
year Voted to accept of the Selectmens Reckening with the Town
Treasurer and there Remains in said Treasurers hands not
Orderd out £273 1 3 3/4
Voted that Misrs. Robert Perkins Stephen Foster and Solomon
Dodge, be a Committee, to Clear the Brook from Capt John
Bordmans Down to ye River by Removeing out of said Brook
what may appear to said Comtee. an Obstruction and hinder-
ance to the free passage for the alewives and Other fish in pass
ing up said Brook to Cast their Spawns
Voted allow Mr. Stephen Perkins for paper £0 2s Sd
Voted to allow Mr. Isaac Averell 5/1 an abatement of what
Willm Gallop is Taxed in his Lists £0 Ss Id and 9/11 3/4 an
abatement of what Enoch Perkins is Taxed in his Lists
£0 9s 11 3/4
Voted to allow Mr. Eliezer Lake and Others ye School Comtee,
to ye School Master for keeping school Eight months £17 15s 3 1/2
for 2 1/2 Cord wood for ye school in said 8 months £1 6s 8d
for Boarding ye School Master ye said 8 months £8 10s Sd
Voted to allow Mr. Nehemiah Herrick 12/ 2 3/4 an abate
ment of what John May is Taxed in his Lists £0 12s 2 3/4
Voted to allow Mr Stephen Foster Jur. 5/7 for 7 feet of plank
£0 Ss 7d
Voted to allow Misrs. Zach^ Gould and David Perkins IS/ for
plank for ye River bridge £0 15s 0
Voted to allov/ Mr. Thos. Mower 10/ an abatement of what
Benja Kimball is Taxed in his Lists for Benja Knights Pole
£0 10s 0
On Reading the Petition of John Rea and Others, praying to
have a way mended for them to Come to Meeting in, or to Re-
leave ye Petitioners in any Other way and manner as ye Town
shall think proper

328 TOWN RECORDS OF
Voted that ye Surveyers of highways shall mend the way for
the said Petitioners to Come to meeting in, as they do ye Other
highways in said Town
Voted that the Selectmen also shall lay out a way for said
Petitioners to Come to Meeting in
May 28th 1774 Mr. Thomas Symonds was swom as fence
viewer At a legal Town Meeting of the freeholders and Other Inhabi
tants of Topsfield, being wamed and assembled by Mr. Jacob
Kimball Constable of sd Town ye 1st March 1774
Mr. John Peabody was Chosen to Serve as a Grand Jury man
for ye Ensueing year
Misrs. Thomas Mower & Robt. Perkins were Draw'd out of
ye Box to Serve on ye petty Jury at ye Infra. Court at Ipsvsdch
in March Inst.
March 1st 1774 Mr. Joseph Gould was swom as Clerk of ye
Proprietors of ye Sticky Meadow Common field part in Tops-
field & part in Boxford & Middleton
by me Elijah Porter Town Cler. of Topsfield
and Mr. David Towne Jur. was Haward and as Fence Viewer
of said Conmion field
by me Elijah Porter Town Cler. of Topsfield
Essex ss To Jacob Kimball one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties Name you are
hereby Required fourth with to wam all the freeholders and
Other Inhabitants of the north ward in said Town that are
qualified by Law for voteing, to Conven and meet Together at
the meeting house in said Town, on Fryday the Twentysecortd
day of April Instent at one of the Clock in the afternoon
lly To see if the Town will agree upon any method in order
to Supply the Pulpit, and have the Gospel preached in this
Tovsm, during the time of the indisposition of the Revd. Mr.
Emerson 21y To Chuse a Constable or Constables in the room of
Stephen Adams who has been adjudged by the Court to pay a
fine for Refusing to take the Oath and in the room of Daniel
Estey who neglects to take ye Oath
Hereof fail not and make retum of this warrant vsrith your
doings thereon to one or more of the Selectmen at time and
place above mentioned

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 329
Dated Topsfield April 19th 1774 Saml Smith "1
Zaccheus Gould I o i ^
Daniel Bixby ^f ^''^"'r,.
Thos Mower ( "^ Topsfield
Stephn Perkins _,
Topsfield April ye 20 1774
Pursuant to this Warrant I have warned all the Freeholders
and Other Inhabitants of the north ward of sd Town that are
qualified by Law for voteing, to appear at time and place
within mentioned Jacob Kimball Constable of Topsfield
The Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of ye South ward in
said Town, were warned by a like warrant as aforesaid, and
a simerler Retum as aforesaid, made by Henry Bradstreet
Constable of Topsfield
A true Copy of ye Warrant & Return
Attest Elijah Porter Town Cler
At a Legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders and Other
Inhabitants of Topsfield the 22d of April 1774
Capt. Saml. Smith was Chosen Morderator of said meeting
Voted to hire some sutable person to preach ye Gosple in this
Town, four Sabbath days
Voted that Misrs. Elijah Porter Solomon Dodge & Deacon
John Gould, be a Committee, to get a sutable person to preach
the Gosple in this Town, four Sabbath days
Mr. Amos Wildes was Chosen Constable in ye Room of Mr.
Stephen Adams who refused to take ye Oath
Mr. Enos Knight was Chosen Constable, in ye Room of Mr.
Daniel Estey, who neglected to take ye Oath
Voted that this meeting be Desolved, and accordingly said
meeting was Desolved
April 22d 1774 Enos Knight was swom as Constable
We the Subscribers being appointed by the Towns of Topsfield
& Boxford to Perambulate the lines between said Towns, have
on the fourth Day of December 1772 Perambulated said line,
begining at an apple tree with stones about it in Capt Asa
Perleys field, thence to a stake and stones at the Southerly
corner of Bakers farm (so calld) thence to where the water
runs through the Dam by Simon Goulds house, call'd Andrewses
Dam, thence to fishing brook to a stake & stones by the East-

330 TOWN RECORDS OF
erly side of a revilet runing into said brook, thence down
said brook to Ipswich River so call'd, thence up said River
to Middleton line
Thomas Perley ) Comtee Eliezer Lake ) Comtee
Richard Peabody | for Boxford Joseph Gould j for Topsfield
June 23rd 1774 Mr. Amos Wildes was sworn as Constable
E^ex ss To Enos Knight one of the Constables of the Town
of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby Required fourthwith to
wam all the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants that are quaU-
fied for voteing in Town Meetings in Topsfield, to Assemble and
Conven together at the meeting house in said Town on Tuesday
the Seventeenth day of May Inst, at two of the Clock aftemoon
lly To Chuse a person or persons to Represent said Town at
the Great and General Court according to preceipt
21y For the Town to agree upon such further Methods in
Order to Supply the Pulpit with a sutable person to preach ye
Gosple, During the time of the Revd. Mr. Emersons indisposi
tion as they shall think proper
Sly To See if the Town wiU agree to pay the Constables or
Collectors for their Service in Collecting the Taxes in this
Town for this present year, and for ye future
41y For the Town to agree upon any perticuler sum to give the
Constables, or Collectors pr. pound for their Service in colecting
the Taxes in this Town for this present year and for ye future
Sly To See if the Town will release Amos Wildes from
serveing as Constable this present year, and Chuse another
Constable to Serve in his room
Sly To see if the Town will give Liberty for John Perkins Jur.
and such Others of the Town Inhabitance as may Joyn with him
to set up a horse stable on the Towns Land, near the meeting
house 71y To allow Bills of Charge
Sly To see if the Town will agree to new build the Bridge a
cross the River Call'd Rowley Bridge, this present year
Hereof fail not and make return of this warrant with your
doings to one or more of the Selectmen of said Town on or
before the day and time above mentioned
Dated Topsfield May ye 10th 1774
Saml Smith ^
Zaccheus Gould (selectmen
Sen pSkinspf Topsfield
Thos. Mower J

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 331
By Virtue of this Warrant, I have wamed the free holders
and Other Inhabatants within mentioned to appear at time and
place within mentioned
Topsfield 14 May 1774 Enos Knight Constable of Topsfield
A tme Copy of ye warrant and Return
Attest Elijah Porter Town Cler
At a Legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders and Other In
habitants of Topsfield at ye Meeting house ye 17 May 1774
Dean. John Gould was Chosen to Represent ye Town in the
Great and General Court this present year
Capt. Saml. Smith was Chosen Morderator of this Meeting
Voted that Misrs. Abraham Hobbs John Gould & Saml.
Cummings be a Comtee. to Confer with the Revd. Mr. Emerson
respecting Supplying ye Pulpit. The said Comtee. Repported
that Mr. Emerson took it kindly of ye Town, and would have
ye Town go on as they had Done
Voted to hire a sutable person to preach ye Gosple in this
Town four Sabbath days, And Misrs. Elijah Porter John Gould
& Stephen Foster were Chosen a Committee to get a sutable
person to preach ye Gosple in this Town four Sabbath Days
Voted that Mr. John Perkins Jur. and Such Others as will
Joyn with him, shall have Liberty to Set up a horse Stable near
the Meeting house
Voted that the bridge across ye River, call Rowley bridge
shall be new built this present year
Voted to allow Mr. Robert Perkins 10/ an abatement of what
David Nutting was Taxed in his Lists £0 10 0
also aUow'd to sd. Robt. Perkins 10/ an abatement of what
Salvanis Wildes pool Tax 0 10 0
Voted to allow Mr. Isaac Averell 9/ an abatement of Salvanis
Wildes pool Tax 0 9 0
and 9/ an abatement of Simon Bradstreet Tax in his List
£0 9 0
Voted that this meeting be Adjum to Tuesday ye 14 of June
next at 3 O Clock after noon then to meet at the Meeting
house. And sd. meeting was Adjumd
At a Legal Town Meeting held by Adjurnment the fourteenth
day of June 1774
Stephen Perkins was Chosen and Sworn a speciel Clerk for
said meeting, Mr. Elijah Porter ye Town Clerk being absent,
by reason of sickness
Voted to hire a sutable person to preach the Gosple in this
Town four Sabbath days

332 TOWN RECORDS OF
Misrs. Stephen Foster Solomon Dodge & Elijah Porter was
Chosen a Committee to get a sutable person to preach the
Gosple in this Town four Sabbath days
Voted that the Comtee Chosen to Supply ye Pulpit with a
person to preach ye Gosple four Sabbath days, be Directed to
confer with ye Revd. Mr. Emerson in order to know whether
he wiU Relinquish his Salary or any part thereof During the
Time, the Tovsm are Obliged to hire another person to preach
the Gosple, and report to the Town at ye adjumment of this
meeting Voted that this meeting be further adjumed to Tuesday the
Fifth day of July next at three of ye Clock aftemoon
At a Legal Town meeting held by adjumment the Sth day of
July A D 1774 Capt Saml. Smith Morderator
Voted to hire Preaching a longer time
Voted to hire a sutable person to preach ye Gosple eight Sab
bath days from and after next Sabbath day
Voted that Misrs. Zaccheus Gould Elijah Porter and Daniel
Bixby, be a Committee to imply a sutable person to preach in
this Town, the aforesaid eight Sabbath Days
Voted that Mr. Enos Knight be allowed 3/ for 1/2 of his time
in warning a town meeting £0 3 0
Voted that Mr. Jacob Kimball be allowed 3/ for warning one
half of ye Town to attend a Town Meeting after his year was
out £0 3 0
Voted that this Meeting be Dissolved, and said Meeting was
Dissolved Essex ss To Amos Wildes one of the Constables of ye Tovsm
of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby Required fourth .with to
wam all the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the north
ward in said Town that are qualified by Law for voteing, to
conven and meet together at the meeting house in said Town
on Wednsday the thirteenth Day of July Instent at five of the
Clock afternoon
lly To See if the Town wiU agree to be at ye Charge of the
Funeral of the Revd. Mr. Emerson Deed., or any part thereoff,
and to act upon any Other Matter or thing Respecting the same,
that the Town shall think proper
21y To see if the Town will Chuse a Committee to provide a
sutable person to preach the Gosple in said Town after the
fourth day of Sept. next, and to act any thing further respect
ing the same the Town shall think proper

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 333
Hereof fail not and make retum of this Warrant with your
doings thereon to one or more of the Selectmen of said Town
at time and place above mentioned
Dated in Topsfield July 12th 1774
Saml. Smith ^
Zaccheus Gould o i i
T^ 1 r>- u I Selectmen
?™oL^sMLer N'Topsfield
Stephen Perkins J

By Virtue of this Warrant I have warned all the free holders
and Other Inhabitants according to warrant
Topsfield July ISth 1774
Amos Wildes One of the Constables of Topsfield
The Freeholders and Other Inhabtants of the South ward in
said Town, were warned by a like Warrant as aforesaid, and a
simerler Return made by Enos Knight Constable of Topsfield
A true Copy of ye Warrant & Return
Attest Elijah Porter Town Cler
At a legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders and Other In
habitants of Topsfield ye ISth July 1774
Capt. Samuel Smith was Chosen Morderator of sd. meeting
Voted that ye Committee last Chosen to get a Sutable person
to preach the Gosple in this Town, be further impowered to get
a sutable person to preach the Gosple four days from and after
the fourth day of Sept. next
Essex ss To Enos Knight one of the Constables of ye Town
of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby Required fourthwith to
warn all ye Freeholders and Other Inhabitants that are qualified
for voteing in Town Meetings in the South ward in Topsfield to
conven and Meet Together at the Meeting house in said Town
on Monday the Twenty ninth day of August Instent at two of
the Clock aftemoon
lly For the Town to hear, and to Consider, and to Act Re
lateing to the Proposels made to this Town, by the Town of
Marblehead, in a letter Directed to the Selectmen of Topsfield,
which will then be Produced as they shall think proper
Hereof fail not and make Return of this Warrant with your
doings, to one or more of the Selectmen at time and place above
Mentioned

334 TOWN RECORDS OF
Dated Topsfield August 22d 1774
Saml. Smith
Zaccheus Gould c^^^^i.^^„
T\ • 1 -D- u I Selectmen
?h"ofM"wJr fof Topsfield,
Stephen Perkins J
In Obedience to the within I have warned the Freeholders and
Other Inhabitants to meet at time and place within Mentioned
Topsfield August 29 1774 Enos Knight Constable
The Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of ye North ward in
said Town, were wamed by a like warrant as aforesaid. And a
simerler Retum made by Amos Wildes Constable of Topsfield
A True Copy of ye warrant and Return
Attest Elijah Porter Town Cler.
At a legal Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants
of Topsfield, Legally Assembled the 29 August 1774
Capt Saml. Smith was Chosen Morderator of said Meeting
Voted that Capt. Saml. Smith Mr. Enos Knight & Dean John
Gould, be a Committee to meet the Comtee. of Marblehead and
Comtees. of Other Towns, at Ipswich agreeable to a letter from
the Town Clerk of Marblehead
Voted that ye said Comtee. shall have a reasonable allowance
for their Services
Voted that this Meeting be Dissolved
At a legal Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants
of Topsfield, assembled by Mr. Enos Knight Constable of Tops-
field Misrs. Joseph Perkins & Jacob Averel Jur. were Draw'd
Out of the Box to serve on ye petty Jury at Newbury Port Court,
to be holden in September next
Essex ss To Enos Knight one of the Constables of the Town
of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby Required fourthwith to
wam all the freeholders and Other Inhabitance of the Town of
Topsfield that are qualified for Voteing in Town Meetings as
the Law Directs, to Assemble and Conven together at the meet
ing house in said Town on Tuesday the Twentyeth Day of Sep
tember Instent at two of the Clock afternoon
lly To Chuse a person to Represent said Town at the Great
and General Court according to preceipt
21y To see how much money the Town wUl Raise to Defray
the necessary Charges ariseing within the same, the year Ensuing

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 335
Sly For the Town to agree upon any Further Method, that
they shall think proper, in Order for the Settlement of a Gosple
minister in said Town
41y For the Town to act any Other matter or thing, that may
come before them, relateing to the Inhabitants of this Town or
any part thereof, as said Town may think proper
51y to allow Bills of Charge
Hereof fail not, and make Retum of this Warrant with your
doings thereon to one or more of the Selectmen of said Town at
time and place above mentioned
Dated Topsfield Sept. 7th 1774 Saml. Smith ^
Zaccheus Gould (Selectmen
Danl. Bixby [^of Topsfield
Thomas MowerJ
Pursuant of this warrant I have warned all ye Freeholders &
Other Inhabitants of Topsfield qualified by law for voteing to
Conven & meet together at time and place within mentioned by
posting this Warrant on ye side of ye meeting house on a fast
day in said Town
At a legal Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants
of Topsfield Legally assembled the 20th September 1774
Capt Saml Smith was Chosen to Represent the Town in the
Great and General Court this present year
Capt Saml. Smith was Chosen Morderator of this Meeting
Voted to Raise one hundred & Twenty pounds to Defray the
Necessary Charges ariseing in said Tovsm this present year
Voted that Misrs. Elijah Porter Zaccheus Gould and Danl
Bixby, be a Committee to get a sutable person to preach the
Gosple in this Town
Also Voted that said Comtee do their Endeavour to get Mr.
Marret to Supply the Pulpit further Viz Six Sabbath days
Voted that this Meeting be Adjumed to Tuesday ye Eleventh
day of Octor. next
At a legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders and Other In
habitants of Topsfield, held by Adjurnment ye 11th day of
Octr. 1774 Capt. Saml. Smith Morderator
Capt. Saml. Smith was Chosen a Deligate to meet and set in
the Provencsiel Congress, to be held at Concord or such Other
place as said Congress shall agree upon.
The Town then gave the said Saml. the following Instmctions

336 TOWN RECORDS OF
Viz That you use your Endeavours that King George ye Srd be
acknowledged as Our RightfuU Sovereign
21y That you use your Endeavours that all our Constitutional
and Charter Rights and Previledges be kept good and Inviolable
to the Latest Postarity
Sly That you do every thing to the utmost of your power to
prevent any of the late Oppressive Acts of Parlament being
Executed. Provided that you do not act any thing that is
Repignent to what the Continentional Congress may Resolve
Voted to allow the Selectmen three days each for their
makeing the highway Rate Last Spring
Voted to aUow Dean. John Gould Mr. Enos Knight and Capt.
Saml. Smith 12/ each for their attendence at ye Congress at
Ipswich £1 16 0
Voted yt. this meeting be Dissolved
Essex ss To Amos Wildes one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby Required fourth
with to wam all Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the north
ward that are qualified by law for voteing to Conven and meet
Together at the Meeting house in said Town on Wednsday ye
second day of November next at two of the Clock aftemoon
lly To see if Town will concur with the Church in their vote
in giveing Mr. John Marrett a call to the work of ye Ministry
amongst us in said Town and in case ye Town shall concur
vsath the Church in said vote
21y To see how much Sallary the Tovsm will agree to give
Mr. John Marrett annually, to support him in the work of ye
ministry amongst us in said Town
Sly To see how much ye Town will agree to give Mr. John
Marrett as a settlement to incourage him to settle in the work
of ye Ministry amongst us in said Town
41y for the Town to act on any Other Matters or things
relateing to the Settlement of a Gosple Minister in said Town
that they shall think proper
Sly To allow Bills of Charge
Hereof fail not and make retum of this Warrant with your
doings thereon to one or more of the Selectmen of said Tovra
at time and place above mentioned
Dated in Topsfield Octr. 11th 1774
Saml Smith ^
Zaccheus Gould I Selectmen
Thomas Mower fof Topsfield
Stephen Perkins J

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 337
Topsfield Octr. 14th 1774 By virtue of this Warrant I have
wamed all the within Mentioned Freeholders and Other Inhabi
tants, to appear at time and place within Mentioned
Amos Wildes Constable of Topsfield
The Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the South ward in
said Town were wam'd by a like warrant as aforesaid, and a
like retum as aforesaid, made by Enos Knight Constable of
Topsfield A tme Copy of the warrant and Returns
Attest Elijah Porter Town Cler
At a legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Iil-
habitants of Topsfield the 2 Novr. 1774
lly Capt. Saml. Smith was Chosen Morderator of said Meeting
21y Voted to concur the Vote of the Church, for giveing Mr.
John Marrett a Call to the work of ye Ministry, agreeable to
the Vote that was passed by the Church the 29 of September
1774 for Calling Mr. John Marrett to the work of the Ministry
in this Town There was 49 voted in the affirmative and 28 in
the negative
Sly Voted to give Mr. John Marrett sixty six pounds thirteen
shillings and four pence Lawfull money Annually, and the use
of the parsonage so long as he Carrys on the work of the
Ministry in said Town
41y Voted to give Mr. John Marrett one hundred and thirty
three pounds six shillings and eight pence Lawfull money, as
an incourrigment for him to settle in the work of the Ministry
in this Town
Sly Misrs. Elijah Porter Abraham Hobbs Doct. Richard Dexter
Capt. Saml. Smith and Dean. John Gould were Chosen a Comtee.
to present the aforesaid votes to ye said Marrett, for his con
sideration 61y Voted to allow Mr. Amos Wildes and Others ye School
Comtee. for ye school being kept six months from ye 8 of
March to ye School Master £13 6 8
for wood 0 10 6
for Bording the school master 6 8 0
71y Voted that Misrs. Elijah Porter Danl. Bixby & Zach^.
Gould be a Comtee. to get a sutable person to supply the Pulpit
4 Sabbath days from and after ye 2 next Sabbaths
Essex ss To Enos Knight one of the Constables of the Town
of Topsfield Greeting In his majestys Name you are hereby

338 TOWN RECORDS OF
required fourthwith To wam all the Freeholders and other
Inhabitants of the South ward in said Town that are Quallified
By Law for voting, to Convene and meet Together att the
Meeting house In said Town Thursday the eight Day of De
cember Instant att one of the Clock aftemoon
lly To see if the Town will Chuse a Committee to provide a
sutable person to preach the Gospel in said Tovsm, after the
Eleventh Day of December Instant, and to act any thing further
respecting the same, the Town shall think Proper
21y To see if the Town will agree to support and Defend the
Constable of said Town, from such Cost and Damage as may
arise to them in Case of their refusal to sattisfie the Executions
that has or may be issued against them By Harrison Gray Esqr.
for the Province Tax or taxes that are or may Be Due to the
Province from said town, and also to Direct said Constables
to Pay said Province Tax or Taxes to Henery Gardner Esqr.
agreable to the Recommendation of the Provincial Congress
Hereof fail not and make Retum of this warrant with your
Doings thereon to one or more of the Selectmen of said Town
att Time and Place above mentioned
Dated in Topsfield Deer, the Sth 1774
Samuel Smith
Zaccheus Gould c^^^^^„^„
T-v ¦ 1 r>- u I Selectmen
?hra?M'S;erf°' Topsfield
Stephen PerkinsJ
Pursuant to this warrant I have wamed all the freeholders
and other Inhabitants of the south ward in Topsfield that are
qualified for voting to meet at time and Place within mentioned
Dated in Topsfield Deer. Sth 1774
Enos Knight Constable of Topsfield
The freeholders and other Inhabitants of the North ward
In said Towne were wamed By a like warrant and a Like
Retum as aforesaid made By Amos Wildes Constable of
Topsfield. A tme Copy attest Elijah Porter Town Cler.
At a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of
Topsfield, legally assembled ye Sth Day of Deer. 1774
Capt. Stephen Perkins was Chosen Moderater of said Meeting.
Misrs. Elijah Porter Daniel Bixby Zaccheus Gould were
Chosen a Committee to Provide a sutable Person to Preach the
Gospel in said Town till the 10th Day of March Next

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 339
Voted that this meeting Be adjurned to thursday the 22d of
Deer. Instant, then to meet at the meeting house at two of the
Clock aftemoon
At a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of
Topsfield held By adjurnment ye 22d of Deer. 1774 Capt.
Stephen Perkins Moderater
Voted to support and Defend the Constables of said Town
Viz Missrs. Jacob Kimball Henery Bradstreet Enos Knights
and Amos Wildes from such Cost and Damage as may arise to
them, in case of their refusal to sattisfie the Executions that
has or may Be issued against them. By Harrison Gray Esqr. for
the Province Tax or Taxes, that are or may Be Due to the Prov
ince from said Town
Voted that the aforesaid Constables Be and are hereby Di
rected to Pay sd Province Tax or Taxes to Henery Gardner
Esqr. agreable to the Recomendation of the Provincial Congress
Voted that the Committee above said use their endeavour to
get a sutable person to Preach the Gospel after ye 2d Day that
Mr. Mansfield has agreed to Preach
Essex ss To Enos Knight one of the Constables of the Town
of Topsfield Greeting In his Majestys name you are hereby
Required fourthwith to warn all the Freeholders and Other
Inhabitants that are qualified for Voteing in Town meetings in
the south ward and in said Town to assemble and Convean
Together at the meeting house in said Town on Thursday ye
nineteenth day of January Instent at one of the Clock aftemoon
lly To see if the Town will Chuse a man or men, to Represent
said Town at the Provincial Congress agreeable to the Recom
mendations of the former Congress
21y To See if the Town will Chuse a Committee to Settle
with Mr. Thomas Emerson Executor of the Revd. John Emerson
Deed, relateing to ye said Revd. John Emersons salary
Sly to See v/hat sum ye Town will agree to give as in
couragement to Such Miltitary soldiers as may inlist to serve
as Minit Men in this Town for their service agreeable to the
Recommendation of the late Provincial Congress
41y To See if the Town will vote to have the Millitary Soldiers
in this Town all in one Company as it formerly was, and Take
Some proper Meathod to Effect the Same
Hereof fail not and make Return of this Warrant with your
doings to one or more of the Select men at time and place
above mentioned

340 TOWN RECORDS OF
Dated Topsfield Jany. 11th 1775 Saml. Smith
Zaccheus Gould
Stephen PerMnsf°^ Topsfield
Thomas Mower ^

Selectmen

By Virtue of this Warrant I have warned all the within Men
tioned Freeholders and Other Inhabitants to appear at time and
place within mentioned
Topsfield Jany. 17th 1775 Enos Knight Constable of Topsfield
The Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of ye north ward were
wam'd by a like warrant as aforesaid. And a like Return made
as aforesaid, by Amos Wildes Constable of Topsfield
A true Copy of ye warrant and Retum
Attest Elijah Porter Town Cler
At a meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of
Topsfield Legally assembled ye 19 day of Jany 1775
lly Capt Stephen Perkins was Chosen Morderator of sd
meeting 21y Capt. Saml. Smith was Chosen a Delagate to Meet and
Set in the Provincial Congress, agreeable to the Recommenda
tion of the former Provincial Congress
Voted that the Selectmen Make a Settlement with Mr. Thomas
Emerson Exu'. of the Last will of the Revd. Mr. John Emerson
Deed, for his Sallary, and Draw so much money out of the Town
Treasury to pay Such a sum as they agree is due to the Estate
of the said Revd. John Emerson
41y Voted to Comply with the Recommendation of the Pro
vincial Congress Respecting the inlistment of minit men
Sly Misrs. Elijah Porter Saml. Cummings Capt. Saml. Smith
Mr. Saml. Bradstreet Capt Stephen Perkins Dec". John Gould &
Mr. Enos Knight Were Chosen a Committee to Consider, and
make Report to the Town, what they think is Reasonable for
the Town to give Such Minit men as may inlist, for ye time
they spend to be Disciplin'd
Sly Voted that this meeting be Adjurn'd to Thursday ye
Twenty Sixth day of Jany. Instent, then to meet at ye meeting
at two of ye Clock aftemoon
At a Legal Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabatants
of Topsfield, held by Adjumment ye 26 day of Jany. 1775

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 341
Capt Stephen Perkins Morderator
Voted that this Meeting be Dissolved
(Seal) Essex ss To Enos Knight one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting In His Majesties Name you are
hereby Required fourthwith to warn all the Freeholders and
Other Inhabitants in the South ward in said Town, that are
qualified for Voteing in Town Meetings as the Law Directs to
assemble and Convean together at the Meeting house in said
Town on Tuesday ye Seventh day of March next at nine of the
Clock in the Morning
lly To Chouse Selectmen Constables a Town Clark and all
Other Town Officers, that the Law Directs, for the year Ensuing
21y To See if the Town will Chuse a Committee further to Sup
ply the Town with a sutable person to preach the Gosple in said
Town. And act on any Other thing Relative to the Resettle-
ing a Gosple Minister in said Town that said Town shall think
proper Sly To See how much money the Town will raise to Defray
the Charge of Repairing the highways in said Town and Other
Necessary Charges
41y To see how much money the town will appropriate to
the use of repairing the highways and Bridges in said Town
the year ensuing
Sly To see if the town will agree upon a method how to Col
lect a Charitable Donation for the town of Boston agreable to
the Recommendation of the Provincial Congress
Sly For the Town to act any thing that they shall think
proper relating to the Briefs Sent to this Town from Salem for
Donations for those that Lost by fire
71y To see if the Town will agree to give any Incouragement
to Such of the milatary Soldiers that may enlist themselves as
minute men to serve in Defence of the rights and Liberties of
this Continent agreable to the recommendation of the Provin
cial Congress
Sly To See if the Town will accept of ye Selectmens Reckon
ing with the Town Treasurer
91y To See if the Town will agree to let Swine go att Large
the year ensueing. Provided they are yoked and ringed as the
Law Directs
lOly For the town to act on any other matter or thing that
may Be moved for or that may be Laid Before the Town for
their Consideration

342 TOWN RECORDS OF
Illy To See if the Town will vote that the Selectmen shall
Draw money out of the Town Treasury to Pay the County tax
121y For the Town to agree upon a method how to Dispose
of the Parsonage the year ensuing
ISly To allow Bills of Charge
Hereof FaU not and make retum of this warrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen att tim.e and place
above mentioned

Dated Febuy 24th 1775

Samuel Smith
Zaccheus Gould o i i.
¦n • 1 ID- u I selectmen
Daniel Bixby >

Stephen Perkins
Thos. Mower

of Topsfield

Pursuant to this Warrant I have wamed all the Freeholders
and other inhabitants of the South ward to meet together att
time and Place within mentioned
Dated Topsfield March 1st 1775
Enos Knight Constable of Topsfield
The Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of ye north ward in
Said Tovsm were wam'd by a like warrant as aforesaid and a
simerler Retum made as aforesaid by
Amos Wildes Constable of Topsfield
A tme Copy of ye warrant & Retum
Attest Elijah Porter Town Cler
At a legal Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants
of Topsfield, Legally assembled ye 7th of March A D 1775
Capt. Samuel Smith was Chosen Morderator of said Meeting
Capt Saml. Smith Capt Stephen Perkins Misrs. Israel Clarke
Jur. John Peabody & Thomas Mower were Chosen Selectmen
Elijah Porter was Chosen Town Clerk
Misrs. Joseph Perkins & Joshua Towne were Chosen Consta
bles. Said Joshua Towne was swom ye 21 March 1775
Misrs. John Balch & John Gould Jur. were Chosen Wardens
& all were swom
Elijah Porter was Chosen Town Treasr.
Misrs. Nathan Hood Moses Perkins & Abraham Hobbs Jur.
were Chosen Tythingmen & all were Swom.
Misrs. Joseph Cummings Thomas Perkins Jur. Daniel Bixby
& Simon Gould were Chosen Surveyers of highways said Jos:
Cummings Daniel Bixby & Simon Gould were all swom

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 343
Misrs. Robert Perkins Solomon Dodge & Luke Averell were
Chosen Fence Viev/ers and all were Sworn
Mr. David Perkins was Chosen Sealer of Leather ye 30 of
March Inst, and was Sworn
Mr. John Bradstreet was Chosen Deer Rieve & Swom
Misrs. Amos Perkins Enos Knight & Joseph Andrews were
Chosen hog Rieves May 9th 1775 Mr. Amos Perkins was Swom
Mr. Jacob Averell Jur. was Chosen Surveyer of Clabboards &
Shingles and was Sworn
Misrs. Solomon Dodge Ǥz; Elijah Porter were Chosen Overseers
of ye Poor
Misrs. Thos. Cummings Moses Perkins & Stephen Foster Jur.
were Chosen a Comtee. to Supply the Town with a Grammer
School Master
Mr. John Baker Jur. was Chosen Clerk of ye Market
Misrs. Jacob Kimball Richard Dexter & Stephen Foster were
Chosen a Comtee. to Supply ye Town with a person to preach
the Gosple in said Town, or any two of them to act
Voted that said Comtee. be Directed to get Mr. Manasa Smith
to preach 2 Sabbath Days and ye fast Day
Voted to give Incouragement to Such minit men as shall in
list themselves agreeable to ye Recommendation of the Provin
cial Congress
Voted that ye incouragement shall be ye same as was report
ed to be, by a Comtee. in a former Town meeting, which is as
followeth. Viz that when so many able body'd men, have in-
listed themselves, as amounts to the number of one quarter
part of the Training band, to do Duty agreeable to said Rec
ommendation, and every able body'd man that inlists himself,
shall be injoyn'd, to acquip himself with arms and all Other
things, agreeable to said Recommendations, and shall be in
joyn'd to attend Military Duty two half Days every week. Dur
ing the Towns pleasure, and shall be paid one Shilling for each
half Day the Town continues them in said service, the pay shall
not exceed two half Days in each week, and the Capt. who shall
have the Command of such men as inlists themselves into said
Service, shall at the end of every month, give a certificate to
the Selectmen, of how many half Days each Soldier has attend
ed Duty as aforesaid, and the Selectmen shall give Orders, for
the Town Treasurer, to pay each of them one shilling for every
half Day they have spent as afore said
Voted this Meeting be Adjum'd to Tuesday ye 21 day of this
Inst, then to meet at the Meeting house, at one of ye Clock
after noon

344 TOWN RECORDS OF
At a legal Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants
of Topsfield, held by Adjurnment ye 21 day of March 1775
Capt Saml. Smith Morderator
Voted that the Comtee. to Supply ye Pulpit, shall Get a
sutable person to preach till ye 20th of May next, and that
they hire Mr. Smith the whole of ye Time if they Can have
him Voted to Raise one hundred pounds to Defray ye Charge of
Mending the highways, and Other Necessary Charges of the
Town Voted to appropriate Sixty pounds to Defray the Charges of
Mending highways this year
Voted to mend the highways in ye same way and method as
they did in the year 1772
Voted to Collect a Donation for the poor of Boston by a
Subscription Misrs. Thomas Emerson Isaac Averell Eliezer Lake & Enos
Knight were Chosen a Comtee. to Collect a Donation for the
poor of Boston
Voted that ye said Committee shall Compleat ye said Collec
tion and exhibet an account in one month of what they have
Collected to the Selectmen, and the Selectmen, & said Comtee,
shall Determine how it shall be Convey'd to Boston
Voted to accept of the Selectmens Reckening, with ye Town
Treasurer and there Remains in said Treasurers hands two
Hundred & Sixty six pounds & five Shillings not Orded Out
Voted that Swine shall go at Large, they being yoked and
Ringed as the Law Directs
Voted that the Selectmen shall Draw money Out of the Town
Treasury to pay the Towns part of County Tax, it being six
pounds Twelve Shillings and five pence
Misrs. Solomon Dodge Stephen Foster & NathU. Dorman
were Chosen a Committee to let Out the Parsonage land this
year for the Most it will fetch
Misrs. Isaac Averell Amos Perkins & Amos Wildes were
Chosen a Committee to Clear the brook from ye River to
Prichards pond for ye fish to go up
Voted that the Selectmen shall be assessors
Voted to allow Capt. Joseph Gould and Others ye School
Comtee. Viz for the School being kept five months £11 2s 3d
for 26 weeks boards £6 18s Sd
for wood £1 6s 3d
Voted to allow Capt. Stephen Perkins for paper 0 2 8

TOPSFIELD, MASS. S4S
Voted allow Mr. Ephraim Towne for Timber and plank for
Rowley Bridge So Call'd £7 6s Sd
Voted to allow Mr. Robert Perkins & Others for Clearing ye
Brook for ye alewives to pass 1 11 6
Voted to AUow Mr. John Baker Jur. an abatement of John
Gould ye Sd. Rates 12/2 & Willm. Danyers Rates 12/2 & WUlm.
Bunttings Rates 4/ 18 4
Voted to allow Mr. Amos Wildes for warning four Town
Meetings 0 12 0
Voted to allow Mr. Enos Knight for warning four Town
meetings 0 12 0
Voted that this Meeting be Adjumed to Tuesday the Eleventh
of April next, then to meet at the Meeting house at one of the
Clock aftemoon
At a meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of
Topsfield ye 21 March 1775 Assembled by Enos Knight Consta
ble of sd. Topsfield
Mr. Joseph Cummings was Chosen to serve on ye Grand Jury
at ye Infr. Court to be holden at Ipswich in March Instent
Misrs. Saml. Cummings & Nathaniel Fisk were Draw'd Out
of the Box to Serve at said Court on ye Jury of Tryals
At a Legal Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants
of Topsfield, held by Adjurnment ye 11th of April 1775
The Morderator being Absent, Mr. Solomon Dodge, was
Chosen Morderater of the meeting for this Day
Voted to Accept of Mr. Amos Wildes to serve as a Constable
in the Room of Mr. Joseph Perkins, who was Chosen Constable
ye 7 March 1775
Voted to allow Mr. Henry Bradstreet 11/9 an abatement of
what Stephen Towne Jur. was Rated in his Lists £0 11 9
Voted that such of the inlisted Minit men, as have attended
duty, according to a vote passed at a Town Meeting ye seventh
of March last, and such of said Minit men as shall attend duty
two half days in each week, shall each be paid one shilling for
each half day During the Towns pleasure, notwithstanding there
is not one quarter part of ye Training band inlisted
Voted to allow Mr. John Baker Jur. 8/2 an abatement of
what Doer. Thomas Swain was Rated in his Lists £0 Ss 2d
Voted that this meeting be adjurned to Tuesday ye 25 Day of
April Instent, then to meet at ye meeting house at 4 of the
Clock aftemoon
At a legal Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants

346 TOWN RECORDS OF
of Topsfield, held by Adjumment the 25 day of April 1775 Capt.
Saml. Smith Morderator
Voted that this meeting be Adjumed to Tuesday ye 9th Day
of May next, then to meet at the Meeting house at 3 of the
Clock aftemoon
At a legal Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants
of Topsfield, held by adjurnment ye 9th Day of May A D 1775
Capt. Saml. Smith Morderater
Voted that ye Present Selectmen be appointed to Settle the
Mistake that is supposed to be in ye Rates, that was Committed
to Mr. Henry Bradstreet Constable
Voted that the Comtee to supply the Pulpit with a sutable
person to preach, be impowered to get a sutable person, to
preach. Eight Sabbath Days from & after ye 20th of May Instent
Voted that the said Comtee. imply Mr. Manasa Smith the
aforesaid eight Sabbath days, if they can have him
Voted that the Gramer school Master, be Dismised from keep
ing school any further, for the Present
Misrs. Israel Clarke Jur. Nathaniel Dorman & Capt John Bord
man were Chosen a Committee, to take Care and see that fish-
ways are made and kept open through the Mill Dams, as the
Laws Directs
May 9th 1775 Mr. Amos Wildes was Swom as Constable
(Seal) Essex ss To Amos Wildes one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting In his Majesties name you are
hereby Required fourthwith to wam all the Freeholders and
Other Inhabitants of the Town of Topsfield that are qualified
for Voteing as the Law Directs, to assemble and Convean To
gether at the meeting house on Tuesday the Twentythird Day
of May instent at three of the Clock aftemoon
lly For the Town to Chuse a man or men to Represent said
Town in Provencial Congress agreeable to the Recommendation
of said Congress
21y For the Town to act any Other matter or things that may
Properly come before said Town to be acted on
Sly To allow Bills of Charge
Hereof fail not and make retum of this warrant with your
doings, to one or more of the Selectmen of said Tovsm at time
and place above mentioned
Dated Topsfield May the 9th 1775
Saml Smith ) Selectinen
Thos. Mower >. T„„ofi^i^
Israel Clarke Jur r^ Topsfield

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 347
Pursuant to this Warrant I have warned all the free holders
and Other Inhabitants of the Town of Topsfield qualified for
Voteing to Convean and meet Together at time and place within
mentioned by posting this Warrant upon the side of the meet
ing house on a fast day which was on ye Day of the Date hereof
Topsfield May 11th 1775 Amos Wildes Constable of Topsfield
At a meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of
Topsfield Leagally assembled the 23 day of May 1775
Capt Stephen Perkins was Chosen Morderater of said meeting
Dea". John Gould was Chosen to Represent the Town in the
Provincial Congress, to be held at Watertown the 31 day of
May Instent
Voted to allow Mr. Henry Bradstreet 3/ for warning ye South
ward to attend a Town meeting £0 3 0
Voted that this meeting be Dissolved
Essex ss To Amos Wildes one of the Constables of the Town
of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby required fourthwith to
wam all the Freeholders and Other Inhabtants that are qualified
for voteing in Town meetings as the law directs to assemble &
convean Together at the meeting house in said Town, on Tues
day the fourth day of July next at three of the Clock aftemoon
lly To see if Tovsm will Chuse a man or men to represent said
Town at a General Court or assembly to be Convend at Water-
town on Wednsday the nineteenth day of July next agreeable
to a request in a letter directed to the Selectmen by the Pro
vincial Congress
21y To see if the Town will give Docter Dexter and Others,
the Committee already appointed, or such Others as the said
Town may appoint, further instructions how to proseed in said
Business, after the time is Expired, that the Town Directed said
Comtee. to hire Mr. Smith for
Sly For the Town to agree and act on any matter or thing in
Order, for Resettleing a Gosple minister in said Town that they
shall think proper
41y To allow Bills of Charge
Hereof fail not and make return of this warrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of said Town at time
and place above mentioned

348 TOWN RECORDS OF
Dated Topsfield June 27th A D 1775
Saml. Smith ^
Stephen Perkins Selectmen
Thos. Mower r jr i- c u
John Peabody [of Topsfield
Israel Clarke Jur.^
At a meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of
Topsfield, Legally assembled the 4 day of July 1775
lly Deacon John Gould was Chosen to Represent the Town
in the General Assembly, to be held at Watertown the nine
teenth of July instent
21y Capt. Saml. Smith was Chosen Morderater of said meeting
Sly Voted Doer. Richard Dexter Misrs. Stephen Foster and
Jacob Kimball, the Comtee to Supply the Pulpit be impowe'd
to supply further
41y Voted that Mr. Solomon Dodge be one of said Comtee in
the Room of Doer. Richd. Dexter who Resign'd
Sly Voted that the said Comtee. imploy Mr. Manasa Smith
to preach till the 20th day of September next, if they can have
hini Sly Misrs. David Balch Abraham Hobbs & Saml. Cummings
were Chosen a Committee of Safty
71y Voted to allow the School Comtee 84/10 for the School
being kept two months £4 4 10
and for Boarding ye school Master 42/8 2 2 8
& for wood 6/ 0 6 0
Sly Voted to allow Capt Saml. Smith for his Travel and at
tendence at the General Court and Several Provinceial Congress
21 0 0
Voted that this Meeting be Dissolved
Essex ss To Amos Wildes one of the Constables of the Tovsm
of Topsfield Greeting (Seal) In his Majestys Name you are
hereby Required fourthwith to warn all the freeholders and
Other Inhabitants of the north ward in said Town that are quali
fied by Law for voteing to Convean and meet Together at the
Meeting house in said Tovsm on Tuesday the nineteenth day of
September Instent at two of the Clock aftemoon
lly To See how much money the Town will agree to raise to
Defray the Necessary Charges ariseing within ye same ye year
Ensuing 21y To Chuse a Comtee to Supply the Town with a sutable
person to preach the Gosple in this Town, and give them such
Instmctions as the Town shall think proper

.Selectmen of Topsfield

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 349
Sly To See if the Town will agree that the Surveyers shall
give Credit on their highway Lists, to the several Selectmen as
many Days work, as they were in makeing ye highway Rate in
June last
41y To allow Bills of Charge
Hereof fail not and make Retum of this warrant with your
doings thereon to one or more of the Selectmen of said Town
at time and place above mentioned
Dated in Topsfield Sepr. 6th 1775
Saml Smith '
Stephen Perkins
Thos Mower
John Peabody
Israel Clarke Jur^
By Virtue of this Warrant I have wamed all the within men
tioned Freeholders and Other Inhabitants to appear at time and
place within mentioned
Sept. 14th 1775 Amos Wildes Constable of Topsfield
The Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the South ward
were warned by a like warrant, and a return made by
Joshua Town Constable of Topsfield
A tme Copy of ye warrant & Return
Attest Elijah Porter Town Cler.
At a meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of
Topsfield Legally assembled the 19th of Sepr. 1775
Capt. Stephen Perkins was Chosen Morderater of said meeting
Misrs. Jacob Kimball Simon Gould & Saml. Cummings were
Chosen a Comtee. to Supply ye Town with a sutable person to
preach ye Gosple in said Town
Voted that said Committee be instructed to imply Mr. Manasa
Smith, to preach two months from this time
Voted that ye Surveyers shall give Credit to the Selectmen on
their highway Lists three Days each for their makeing the high
way Rate last time
Voted to allow Dea". John Gould for his Travel and attend
ance at the Provincial Congress £5 5 0
Voted to allow Elijah Porter for Boarding all those that Sup-
plyd the pulpet from ye 24 Apl. 1774 to ye 17 Sept. 1775
12 8 4
Essex ss To Amos Wildes one of the Constables of the Town of
Topsfield Greeting You are hereby Required fourthwith to warne

350 TOWN RECORDS OF
all the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the North ward in
said Town that are quallified by law for voteing, to Convean
and Meet Together at the Meeting House in said town on Thurs
day the fourth day of January next at Two of the Clock
To Chouse a Town Gierke, a Town Treasurer, and one over
seer of the poor, in the room of Elijah Porter Esqr. Deceased
Hereof faile not and make returne of this warrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen of said Town at time
and place above mentioned
Dated in Topsfield December 29 1775
Saml. Smith ^
Stephen Perkins selectmen
Thos. Mower K||. I ,^
John Peabody (^of Topsfield
Israel Clarke Jur. J
Pursuant to the within warrant I have wamed all the Free
holders and other Inhabitants of the North ward to Convean
and meet Together at time and place within mentioned
Dated in Topsfield January 3d 1776
Ainos Wilde Constable of Topsfield
The freeholders and other Inhabitants of the South ward was
wamed by a Like warrant, and return made at the same time
and place by Joshua Towne Constable of Topsfield
Attest Saml. Smith Town Gierke
Att a Legall Town Meeting in Topsfield January 4th : 1776
lly Samuel Smith was Chosen Moderater of Said Meeting Voted
21y Saml. Smith was Chosen Town Gierke and Swom Voted
Sly Mr Jeremiah Averel was Chosen Town Treasurer Voted
41y Mr Joseph Andrews was Chosen an Overseer of the poor
Voted
January 2Sth Mr Jeremiah Averel was Swom as Treasurer
for Topsfield
Essex : ss : To Amos Wilde one of the Constables of the Town
of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby required fourthwith to
warn all the freeholders and Other Inhabitants that are qualli
fied for voting in Tovsm meeting, in said town to Assemble and
Convean Together at the Meeting House in Said tovsm on Tues
day the fifth day of March Next at nine of the Clock in the
Morning

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 351
lly To Choose Selectmen a Town Clarke Constables, and all
other town officers for the year Insuing as the Law Directs
21y To see if the Town will axcept of the way laid out by the
Selectmen from Mr John Reas House to the County road as by
the return may appear
Sly To See if the town will Chouse a Committee to Supply the
Town with a Suitable person to preach the gospel in said town
and give them Instmctions
41y To See if the town will Chouse a Committee to Supply
the town with a Schoolmaster
Sly To see how much money the town will raise to defray the
Charge of Mending the Highways and Other Necessesary Charge
in said town the Year Insuing
Sly To See how much money the town will Appropriate for
the use of Mending the Highways the year Insuing
71y To see if the town will Chouse a Committee to Take Care
and Keep the fish ways open thro the Mill dams and Other places
in the Brooks for Alewives to pass up said Brooks into the pond
to Cast their Spawns without any Obstmction
Sly For the town to agree, if they see Cause, that no person
shall Catch Alewives in the ways Made for alewives to pass up
said Brooks at any time, and also to Agree what Number of days
in a week and at what times, any person or persons may Catch
Alewives in any Other place in said Brook without being Sub
ject to the penalty of the Law, also to Chuse a Committee to
See that Such votes as the Town shall pass be duly Observed as
the Law directs
91y For the Town to Chouse A man or men to Serve as a
Committee of Corispondence Inspection and Safty for the year
Insuing Agreeable to a Resolution of the General Court
lOly To see if the Town will accept of the Selectmens Reck
oning with the town Treasurer
Illy To See if the Town will Chouse a man or men to let out
the parsonage the year Insuing for the towns use
121y To See if the Town will Let Swine go at Large the year
Insuing as the Law directs
ISly For the town to Bring in their votes for a County Reg
ister 141y To aUow Bills of Charge
Hereof faile not and make returne of this warrant with your
Doings to One or More of the Selectmen of Said town at time
and place Above mentioned

, (selectmen

352 TOWN RECORDS OF
Dated Topsfield Febmary 27th 1776
Saml Smith
Stephen Perkins ^ x t- ^ u
Israel Clarke Jur J °f Topsfield
Att a Legall Town Meeting in Topsfield March Sth 1776
lly Capt Stephen Perkins was Chosen Moderater Voted
21y Israel Clarke Jr Saml Smith Capt Stephen Perkins John
Peabody Thomas Mower were Chosen Selectmen Voted
Sly Capt Saml Smith was Chosen Town Gierke Voted
41y Messrs. Stephen Foster Jr. & Bartholomew DwineU were
Chosen Constables and Swom Voted
Sly Mr. Jeremiah Averell was Chosen Town Treasurer &
Swom Sly Messrs. Thomas Porter and Jacob Kimball were Chosen
wardens Voted and May 10th 1776 they was both swom
Attest S. Smith Town Gierke
71y Messrs. Daniel Towne NathU. Dorman and David Balch
Jur. was Chosen Tything men & all Swom
Sly Messrs. Thomas Cummings Nehemiah Herrick Simon
Gould & Thomas Perkins Jr. was Chosen Surveyors of highways
and all Swom
91y Nehemiah Herrick Enos Knight & John Balch was Chosen
fence Viewers Herrick & Knight Swom
lOly Mr. David Perkins was Chosen & Swom Sealer of Leather
and was Swom
Illy Mr. NathU. Low was Chosen Deer rieve & Swom
121y Messrs. Amos Perkins Solomon Dodge & NathU. Fiske
was Chosen hog rieves all Swom
ISly Mr. Jacob Averell Junr. was Chosen Surveyor of Clab
bord & Shingles & Swom
141y Capt. Joseph Gould & Moses Perkins was Chosen Over
seers of the poor
ISly Messrs. David Balch Junr. Thomas Cummings & John
Gould Junr. was Chosen a Comtee. to Supply the Town with a
grammer School Master
161y Jacob Kimball was Chosen Clerk of the Market
171y Zaccheus Gould Saml Smith & Jacob Kimball was Chosen
a Committee to Supply the tovsm with a Suitable person to
Preach the gospell in said Town
ISly The town agreed to raise by a Tax the Sum of one hun
dred pounds to defray the Charge of mending the Highways and
other Necessary Charges in said Town the year Insuing Voted
191y the Town agreed to Appropriate the Sum of Forty pound

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 353
of said Hundred to be paid in Labour mending the Highways
in said town the year Insuing Voted
201y Missrs. Isaac Averell Israel Clarke Jr. & John Batcheller
was Chosen a Comtee. to keep the fish ways open through the
mill dams made a Cross the Brooks in said town and Other
places in Said Brooks, that the fish may pass up said Brooks into
the pond, to Cast their Spawns without any Obstructions
211y Voted that no person shall Catch fish Called alewives,
at any time in the fish ways made for fish to pass up said Brooks
through or by said mill dams
221y Voted that Liberty is given to persons to Catch alewives
with Scoop nets or Other wise in any Other place or places in
Said Brooks But only one day in each week, and that to be only
on Mondays in each week, and that only between the Suns rise-
ing and Setting, Provided they make no wares a Cross said
Brooks to prevent said fish from passing up said Brooks without
hendrence 231y The town voted to allow Dea". John Gould the sum of
£9 Ss Od for his Service and Attendence at Congress in April
and May last
241y The town Voted to allow Mr. Joseph Cummings the Sum
of £0 19s Sd for plank and timber to mend Lampsons Bridge so
Calld Then the town Voted that said meeting should be adjourned
to Tuesday the Nineteenth day of March Instent to two of the
Clock after noon then to Meet at the Meeting House, the Mod
erater Adjourned said Meeting Accordingly
Att a Legall Town meeting in Topsfield held by Adjournment
March the 19th : 1776 Capt. Stephen Perkins Moderater
lly Messrs. NathU. Dorman David Towne & Stephen Foster
was Chosen a Committee of Corispondence Inspection, and Safety
for the year Insuing
21y Messrs. Abraham Hobbs Simon Gould & David Balch Jr.
was Chosen a Comtee. to Let out the Personage for the most it
will fetch (for the towns use) the year Insuing Voted
Sly Voted to accept of the Selectmens Reckoning with the Town
Treasurer Their being Two Hundred and Forty three pounds.
Eleven Shillings & Two pence three farthings in Said Treasurers
hands not ordered out
41y Voted that Swine Should go att Large the Year Insuing
provided they are yoked and Ringed as the Law directs
Sly Voted to Allow to Capt Stephen Perkins for paper £0 Ss 7d
Then the town Voted to Adjourn said meeting to Tuesday

354 TOWN RECORDS OF
26th of March Instent at three of the Clock aftemoon then to
meet at the meeting House
Att a Legall Meeting in Topsfield March 19th. 1776 Assembled
by Barth™ DwineU Constable of said town. Mr. Isaac Averel was
Chosen to Serve on the grand Jury at the Inferior Court to held
at Ipswich in March Inst, and Mr. Jacob Dwinel was Chosen to
Serve on the Jury of Tryals at said Court by being Drawn out
of the Box
Att a Legall Town Meeting in Topsfield held by Adjournment
26th of March AD 1776 Capt Stephen Perkins Moderater
lly Voted that the present Selectmen should be Assessors the
present year
21y Voted that the Committee Chosen the fifth of March In
stant to Supply the town with a Suitable person to preach the
gospel in said tovsm be Instructed to git Mr John Shaw if he Can
be Obtained
Sly Mr David Perkins was Chosen one of the Comtee to
Supply the Town with a Suitable person to preach the Gosple in
said town, in the place of Capt Samuel Smith who then declin*
said Service
On the Sth of March 1776 Majr. Joseph Gould was Sworn
Gierke of the proprietors of Stickey Meadow (so Calld) Lying
part in Topsfield and part in Boxford and part in Middleton
By the town Clerk
Whereas the Town of Topsfield at their Meeting the 1st of
March 1774 upon hereing the Petition of John Rea Jacob Dwinel
Junr. and John Rea Junr. praying that the town would mend
the way for them to go to Meeting in or Otherwise releave
them as they should think proper after Consideration thereon,
the Town voted that the Selectmen should lay Out a way for
them. Therefore pursuant to the vote of said town at the above
said meeting We the Subscribers have laid out a way as follow
eth Viz (Beginning at a Stone wall on land of Archellaus Rea,
near John Reas House, then runing on Said Archellaus Reas
land north five Degrees east Ninteen pole and nine links, then
north Twenty five degrees East Thirty six poles and Twenty
Links, then Northeast Sixteen pole then East three degrees South
Eleven pole and Twenty links to land of Jacob Dwinel Junr.
then runing on said Dwinells land East one pole and half, then
North Twelve degrees east Six pole and fifteen links, then North
thirty three degrees east Ten poles, then Northeast Twenty nine

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 355
poles, and five Links, then east Two degrees South Sixteen poles
and ten Links, to land of Jacob Dwinel Senr. then runing on
Said Dwinels land East Seven degrees South Twelve pole. Then
east Twenty degrees South Seventeen poles and nine links, then
east Eleven degrees north fourteen pole and Twenty links, then
easterly Extending so far South on land of the heirs of Joseph
Dvsrinel deed, as to make said way one rod and half in width
from the Stone wall that Incloses Mr. Jacob Dwinel, moing land
on the Northerly side of said way till it Comes to the County
road. Said way is to Extend One rod and half to the west and
North of the Above mentioned Lines with Liberty to hang Con
venient Cart Gates A Cross Said road at the divisional lines of
each persons Land

December 22nd 1775

Saml. Smith
Stephen Perkins
Thos. Mower Y

Selectmen of Topsfield

Israel Clarke Jr.
John Peabody
Essex ss: To Stephen Foster Junr. One of the Constables of
the Town of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby required fourth
with to warne all the freeholders and other Inhabitance, that
are quallified for voting in Town meetings in the north ward in
said town to Assemble and Convean Together at the Meeting
House in sd town on V/ednesday the Twenty fourth day of April
Instant at three of the Clock afternoon
To See if the town v^rill Chouse a man or men as a Committee
to meet Such person or persons, as may be Chousen by the Sev
eral Towns in County of Essex, at a general meeting to be held
at Mr. Treadwells Innholder at Ipsvnch, on Thursday the Twenty
day of April Instant at One of the Clocke after noon, in Order
to Agree upon a more Equal and Just Method in the Choice and
representation of members to represent the Several Towns in
the general Court for the future, then has been in times past
Att the request of the Committee of Marblehead and Salem
Hereof you may not fail and make retum of this warrant with
your doings to one or more of the Selectmen at time and place
above mentioned
Topsfield 22 of April AD 1776 Saml. Smith
Stephen Perkins
Thos. Mower
John Peabody
Israel Clarke Jur.^

I Selectmen
"^of Topsfield

356 TOWN RECORDS OF
Pursuant to the within warrant I have warned all the within
mentioned freeholders and other Inhabitance in the north ward
in Topsfield to appear at time and place within mentioned
Topsfield April 24th 1776 Stephen Foster Junr. Constable
The freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the South ward in
Said Town was warned by a Like warrent as aforesaid and a
Similler retum made thereon by Bartholomew Dwinel Constable
of Topsfield Attest Sam. Smith Town Gierke
lly Att a Legall Town Meeting in Topsfield 24th : of April
1776 Mr. Israel Clarke Junr. was Chosen moderater Voted
Voted that Messrs. Israel Clarke Junr. and Abraham Hobbs
be a Committee to meet the Committees Chousen by Other Towns
in the County of Essex, at a meeting to be held at Ipswich on
the 25th of April Instant in Order to Consider of what is or may
be proposed or proper to be done, respecting a more Just and
Equal Choice and representation of Members in the general Court
for the future
21y Voted that the meeting be disolved
Essex ss To Batholomew Dwinel one of the Constables of the
of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby required fourthwith
to warne all the freeholders and Other Inhabitants that are
quallified for voting in the South ward in Said Town, that they
Assemble and meet Together at the meeting House in said town
on Tuesday the Twenty first day of May Instant at four of the
Clock afternoon
lly To Chouse a man or men to Represent said Town at the
greate and general Court according to preceipt
21y To see if the town will Inlarge the Committee already
Chosen to Supply the Town with a Suitable person to preach
the gospel in Said town, and to Chuse two or more persons
for that purpose if they think proper
the directions to make returne of ye warrant is Casually
Omited, but is in ye Common forme
Sly To allow Bills of Charge
Dated Topsfield May the ISth 1776 Saml Smith ) « i *.
T u Tj u J (Selectmen
Ji'a°elaa*f}°'T0P3fi=>d
Pursuant to the within warrant I have warned the within
Named Inhabitants by posting at the publik fast
Dated Topsfield May 20th 1776 Bartholomew Dwinel Constable

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 357
The Inhabitants of the North ward was warned by virtue of a
like warrant and a Like returne made by Stephen Foster Junr.
Constable Attest Sam. Smith T Clarke
Att a Legal Town meeting in Topsfield May 21th: 1776
Dea° John Gould was Chosen to Represent said Town in the
greate and general Court the Year Insuing
their being Other Business to be done
Capt. Stephen Perkins was Chosen moderater
It was put to vote to See if the Town would Inlarge the
Comtee Already Chosen to Supply the Town with a Suitable
person to preach the gospel in said Town, and it passed in the
Negative Then Said Meeting was dissolved
Essex ss: To Stephen Foster Junr: One of the Constables of
the Town of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby required fourth
with to warne all the freeholders and Other Inhabitants that
are quallified for voteing in the north ward in Said town, to
Assemble and Convean Together at the meeting house in Said
Town on fryday the fourteenth of June Instant at three of the
Clock after noon
lly To see if the Town will Choose a man to take recog
nizance of Debts in said town, and on failure of payment, to
grant out Execution for the recovery of Such Debts in manner
as directed by a late Act of the general Court
21y To see if the Inhabitants of this town agree, whether, in
Case the Honorable Congress for the Safty of the united Col
onies Should declare them Independent of the Kingdom of greate
Britten, they will Solemnly engage with their Lives and fortune,
to Support them in the Measure, and give Mr. John Gould their
Representative Such Instruction for that purpose as they Shall
think proper
Sly To Choose two good and Lawfull men in manner as jurors
are drawn out of the box to Serve at the Superior Court &c to
Serve on the jury in the Court erected to try and Condemn aU
vessels that shall be found infesting the Sea Coasts of America,
and brought into Either of the Counties of Suffolk, Middlesex,
or Essex, to be held at Salem in said County of Essex, on Monday
the Seventeenth day of June Instent at the hour of ten in the
forenoon According to Venure
Hereof fail not and make return of this warrant with your
doings to One or more of the Selectmen of said town at time
place above mentioned

358 TOWN RECORDS OF
Dated June ye 11th: 1776 Saml Smith
Stephen Perkins
Thos. Mower

Selectmen

inos. Mower r ^ rr. ^ ,,
John Peabody (of Topsfield
Israel Clarke Jr J

In Pursuance to the within warrant I have wamed all the
freeholders and Other Inhabitants in the north ward in Tops-
field to Convean Together at the meeting House in Said town at
time and place as within mentioned
Dated Topsfield June 14th. 1776 Stephen Foster Jur. Constable
The Inhabitants in the South ward in Said town was wam.ed
by virtue of a Like warrant, and a Like retum made by Barth
olomew Dwinel Constable of Said town
Attest Saml. Smith Town Gierke
Att a Legal Town meeting in Topsfield the 14th: day of June
1776 lly Capt. Thomas Baker was Choosen Moderater Voted
21y Voted that in Case the Honorable the Continantal Congress
Shall think fit, for the Safty of the united Colonies to declare
them Independent of the Kingdom of greate Britten this town
do Solemnly engage to defend and Support the measure, both
with their Lives and fortunes to the uttmost of their power
21y Israel Clarke Junr Capt Stephen Perkins and Solomon
Dodge was Chosen a Committee to prepare a Draft for Instmc
tions for Mr. John Gould Representative of Said town, for a rule
for his Conduct in the general Court, respecting the united
Colonies in America being declar'd Independent of the Kingdom
of greate Britten by the Continantal Congress, and to report
Said draft to the town at there next meeting Voted
Sly Capt. Samuel Smith, and Mr. David Perkins was drawn
out of the box to Serve as Jurors at a Court of Admiralty to be
held at Salem on the Seventeenth day of this Instant June
Then the Town Ajoum'd Said meeting to fryday the 21st: of
June Instant to four of the Clock after noon, then to meet at
the Meeting house
Att a Legal Town meeting in Topsfield held by adjournment
the 21st: of June 1776 Capt. Thomas Baker Moderater
lly The Comtee. that was Chosen to draw a Draft of Instmc
tions for Mr. John Gould Representative of Said town, & re-

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 359
ported the following Draft which is hereafter recorded on the
other leaf, which was read and accepted and voted that Capt.
Stephen Perkins Messrs. Solomon Dodge and Israel Clarke Junr.
be a Committee to draw Said Instructions into a fair draft, and
forvs'ard the same to Said Representative Voted
21y The Town made Choise of Capt. Samuel Smith to take
Recognizence of debts, and on failure of payment at the time
Limited in their Obligation for payment, to grant Executions
for the recovery thereof Agreeable to a late Law of this Colony
made for that purpose Voted
On the 4th of July 1776 Messrs. Solomon Dodge Samuel Brad
street and Moses Wildes ware Swom to the faithfull Discharge
of the office of hawards, or field Drivers, of the Common field
Meadows so Calld. Lyeing in Ipswich, belonging to a Number
of Proprietors in Topsfield & Wenham, by the Town Gierke of
Topsfield and on the Sth day of July Messrs. Joseph Andrews
and Thomas Cummings ware Swom hawards, or field drivers
of the Same Common field meadows, to act with the afore said
Dodge and Others the year Insuing, all Sworn by the Town
Clarke The Instmctions before mentioned that was Voted to be given
to Mr. John Gould Representative of Said town are as followeth
To Mr John Gould Representative of Topsfield Sir a resolu
tion of the Honorable House of Representatives, Calling upon
the Several Towns in this CoUony, to express their minds with
respect to American Independence, of the Kingdom of greate
Britten is the Ocasion of our giveing you Instructions this being
the greatest question that ever Came before this town, a few
years ago Sir, Such a question would have put us in a greate
Surprise, and we apprehend would have been Treated with the
uttm.ost Contempt, we then on ourselves, happy in being the
Subjects of the King of greate Britten, it being our fore fathers
native Country, we Looked up unto them, as our pairent States
and we have always Look'd upon it as our duty as well as In
terest, to defend and Support the honor and Dignity of the
Crov/n of greate Britten and we have always freely done it both
with our Lives and fortunes. Counting our Selves happy when
in the Strictest union and Connection with our pairent State, but
the Sene is now Changed, our minds and Sentiments are now
altered. She that was caU'd our Mother Country and pairent
State is now without any Just Cause or Injury done by these Col
onies, become their greatest enemies. The unprovoked Injuries

360 TOWN RECORDS OF
these Colonies have received, the unjustifiable and unconstitu
tional Claimes that have been made on these Colonies by the
Court of great Britten, to Tax us and take away our Substance
from us, and that at any time, and for any use that they please
without our Consent, and the Cruel prosecuting these their Claims
have been Cruel and unjust to the Highest degree, the whole
Conduct of the Court of greate Britten, and the fallacious Con
duct of their Govemers appointed and Sent into these Colonies
are so well known, and have been by much Abler hands Set
fourth in Such a Clear true and plaine Light, we think it need
less to Inumerate any further perticulers, for these reasons Sir
as well as many others that might be mentioned we are Con
firmed in the oppinion, that the unighted Colonies will be greatly
wanting in their duty, both to the greate govemer of the
Univers to themselves and posterity if Independence of the
Kingdom of greate Britten is not declared as Soon as may be,
these being our Sentiments, but we would not be understood
that we mean to dictate, Leaveing that momenteus afaire to the
well known wisdom prudence Justice and Intigrity of that hon
ourable body the Continantal Congress, under whose direction
it more Immediatly belongs, And in respect to a forme of Gov
ernment for the future
We take it, that belongs to an after question, and we Could
wish that no Court nor Congress on this Continent might Spend
their time in debateing About forms and Serimonies; equall
or unequal representation in Court at present as enovasions
are always dangems, we hartily wish, that the Antiant rules
in the Charter, which this province has been So much Con
tending for, might be Strictly adhear'd to, till Such time as
the whole of the people of this Colony have Liberty to ex
press their Sentiments in respect to that afair, as fully as they
have in Cause of Independence, for we are full in the Opinion,
that the Sentiments of the people in general are never fully Col
lected by the vote or Opinion of a few persons meat together,
(tho appointed) when they descend into matters of greate Im
portance that are wholly new, and especially when the whole of
the people are Immediatly Conceamed therein, Haveing thus
freely spoken our Sentiments in respect to Independence &c We
now Instruct you Sir, to give the Honorable, the Continantal
Congress the Strongest Asuerances that if, for the Safty of the
united Colonies, they shall declare America to be Independant
of the Kingdom of greate Britten your Constituants will Support
and defend the measure with Lives and fortunes to the uttmost
of their power

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 361
The f oUowing is the Declaration of Independence of the Amer
ican Colonys of the Kingdom of greate Britten In Congress July
4th: 1776
A Declaration of the Representatives of the United States of
America, In general Congress Assembled
When in the Course of humane Events, it becomes Necessary
for one people to desolve the polittical bands which Connected
them with Another, and to Assume Among the powers of the
Earth, the Seperate and Equal Station to which the Laws of na
ture and of natures God Entitles them, a decent respect to the
Opinions of mankind requires that they Should declare the Causes
which impell to the Seperation. We hold these Truths to be Self
Evident, that all men are Created equal, that they are Endowed
by their Creator with Certain unalienable rights, that Among
these are life. Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness : That to
Secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, de-
riveing their Just powers from the Consent of the governed.
That whenever any forme of government becoms destructive of
these ends, it is the right of the people To alter or to abolish it,
and to institute new government. Laying its foundation on Such
principles. And organizing its powers in Such form as then Shall
Seem most Likely to Effect their Safety and happiness Prudence,
Indeed, will dictate that governments Long Established Should
not be Changed for fight and Transient Causes ; and according
ly all Experiance hath Shewn, that mankind are more disposed
to Suffer, while Evils are Sufferable, then to right themselves
by AboUshing the forms to which they are accustomed, but when
a Long train of Abuses and Usurpations, pursuing Invariably
the Same Object, Evinces a design to reduce them under Abso
lute Despotism, It is their right. It is their duty, to throw off Such
government, And to provide new guards for their future Security.
Such has been the patient Sufferance of these Colonies ; and Such
is now the Necessity which Constrains them to alter their former
Systems of government. The history of the present King of
greate Britten is a history of repeated injuries and Usurpations,
all haveing in direct objects the Establishment of an Absolute
Tyranny, over these States, to prove this Let facts be Submited
to a Candid world. He has refused his assent to Laws, the most
wholsom and necessary for the publick good. He has forbiden
his govemers to pass Laws of Immediate and pressing Impor
tance, unless Suspended in their Opperation untel his Assent
Should be Obtained : and when so Suspended, he has utterly
neglected to attend to them. He has refused to pass Other Laws

362 TOWN RECORDS OF
for the Accomodation of Large destricts of people, unless those
people would relinquish the right of Representation, in the Leg
islature, a right inestimable to them, and formidable to Tyrants
only. He has Called together Legislative bodys at places unusual,
uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Publick
records, for the Sole purpose of fatiguing them into Compliance
with his measures. He has desolved Representative Houses re
peatedly, for Opposeing with manly firmness his Invasion on the
rights of the people. He has refused for a Long time, after such
disolutions, to Cause others to be Elected, whereby the Legisla
tive powers, Incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the
people at Large for their Exercise, the State remaining in the
mean time Exposed to all the dangers of Invasions from without.
And Convulsions within. He has Endeavoured to prevent the pop
ulation of these States ; for that purpose Obstructing the Laws
for Naturalization of foreigners, refuseing to pass Others to En
courage their Migration heither and raiseing the Conditions of
new Appropriations of Lands. He has Obstructed the Administra
tion of Justice, by refuseing his Assent to Lav/s for Establishing
Judiciary powers. He has made Judges dependent on his will alone,
for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of
their Salleries. He has erected a multitude of new offices, and
Sent heither Swarms of officers to harras our people and eate
out their Substance. He has Kept among us in times of peace.
Standing armies without the Consent of our Legislature. He has
affected to render the military Independent of, and Superior to
the Civel power. He has Combined with Others to Subject us to
a Jurisdiction foreign to our Constitution, and unacknowledged by
our Laws, giveing his Assent to their Actes of pretended Legisla
tion, for quartering Large bodies of Armed troops amongs us, for
protecting them by a mock trial from punishment for any murders
v/hich they Should Commit on the Inhabitance of these States, for
Cuting of our trade with all parts of the world. For Imposeing
Taxes on us without our Consent. For depriveing us in many
Cases of the bennefit of Trial by Jury. For Transporting us be
yond Seas to be tried for pretended offences. For Abolishing the
free System of English Laws in a Neighbouring province Estab
lishing therein an Arbitrary Government, and Enlarging its
Boundaries So as to render it at once an Example and fit In
strument for Introducing the Same Absolute rule into these Col
onies. For Taking away our Charters Abolishing our Most
Valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the forms of our
government. For Suspending our own Legislatures and declare-

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 363
ing themselves Invested with power to Legislate for us in all
Cases whatsoever. He has abdicated government hereby declare-
ing us out of his protection, and wageing war against us. He has
plundered our Seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns and
destroyed the Lives of our people. He is at this time Transport
ing Large armies of foreign Mercenaries to Compleat the works
of death, desolation and tiranny already began with Circum
stances of Crualty and parfidy Scarcely parallelled in the most
barbarus Ages, and totaly unworthy the head of a Sivillized
nation. He has Constrained our fellow Cittizens, Taken Captive
on the high Seas to bare arms Against their Country, to become
the Executioners of their friends and bretheren or to fall them
selves by their hands. He has Excited domestic Insurection
Amongst us, and has Endeavoured to bring on the Inhabitance
of our fmntiers, the merciless Indian Salvages, v/hose Known
rule of war fair is an undistinguished destruction, of all Ages,
Sexeses, and Conditions. In Every Stage of these opres.sions we
have petitioned for redress, in the most humble terms ; our pe
titions have been answered only by repeated Injury : A Prince
whose Character is thus marked by every act which may define
a Tyrant is unfit to be the ruler of a free people ; nor have we
been wanting in attention to our British Brethren. We have
wamed them from time to time of atempts by their Legislature
to Extend an unwarrantable Jurysdiction over us. We have re-
mined them of the Circumstances of our Emigration and Settle
ment here. We have appealed to their Native Justice and Mag
nanimity, and we Conjured them by the ties of our Common
Kindred to disavow these usurpations which would Inevitably
Intempt our Connections and Corispondence. They too have been
deaf to the voice of Justice and of Consanguinity. We must there
fore Acqusesce in the Necessity which denounces our Seperation
and hold them, as we hold the rest of Mankind, Enemies in War,
in peace friends. We therefore the Representatives of the United
States of America in general Congress Assembled Appealing to
the Supreme Judge of the world for the Rectitude of our Inten
tions do in the name and by the Authority of the good people
of these Colonies Solemnly Publish and declare, that these united
Colonies are and of right out to be, free and Independent States ;
that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the Brittish Crown,
and that all Political Connections between them and the State
of greate Brittain is, and ought to be Tottally disolved, and that
as free and Independent States they have full power to Levy
war. Conclude peace. Contract Alliances, Establish Commerce,

364 TOWN RECORDS OF
and to do all other Acts and things, which Independent States
may of right do, and for the Support of this Declaration with a
firm reliance on the protection of divine providence, we mutu
ally Pledge to Each other our Lives, and fortunes and Our Sacred
Honor Signed by Order, an in behalf of Congress
John Hancock President
Attest Charles Thompson Secretary
In Council July 17th 1776
Ordered that the declaration of Independence be printed : and
Copy Sent to the Ministers of each Parish of every denomina
tion within this State ; and they Severally be required to read
the Same to their respective Congregations, As Soon as divine
Service is ended, in the aftemoon, on the first Lords day after
they Shall have received it
And After Such publication thereof to Deliver the said decla
ration to the Clerks of their Several Towns or Districts ; who
are hereby required to Record the Same in their respective town
or destricts Books their to remaine as a perpetual Memorial
thereof In the name and by order of the Council
Richard Derby Junr President
A Tme Copy Attest John Avery Dep : Secry
Essex ss To Stephen Foster Junr : one of the Constables of
the Town of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby required fourth
with to warne aU the freeholders and Other Inhabitants in the
North ward in said town that are Quallified for voting in town
meetings, that they assemble & Convean Together at the Meet
ing House in said town on Wednsday the Eighteenth day of
September Instant at Two of the Clock after noon
lly To see how much money the Town will agree to raise to
defray the necessary Charges arising within the Same the year
Insuing 21y To Chose Jury men for Newbury port Court according to
venire Sly To allow Bills of Charge
Hereof faUe not and make returne of this warrant with your
doings to one or more of the Selectmen at time & place above
mentioned Dated Topsfield September 9th : 1776
Saml. Smith ^
Thos. Mower (.Selectmen
John Peabody | of Topsfield
Israel Clarke Junr J

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 365
In Persuance of the within warrant I have warned all the free
holders and Other Inhabitants in the north ward in Topsfield
to Convean Together at the Meeting house in Said town at time
and place as within Mentioned
Topsfield Septr. 18th : 1776 Stephen Foster Jr. Constable
The free holders and Other Inhabitance of the South ward in
Said town ware warned by a Like warrant, and Similer return
made by Bartholomew Dwinel Constable of Topsfield
Att a Legall Town meeting in Topsfield September 18th : 1776
lly Mr. Stephen Foster was Chosen Moderater Voted
21y The town Agreed to raise the Sum of one Hundred pounds
to defray the Charges ariseing in Said town the year Insuing Voted
Sly Messrs. John Perkins Junr. and Abraham Hobbs was drawn
out of the Box to Serve as Jurors at Newbury port Court
41y The town voted that the Surveyors of highways, Shall
give each of the Selectmen three days Credit on their highway
Lists for their Service in makeing the Highway rate this present
year Voted
Sly The tovm allowd to Constable Jacob Kimball 18/5 1/2
0: 18: 5 1/2 it being what Enoch Perkins deed, was rated in
his rate List
Sly The town aUow'd to Thomas Porter the Sum of £18 : 19 :
7 in full for Boarding the Several persons that Preached the
gospel in Topsfield from the 24th of September 1775 to the 15th
of September 1776
Essex ss To Stephen Foster Junr. one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby required forthwith
to wam all the male Inhabitants of the North ward in the Town
of Topsfield being free and Twenty one years of age or upward.
To Assemble and Convean Together at the Meeting House in sd.
Town on Tuesday the eighth day of October Instant at one of
the Clock after noon
lly For the town to Consider and determin whether they will
give there Consent, that the present House of Representatives
of this State of Massachusetts Bay together with the Council if
they Consent in one body, with the House, Shall Agree on and
Anact Such a Constitution and forme of Government for this
State, as they Shall Judge will most Conduce to the Safety peace
and happiness of this State in all after Successions and genera
tions &c as Set fourth in a Resolve of the general Court

366 TOWN RECORDS OF
21y To Chuse a man to Serve as a grand Juror at the Superior
Court to be holden at Salem on the first Tuesday of November
next And also to Appoint in Manner as the Law directs a man
to Serve at said Court as a pettit Juror
Sly To See if the town will Chuse a Comtee to Supply the
town with a Suitable person to preach the gospel, and to give
said Committee Instmctions, Agreeable to a request of Joseph
Town and others
41y To see if the town will allow Leiut. Samuel Cummings
Such Sum of Money as may Appear that he was Made up in the
pay rool for his Service in garding the Coasts and harbour of
Glocester in October last, as a Lieut
Hereof fail not and make retum of this warrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Select men of said town at time
and place above mentioned
Dated October 1st. 1776 Saml. Smith ^
Thos. Mower (Selectmen
John Peabody Coi Topsfield
Israel Clarke Jr. J
In Pursuance of the within warrant I have wamed all in the
North ward that are Twenty one years of Age and upwards to
Convean Together at the Meeting House in said town at time
and place as within Mentioned
Stephen Foster Junr. Constable of Topsfield
Dated Topsfield October 7th : 1776
The Inhabitants of the South ward in Said town were wamed
by a Like Warrant and a SimUer retum made by Barth^ Dwinel
Constable of Topsfield
A True Copy of the Warrant and retum
Test Saml. Smith Town Cler
Att a Legall Town Meeting in Topsfield the Sth of October
1776 lly Mr. Stephen Foster was Chosen Moderator Voted
21y The town Chose a Committee to Consider and report to
the town what they Should Judge proper for the town to do re
specting the townes giveing their Consent that the present House
of Representatives and the Council if they See Cause, Should
Anact a forme of Constitution and Government for this State of
Massachusetts Bay for the future According to a Resolve of said
Representatives Voted

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 367
Sly Capt John Bordman Israel Clarke Junr. and Saml. Smith
was Chosen a Committee for the aforesaid Service Voted
41y Mr Stephen Foster was a Grand juror to Serve at the
Superior Court to be holden at Salem on the fifth day of Novem
ber next and Mr. Simon Gould was Drawn out of the Box to
Serve on ye Pettit Jury at Said Court
Sly It v>ras put to vote to see if the town would Choose a
Comtee. to Supply the town with a Suitable person to preach the
Gospel in on the request as Set forth in the warrant & it past in
ye Negative
61y A Motion was made desireing to Know whether the town
had a Desire to hear Mr. Joans any further, which was put to
vote, and it passed in the Affirmative by a very Large Majority
71y Capt. Thomas Baker and Mr. David Balch Senr. was
Drawn out of the Box to Serve as Jurors at the Court of Ad
miralty to be holden at Salem on the fifteenth and Eighteenth
days of Octr. Inst.
Then the town Voted to Adjourn Said meeting to Tuesday the
22nd of October Instant to two of the Clock after noon
the Moderator Adjourn'd said Meeting Accordingly
Att a Legall Meeting held by Adjournment October 22d 1776
Mr. Stephen Foster Moderator
lly The Committee that was Chosen to Consider and report
to the town what they should Judge proper for the town to do
respecting giveing their Consent that the present House of Rep
resentatives and the Councils Anacting a Constitution and forme
of government for this State ; Made report to the Town, which
was read Sunday was Accepted and Voted that the town Gierke
Cause the Same to be drawn into a fair Draft, and forwarded to
the Secry. of this State by the first Oppertunity
21y it was put vote to See if the town would desier the whole
of the Comtee. Chosen to Supply the town with a Suitable per
son to preach the gospel Should Supply said town any Longer,
and it passed in the Affirmative Mr. Zaccheus Gould one of
said Com.mittee then refused to Serve any Longer
Sly Mr. Amos Perkins was Chosen one of said Comtee. in the
room of Zaccheus Gould who refused to Serve Voted
Then Missrs. David Perkins and Jacob Kimball the other two
of said Comtee. Declined Serveing any longer
41y Mr. Solomon Dodge was Chosen as one of said Comtee.
to Supply the Town with a Suitable person to preach the gospel Voted
Sly Mr. Moses Perkins [was chosen as] one of Said Committee to
Supply the town with a Suitable person to preach the gospel Voted

368 TOWN RECORDS OF
Essex ss To Stephen Foster Junr. one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby required forth
with to wam all the freeholders and other Inhabitants that are
quallified for voteing in town meeting in the North ward in Said
town on the Shortest notice to assemble Together at the Meet
ing House in Said town on Tuesday the 22 day of October In
stant Immediately after the Meeting which is to held on said
day by adjournment Over
lly For the town to Choose a man or men to Serve as Com
mittee of Corispondence Inspection and Safety, with Messrs.
Stephen Foster and David Tovsm in the room of Mr. Nath". Dor
man Deceas*.
Hereof faile not and make retum of this Warrant with your
Doings to one or more of the Selectmen at time and place above
Mentioned Dated Topsfield October 17th 1776 Saml. Smith ] Selectmen
Thos. Mower >- r t, ^ , ,
John Peabody )°f Topsfield
Pursuant to the Within Warrant I have wamed all the free
holders and Other Inhabitants in the North Ward in Topsfield
to Convean Together at the Meeting House in said town at time
and place as within mentioned
Topsfield October 22nd : 1776 Stephen Foster Jr. Constable
Hear follows the vote the town passed at the town meeting
October 22nd 1776 respecting giveing their Consent that the
present house of Representatives and the Councils, Anacting a
Constitution & forme of Government for this State of Massa
chusetts Bay for the future Viz
It being a time as we apprehend that the perplexing affairs of
this State are Sufficient to take up the whole attention of the
general Court, properly to Conduct the Same, and altho' the
members of the present House of Representatives are numerus
many of them are new, and we are not aquanted with them,
and we Cannot but hope that before the next Choice of Repre
sentatives the Late act of ToUeration for towns to send to Court
Such numbers of persons, which Act we fear was Obtained only
to Serve the Interest of perticuUer parties, under a pretence of
Equal representation will be Repealed and the Court will retum
to or near to the antient rule of Representation in the general
Court, and we hope members will be then Chosen, that wiU

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 369
Look upon it their duty, not only to Represent particular parties,
nor their own town only, but the whole State in general, and
then, and not till then, we Shall have an equal representation in
the general Court. Therefore we are not willing that the pres
ent house of representatives and Council, Should anact, and
pass a Constitution and forme of Government for this State of
Massachusetts Bay for the future But we are willing that the
present house of representatives & ye Council Should Draw
Such a Drafte of Constitution and forme of Government as they
Shall Judge will most Conduce to the Safety peace and happiness
of this State, and also Cause a printed Copy thereof to be Sent
into Every town and District in this State for the Inspecting and
perusal of the Inhabitants till after the next May Session of the
general Court that the Several towns if they See Cause, may
then Instruct their Representatives, to Cause the Whole, or Such
Part thereof, or with Such Alteration as they may think proper
to make, to be anacted and pass into Law for this State
Essex ss To Stephen Foster Junr. One of the Constables of
the town of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby required fourth
with to wam all the freeholders and Other inhabitants that are
quallified for voting in the north ward in Said town, to Assemble
and convean Together at the Meeting House in said town on
Tuesday the seventh day of January next at one of the Clock
after noon on sd. day
lly To see if it be the minds of this town to give Mr Elias
Joanes an Invitation to Settle in the work of the ministry in this
town Agreeable to a request of Capt John Bordman & Others
21y To see if the town will Agree that this towns proportion
of the Charge of the Present war Shall be bourn Equally by a
tax on poles and estates of the Inhabitants of this town begin
ing on the ninteenth day of April 1775 and to proceed on any
further Method in order to Accomplish Said business that the
town shall think proper
Hereof fail not and make retum of this Warrant with your
doings to one or more of the Selectmen at time and place above
mentioned Dated Topsfield December SOth : 1776
Saml. Smith )
Thos. Mower l Selectmen
John Peabody [of Topsfield
Israel Clarke Jr. J
In Pursuance to the within warrant I have warned all the
freeholders and Other Inhabitants in the North Ward in Tops-

370 TOWN RECORDS OF
field to convean together at the Meeting House in said tovsm at
time and place as within mentioned
Topsfield January 6th 1777 Stephen Foster Jr. Constable
The South ward in Said town was wamed by a Like warrant
and a Similer retum made by Bartholomew Dwinel Constable
of Topsfield Attest Saml. Smith Town Cler
Att a Legall town Meeting in Topsfield January 7th 1777
lly Capt Stephen Perkins was Chosen Moderator
21y It was put to vote to see if it be the minds of the town to
give Mr EUas Joans an invitation to Settle in the work of the
Ministry in this town And it passed in the affirmative Voted
Sly It was put to vote to see if it be the minds of the town
that the Charge of the War Shall be bourn Equally by a tax on
poles and estates, begining on the ninteenth day of April 1775
and it passed in the Affairmative
41y The Town then proceeded And made choice of Messrs.
Joseph Gould, Joseph Cummings, Thomas Porter, Thomas Cum
mings, David Perkins, David Towne, Isaac Averel, Thomas
Mower, and Zaccheus Gould, to take an Account of what each
person has paid in money toward the Charges of raising men in
this town for the present war and for what use /that is/ Sence
ye 19th. day of April 1775 And also an Account of what Ser
vice each person has done in said War, and at what place
[and also to Proportion what each person ought to pay accord
ing to his estate toward every hundred pounds expended in said
town in raiseing men to Support the war]
The above three lines was Entered tho' a Mistake
Essex ss To Stephen Foster Junr. One of the Constables of
the Town of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby required forth
with to wam ail the freeholders and Other Inhabitants that are
Quallified for Voteing in the North ward in Said town to As
semble and Convean Together at the Meeting House in said
tovsm on Thursday the Thirteenth day of febmary Inst, at one
of the Clock after noon
lly To see if the Towm will accept of the Report of the Com
mittee that was Chosen to take an account what each person
in sd. Town has paid in money Toward the Charge of raiseing
men in this town for the present war, and also an Account what
Service each person has done in Said war Sense the 19th day of
April 1775 or for the Town to Act on any other Method in order
to Accomplish Said business that the tovsm Shall think best
21y To see if the town wiU agree to give Som further Incour-

I Selectmen
'^of Topsfield

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 371
agement to Such men as Shall Enlist into the American Service
for the Term of three years or dureing the present war
Hereof faile not and Make returne of this Warrant with your
doings to one or more of the Selectmen of Said town at time
and place above mentioned
Dated Topsfield Febmary 10th 1777
Saml Smith
Stephen Perkins
Thos Mower
John Peabody
Israel Clarke Jur.^
Att a Legal Town meeting in Topsfield February lSth„- 1777
lly Capt. Stephen Perkins was Chosen Moderater Voted
21y The Committee Chosen to Take an Account what each
person in said town has paid in Money Towards the Charge of
raiseing men in this town for the present warr &c made report
which was read and being put to vote was not accepted
Sly The Town voted to give to each man that Shall Enlist as
a volintier or to Serve in the American Army for the terme of
three years or dureing the war, the sum of Eight pounds as a
further Incouragement more then what the Congress, and Court
has given as a County, and it passed in the Affirmative
41y On a motion made the above report was recommitted for
amendment and Samuel Smith, Israel Clarke Junr. Eliezer Lake,
Solomon Dodge, and Deacon John Gould was Added to Said
Committee Voted
Then the Town voted to Adjourn Said meeting to thursday the
20th day of february Instant, to one of the Clock after noon then
to meet at the meeting House. The Moderater adjourn'd Said
Meeting accordingly
Att a Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield held by Adjournment
from febmary the 13th. 1777 To february the 20th 1777
The town being meat Capt Stephen Perkins Moderater
lly the report of the above Committee being read Againe with
the amendment and being put to vote was accepted
Then the Town voted further to Adjourn Said meeting to the
day that Shall hereafter be Appointed for the Choice of Town
Officers in March next then to Meet at the meeting House
The moderater adjoumd Said Meeting Accordingly
Att a Legall Town in Topsfield held by adjournment from
febmary ISth 1777 to March 18th. 1777 Capt. Stephen Perkins
moderator

372 TOWN RECORDS OF
lly A motion was made to see if the town would reconsider
their vote passed at the Adjournment of this meeting on the 20th
of febmary last, for the acceptance of the report of the Comtee.
before mentioned, and being put to vote it passed in the Affirm
ative and was reconsidered
Then the Town voted to Adjourn Said Meeting to the 2Sth of
March Inst, to 12 of ye Clock on Said day then to meet at ye
Meeting House the moderator Adjourned sd meeting accord
ingly Att a Legal Tovsm meeting in Topsfield held by Adjournment
from febmary ISth : 1777 to March 2Sth 1777 Capt. Stephen
Perkins Moderator
lly On a Motion made. It was put to vote to see if the town
would reconsider their vote passed at this meeting on the Ad
journment the 13th of febry. Last and Accept of said report,
And it passed in the affirmative
21y It was put to vote to see if the Town would reconsider
their vote passed the 13th of febmary last, to give to each man
that Shall Inlist into the American Service for the Term of three
years or during the war as an Incouragement the Sum of Eight
pounds And it passed in the affirmative and was reconsidered
Sly The Town voted to give to each man that Shall Inlist into
the Continantal Army to Serve as Soldiers in the defence of
America for the term of three years or during the war, the Sum
of Eighteen pounds in Addition to what the Congress and Court
has given as a bounty to Such as Shall Enlist
Att a Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield March 18th : 1777
wamed by Stephen Foster Junr. Constable
lly Solomon Dodge was Chosen to Serve on the grand Jury
the year Insuing
21y Joshua Towne and Enos Knight was dravsm out of the
Box to Serve on ye pettit Jury at the next Inferier Court to be
holden at Ipswich on ye 25 of March 1777
Essex ss. To Bartholomew Dwinel one of the Constables of
the Town of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby Required fourth
with to wam all the free holders and Other Inhabitents that are
qualified for voteing in Town Meeting in the South ward in Said
town to Assemble and Convean Together at the Meeting house in
said town on Tuesday the Eighteenth day of March Instant at
nine of the Clock in the Morning
lly To Chouse Selectmen Constables a Tovsm Gierke, and all
other tovsm officers for the year Insuing as the Law directs

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 373
21y To Chouse a Committee of Corispondence Inspection and
Safety for the year Insuing
Sly To Chouse a Suitable person to take Recognizence of
Debts and to make Records of the Same and to proceed in said
business as the Law directs &c for the year Insuing
41y To see if the Town will Choose a Committee to Supply
the Town with a Schoolmaster
Sly To see if the Town will accept of the Selectmens Reacon-
ing with the Town Treasurer
Sly To see how much money the town will Agree to raise to
defray the Charge of Mending the Highways and Other Neces
sary Charges in said town the year Insuing
71y To See how much money the Town will Agree to Appro
priate to be paid in Labour at mending the Highways this year
or to be paid in money as usual
Sly To see if the Town will Agree to Let Swine go at Large
the Year Insuing Provided they are Yoked and ringed as the
Law directs
91y To see if the Town will Choose a man or men to Let out
the Personage to such person as will give the most for it, for
the towns use the year Insuing
lOly To see if the town will Choose a Comtee. to Take Care
that the fishways are kept open throu" the Mill dams in said
Town as the Law Directs the Year Insuing
Illy To See if the Town will agree to the Same rules and
Methods relateing to the Catching Alewives in Said Brooks, that
they Agreed upon the Last year
121y To Allow Bills of Charge
Hereof fail not and make retum of this Warrant with your
doing to one or more of the Select men at time and place above
mentioned Dated Topsfield March 7th 1777
Stephen Perkins

Sfjn^el Smith (selectmen
Thomas Mower V^ Topsfield
John Peabody
Israel Clarke Junr.^
Pursuant to the within Warrant I have wamed all the free
holders and Other Inhabitence that are quallified for voting in
the South ward to Appear at time and place within Mentioned
Topsfield March 7th 1777 Bartholomew Dwinel Constable
The Inhabitance Quallified for Voteing in the North ward

374 TOWN RECORDS OF
ware Notified by a Like Warrant and a Similler retum made by
Stephen Foster Junr. Constable of Topsfield
Attest Saml Smith Town Clarke
Att a Legall Town meeting in Topsfield March 18th : 1777
lly Capt. Stephen Perkins was Chosen Moderator Voted
21y Capt Stephen Perkins Thomas Mower John Peabody Israel
Clarke Jr. Saml. Smith was Chosen Selectmen
Sly Samuel Smith was Chosen Town Clarke Voted
41y Jacob Peabody & David Balch Junr was Chosen Constables
for the year Insuing Voted
Sly Jeremiah Averel was Chosen Town Treasurer Voted
Sly Nathaniel Low & Nathan Hood was Chosen Wardens Voted
71y Capt. Thomas Baker Isaac Averel & Thomas Cummings
was Chosen Tj^hing men Voted
Sly Moses Wilds John Gould Jr. Daniel Bixby & Joseph Cum
mings Jr. was Chosen Surveyors of highways Voted
91y Joseph Andrews Capt John Bordman & Nathan Wildes
was Chosen fence Viewers Voted
lOly David Perkins was Chosen Sealer of Leather Voted
Illy John Bradstreet was Chosen Deer rief Voted
121y Amos Wilds Nathan Wildes & Thomas Emerson was
Chosen Hogg rieves and Swom
ISly Jacob Averel Junr. was Chosen Surveyor of Clabbords &
Shingles '
141y Capt. John Bordman Capt. Thomas Baker was Chosen
Oversears of the poor
ISly Paletiah Cummings Isaac Averel & David Towne Junr.
was Chosen a Comtee to Supply ye to-wm with a Schoolmaster
ISly Capt. John Baker was Chosen Clerk of the market
171y Saml. Smith was Chosen to take Recognizence of debts
&c as ye law Directs
ISly the Town Accepted of the Selectmens Reckoning with
ye town Treasurer their being then in sd Treasurers hands not
ordered out £198 Ss Id 2
191y The Town Agreed to raise one hundred pounds to defray
the Charge of Mending highways and Other Necessary Charges
in Said town Voted
201y The Town Agreed to Appropriate the Sum of Forty
pounds of the sd hundred to be paid in Labour at mending the
highways Voted
211y The Town Agreed to let Swine go at Large ye year In-
suing Provided they are Yoked and ringed as the law directs

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 375
221y Messrs. Solomon Dodge Jacob Kimball & Simon Gould
ware Chosen a Committee to Let out the Personage ye Year In-
suing for the most it will fetch for the towns use
23 John Perkins Junr. Stephen Foster Junr. & Capt. John
Bordman ware Choosen a Comtee to Take Care that the fish-
ways thro' the mill dams are kept open this year as the Law
directs 24 The Town Agreed to ye Same rules and Method respect
ing the Catching of fish in the said Brooks as they Agreed to the
Last year
Then the town voted to Adjourn said meeting to Tuesday the
25th of March Instant to two of the Clock after noon, then the
Moderator Adjourned said Meeting accordingly
Att a Legall Town Meeting in Topsfield held by adjournment
from March the 18th. Instent to March 25th Instent the Town
being meet Capt. Stephen Perkins Moderator
lly Joseph Cummings Jr. was Choosen Constable in the room
Jacob Peabody who refused to serve & paid his fine Voted
21y The town Choose Messrs. Solomon Dodge Isaac Averel,
Majr. Joseph Gould, David Perkins and Thomas Cummings a
Committee of Corispondence Inspecting and Safety for the year
Insuing Voted
Then town voted to Adjourn Said Meeting to Tuesday ye first
day of Aprill 1777 to 2 of the Clock after noon then to meet at
the meeting House the moderator adjourned said Meeting ac
cordingly Att a Legall Town meeting in Topsfield held by Adjournment
from March the 18th 1777 to April ye first 1777 the town being
meat together Capt. Stephen Perkins moderator
lly Messrs. Nehemiah Herrick Daniel Bixby & Zaccheus Gould
ware Chosen Selectmen in the room of Capt. Stephen Perkins,
Thomas Mower & Samuel Smith who declined the Service
21y Voted that the Selectmen shall be Assessors the year In-
suing Sly Jacob Towne was Choosen Constable in the room of Mr.
Joseph Cummings who Excused himself from said Service Voted
41y Mr. Simon Gould was Chosen Warden in the room of
Nathan Hood who at his desire the tov/n Excused from Said
Service Voted
Sly The town allowed to Thomas Cummings one of ye Sur
veyors of highways the Sum of five Shillings and one penny it
being for 38 feetof Plank 5/1

376 TOWN RECORDS OF
Sly The Town aUowed to Jacob Kimball the Sum of fourteen
Shillings and nine pence it being an Abatement of Thomas Woods
rates in his list 0 : 14 : 9
David Balch Jr Nath" Low, Isaac Averel, Moses Wildes John
Gould Jr Daniel Bixby Joseph Cummings Jr, Joseph Andrews,
Capt John Bordman, Nathan Wildes, David Perkins, John Brad
street, Amos Wildes, Nathan Wildes, Thos Emerson, Jacob Averel
Jr. Capt. Thos. Baker, Jacob Towne, and Simon Gould ware all
Swom to the faithfull discharge of their Severall offices by the
Town Gierke
To Jacob Towne one of the Constables of the Town of Tops-
field Greeting You are hereby Required fourthwith to warn all
the Inhabitants in the North ward quallified for voteing in Town
meetings to Convean and meat Together at the Meeting house
on Monday the Twenty first day of April instant at one of the
Clock after noon Agreeable to a request of Capt Nath'. Averel
and Others
lly To see what way ye town will Agree to raise the money
that was Voted as a bounty to Such men as Shall Enlist for three
years or dureing the war or to Act upon any other Method that
the town Shall think proper, and also to see what the town will
do in respect to the report of the Committee for the time Back,
whether they will raise the mony or give Credit
21y To see if the town will make Choice of David Perkins
and others according to resolve of Congress to Serve as a Comtee.
of Corispondence Inspection & Safety with others already Chosen
Sly To see if the "Town will Chose any town officers that have
refused or may refuse
Hereof faile not, and make return of your doings at time and
place to One or More of the Selectmen
Topsfield April 15th : 1777 Zaccheus Gould^
John Peabody (Selectmen
Israel Clarke jr (^of Topsfield
Daniel Bixby J
In Obediance to the within Warrant I have wamed the In
habitants of the North ward quallified for voting to appear at
the Meeting House on the Said day according to warrant
Topsfield April 16 : 1777 Jacob Towne Constable
The Inhibitance of the South ward in sd town was wamed by
a like warrant and a Similer returne thereof made by David
Balch Jr Constable Attest Saml Smith Tovm Gierke

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 377
Att a Legal Town meeting in Topsfield April 21st : 1777
lly Capt. Stephen Perkins was Choose moderator Voted
21y David Towne Junr was Chosen to Serve as one of a Com
mittee of Corispondence Inspection and Safety in the room of
Thomas Cummings who refused to Serve
Essex ss. To Jacob Town one of the Constables of the town
of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby required fourthwith to
warn all the freeholders and Other Inhabitance of the Town of
Topsfield that are quallified for voting in the North ward in Said
town. To Convean and meet Together at the Meeting House in
Said Town on Monday the Nineteenth day of May Instent at
three of the Clock after noon
lly To see if the Town will Chouse a man or men to Repre
sent them in the greate and general Court or Assembly Appointed
to be held & Kept for the government Service at the State House
in Boston in the County of Suffolk on Wednsday the twenty
Eighth day of May Instant According to preceipt
21y To see if the Town will Agree to Stand by the Regulating
act made by this State to prevent monopoly and opression, and
also wheather the town would have those persons appointed by
the Act to Affix the prise of things not Ennumerated in Said
Act, or do any thing About it, or not
Sly To allow Bills of Charge
Hereof fail not, and make Return to one or more of the Se
lectmen at time and place above mentioned
Dated Topsfield May 9th 1777 Zaccheus Gould "^
John Peabody 1 Selectmen
Nehemiah Herrick Vf^^^j^
Israel Clarke Jun ^
Daniel Bixby J
In obediance to the within warrant I have warned the Inhabi
tants of the north ward according to warrant
Dated Topsfield May ye 19th 1777 Jacob Towne Constable
The Inhabitants of the South ward in said town was warned
by a Like warrant, and a Similar Returne made by David Balch
Junr Constable Attest Saml. Smith Town Gierke
Att a Legall Town Meeting in Topsfield May 19th : 1777
lly Capt Samuel Smith was Chosen to Represent Said Town
at the greate and General Court the Year Insuing

378 TOWN RECORDS OF
There being other business to be done at the above meeting
21y Capt. Stephen Perkins was Chosen Moderator Voted
Sly The town not being favored with the Additional [Act] re
lateing to Monopoly and Opression in this State, the Town Agreed
to pass over ye Second Article in the warrant for the present and
untill they Shall be favoured with it Voted
41y The town took under Consideration that part of the Re
solve of ye General Court recommended to ye Several towns in
this State to Instruct their representatives in one body with ye
Council to forme a Constitution of government for this State of
Massachusetts Bay and after Som debate it was put to vote to
see if the town would Instruct their Representative for ye pur
pose aforsaid and it passed in the Negative, and that for the
following reasons viz/ this Apprehends that it is not of absolute
Necessity to forme a Constitution of government this present
year, as it is highly Probable that ye Court will have much
business to do this year that will be of absolute necessity for
ye defence and Support of this State, and the ancient Laws and
usages of this State are in full force and practise, and as there
is So many Valuable men that are and will be in the army and
Cannot meturely deliberate on Such a momentus affair, this town
apprehends that it is not best to forme a Constitution of Govern
ment for this State for the future this present year
Sly the town Allowed to Thomas Perkins Junr. Surveyor of
highways the Sum of Twenty two Shillings it being for one
hundred feet of white oake plank to mend ye River Bridge
Voted £1:2:0
and also the Sum of Six ShilUngs for a Plowshare that was
Broke at mending highways Voted f 0 : 6 : 0
Essex : ss : To Jacob Towne one of the Constables of the Tovsm
of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby Required fourthwith to
wam all the freeholders and Other Inhabitance in the North
ward in said town that are quallified for voteing in town as the
Law directs To Convean and Meet Together at the Meeting
House in said town on Monday the Seventh day of July next at
three of the Clock after noon
lly To see if the Town will Bring in their votes for a County
Register of Deeds
21y To allow BUls of Charge
Hereof fail not and make retum of this warrant with your
doings to one or more of the Selectmen at time and place above
mentioned

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 379
Dated Topsfield June SOth 1777 Zaccheus Gould^
John Peabody (Selectmen
Israel Clarke Jr [of Topsfield
Daniel Bixby J
a proper return was made by Jacob Towne Constable of his
warning ye Inhabitants of ye North ward, & also by David Balch
Constable, warning ye South ward by a Similer warrant
Saml Smith T : Clerk
Att a Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield July the 7th 1777
lly Mr Solomon Dodge was Chosen Moderater Voted
21y the Town gave in their votes for a County Register
Sly Voted that this meeting be dissolved
Essex: ss: To Jacob Towne one of the Constables of the Town
of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby Required fourthwith to
wam all the freeholders and other Inhabitants Quallified by Law
for voting in Town Meetings in the north ward to Convean
and meet Together at the Meeting House in said town on the
twenty fourth day of July Instant at three of ye Clock after
noon lly To See if the town will Erect a House for a pest House in
Som proper place in said Town, or to Act upon any Method the
Town Shall think proper
21y To see if the town wiU agreeable to the request of Thomas
Perkins Junr. and others. Give the present Comtee. for Supply
ing the town with a Gospel minister Instmctions or Chuse an
other Comtee. and give them Instmctions
Hereof faile not and make retum of this warrant with your
doings to one or more of the Selectmen at time and place above
Mentioned Dated Topsfield July 15th : 1777
Zachs Gould
Nehemiah Herrick
John Peabody
Israel Clarke Jr.
Daniel Bixby

.Selectmen of Topsfield

The Inhabitance of the South ward in said town was wamed
by a like Warrant and a SimUer return was Made by David
Balch Junr a Constable of said town
Attest Saml. Smith Town Cler

380 TOWN RECORDS OF
Att a Legall Town meeting in Topsfield July 24th : 1777
lly Mr. Stephen Foster was Chosen moderater Voted
21y it was put to vote to see if the town would Erect a pest
House in Som Proper place in said town, and it passed in the
negative Then the town voted that said meeting Should be Dissolved
which was done by the Moderater accordingly
On the 29 of June 1777 Capt Nehemiah Herrick, & Mr Zac
cheus Gould was Swom to the faithfull discharg of the Office of
Haywards and fence Viewers of the Stickey meadow Common
fields so Calld. Lying part in Topsfield, part in Boxford & part
in Middleton, by the Towne Clerk of Topsfield
Test Saml Smith Town Cler
Essex ss To Jacob Towne one of the Constables of the Tovsm
of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby required fourthwith to
warn all the freeholders and Other Inhabitants that are Qualli
fied by law for voteing in Town meetings to Convean and meet
Together att the Meeting in said Town on Thursday the fourth
day of September next at three a Clock in the after noon
lly To see if the town will agree by their vote to Concur with
the vote of the Church in this Town in giveing Mr Samuel White-
man an Invitation to Settle in the work of the Gospel Ministry
amongst us in this town or act upon any matter or thing that
the town shall think proper in respect to Settleing a gospel
minister Hereof fail not and make retum of this warrant with your do
ings to one or more of the Selectmen at time and place mentioned
Dated Topsfield August 19th : 1777
Zaccheus Gould^
John Peabody 1
Israel Clark Jr (
Daniel Bixby J
Pursuant to this warrant I have wamed the Inhabitants of the
within ward to Appear at the meeting house on said day by post
ing it on the Meeting house on the fast day Topsfield September
Sth : 1777 Jacob Towne Constable
The Inhabitants of the South ward was wamed by a Like
warrant and a Similer retum made by David Balch Junr. Con
stable Attest Saml Smith Town Clark
Att a Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield September 4th : 1777
lly Capt. Stephen Perkins was Chosen Moderater Voted

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 381
21y It was put to vote to See if the town would Concur with
the Church in giveing Mr Samuel Whitman an Invitation to
Settle in the work of the gospel Ministry among us in this Town
And it Passed in the Negative
Essex ss : To Jacob Towne, one of the Constables of the Town
of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby required fourthwith to
warne all the freeholders and Other Inhabitants that are qualli
fied by Law for voting in Town meetings to Convean and meet
Together at the meeting House in said town on Thursday the
Twenty fifth day of September Instant at three o'clock after
noon lly To see if how much money the town will raise to defray
the necessary Charge ariseing in Said town for the present year
21y To see if the Town will Chouse a new Committee to Sup
ply the Town with a Suitable person to preach the gospel, or to
act upon any thing the Town shall think proper respecting Supply
ing the desk
Sly To see if the town will accept of the Alteration in the
Jury Boxes or act any thing the town shall think proper
41y To allow Bills of Charge
Hereof fail not and make return of your doings and this War
rant to one or more of the Selectmen at time and place above
mentioned Dated Topsfield September 16th : 1777
Zaccheus Gould
John Peabody
Nehemiah Herrick
Israel Clarke Jr
Daniel Bixby ^
In Obedience to the within written warrant I have warned
the Inhabitants of the North ward according to Warrant
Dated Topsfield Septr 25th : 1777 Jacob Towne Constable
The Inhabitants of the South ward was warned by a like war
rant and a Similler retum being made by David Balch Jr. one of
the Constables of Topsfield Attest Saml Smith Town Cler
Att a Legall Town meeting in Topsfield September 25th : 1777
lly Deacon John Gould was Chosen moderater Voted
21y Israel Clarke Junr was Chosen and Sworn Clerk of said
Meeting Voted
Sly It was put to vote to see if the town would Adjourn said

.Selectmen^of Topsfield

382 TOWN RECORDS OF
Meeting to monday next at three of the Clock after noon, and
it passed in the affairmative the moderater Adjourned said
Meeting a Cordingly
Att a Legal Town meeting in Topsfield held by Adjournment
from September 25th : 1777 to September 29th 1777 then meat
Deacon John Gould moderater
lly It was put to vote to see if the town would agree to Raise
the Sum of Two Hundred pounds to defray the Nessessary
Charge arising within the Same the Year Insuing and it passed
in the affirmative Voted
21y it was put to vote to see if the Town would Choose a new
Comtee. to Supply the town with a Suitable person to preach
the Gospel, and it passed in the Negative
Sly The town Choose Samuel Smith and Majr Joseph Gould
to Serve on Said Comtee in the room of Messrs. Solomon Dodge
and Amos Perkins who refused to Serve on said Comtee. any
Longer 41y The Town accepted of the alteration by a new model
made by the Selectmen of Jurors in this town 26 being put into
the Superiour Box, and 70 into the Inferior Box
Sly The Town Allowed to Thomas Porter for Boarding Sun
dry person that have preached the gospel in the Town from
September 15th 1776 to September 15th 1777 and for Keeping
their Horses £23 : 2 : 0
Essex ss : To Jacob Town one of the Constables of the Tovm
of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby Required fourthwith to
warn all the freeholders and other Inhabitants of sd tovsm that
are quallified for voting in South ward in said Tovm, to Con
vean and meat Together at the Meeting House in said tovsm on
Monday the Twenty fourth day of November Instant at one of
the Clock in the after noon
lly To see what the Town will do with arms and Other war-
Uke Stores which was ordered by this State for this town which
the Selectmen have now in their hands
21y To see if the Town would have Deacon Gould deliver out
any of the molasses to the poor of Other towns Resident in this
town which was given to the poor of this tovsm by Capt John
Derby Sly To Chuse by Ballot Som person who is firmly atteached
to the Amarican Cause, according to an Act of the General Court
41y for the Town to bring their Bills of their rateable estate
according to the Tax BiU, or act upon any method the Town
shall think proper respecting said Bills

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 383
Hereof fail not and make return of this war'nt with your do
ings to One or more of the Selectmen at time and place above
ment°*. Israel Clarke Jr ) o i <.
Nehe-^ Herrick Pf^'^*"'^ , ,
DanielBixby [of Topsfield
In obediance to this warrant I have wamed the Inhabitants
of the north ward to Appear at time and place within mentioned
Topsfield November 21th : 1777
Jacob Towne Constable of Topsfield
The Inhabitants of the South ward was warned by a like War
rant & a Similler retum made by David Balch Junr Constable
of Topsfield Attest Saml. Smith Town Cler
Att a legaU Tovsm meeting in Topsfield November 24th : 1777
lly Deacon John Gould was Chosen Moderater
21y It was put to vote to see if the town would adjourn said
meeting to Monday the first day of December to one of ye Clock
after noon and it passed in the affirmative, the moderater Ad
journed said Meeting to time and place accordingly
Att a Legal Town meeting in Topsfield held by adjournment
from November 24th : 1777 to December ye 1th : 1777 then
meat the Town Clerk being absent deacon Gould moderater
lly Israel Clarke Junr. was Chosen and Swom Gierke of said
Meeting It was then agreed to adjourn said meeting to the Eighth
day of December Instent, the moderater adjourned said meeting
to time & place accordingly
Att a Legal Town meeting in Topsfield held by Adjournment
from Decem" the 1th : 1777 to December Sth : 1777 then meat
Deacon John Gould Moderater
lly It was put vote to see if the Town would Sell the guns
and gun Locks that are now in the hands of the Selectmen to
Such person or persons that ShaU want them in this town for
their owne use and it passed in the affairmative
21y the Town voted that Capt. Nehemiah Herrick and Messrs.
Daniel Bixby, and David Balch Junr. be a Comtee. to Sell the
above guns and gun Locks to Such persons that belongs to this
Town as they Shall Judge most for the Towns Advantage the
town also voted that Said Committee Shall Sell Eighty pound of
the Lead that is also in ye Selectmens hands Said Comtee to be
accountable to the town for what they Sell
Sly the town voted that the remainder of the Lead and the

384 TOWN RECORDS OF
flints that are also in the Selectmens hands shaU be put into the
town Stock
41y The Town voted that the Assessors Should go to each
persons house in Said town And Take a valuation of each per
sons estate in order to Tax the Inhabitants this present year
Essex ss : To Jacob Towne one of the Constables of the Town
of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby Required fourthwith to
warne all the freeholders and Other Inhabitance in ye North
ward Quallffied by Law for voting in Town meetings, to Con
vean and meat at the Meeting House in said Town on Monday
the thirteenth of January Instant at one of the Clock after noon
lly To see if the Town will Instruct there Representative
Respecting the T^licles of Confederation and perpetual union
of the united States of America
21y To see if the town will raise their proportion of the Pub
lick debt or any part of it as the town shall think fit, agreeable
to an Act of the general Court of this State or act upon any
method the town Shall think proper respecting raiseing said
money Sly To allow Bills of Charge
Hereof fail not, and make retum of this Warrant, with your do
ings thereon to one or more of the Selectmen at time and place
Dated Topsfield Jnuary ye 7th : 1778
Zaccheus Gould ^
John Peabody (Selectmen
Israel Clarke Junr (of Topsfield
Daniel Bixby J
The Inhabitants of the South ward in Said town was wamed
by a Like warrant, and a Similler retum being made thereof,
by David Balch Junr. one of the Constables of Said Topsfield.
Attest Saml Smith T. Cler
Att a Legall Town Meeting in Topsfield January 19th 1778
lly Capt. Stephn Perkins was Chosen Moderator Voted
21y After reading the Several Articles of Confederation of the
united States of America It was put to vote to see if the town
would Instruct their Representative to Act in General Court on
the Several articles of Corrfederation as he Shall think best and
it passed in the affirmative
Sly It was put to vote to see if they would agree to raise
their proportion of the Publick debt or any part thereof, and it
passed in the Negative

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 385
Essex ss To David Balch Junr one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting You are Hereby Required in the
Name of the Goverment and people of the State of the Massa
chusetts Bay Fourth with to warn all the Freeholders and Other
Inhabitants in the South Ward in Said Town Qualified by Law
for Voting in Town Meeting to Convene and meet together at
the meeting House in Said Town on Tuesday the third Day of
March next at nine Clock in the morning
lly To Chouse Selectmen Constables Town Gierke and all
Other Town officers as the Law Directs
21y To See if the Town will Choose a Committee of Cores-
pondance Inspection and Safty
Sly To Chouse a Suitable person to take Recognizence of debts
and make Record of the Same, and proseed in said business as
the Law Directs
41y To See if the Town will Chouse a Committee to Supply
the Town with a grammar School master as the Law Directs
Sly To See if the Town will accept with the Selectmens Rec
koning with the Town Treasurer
61y To See how much money the Town will agree to raise to
Defray the Charges of mending the Highways and Other Neces
sary Charges arising in Said Town the year Insuing
71y To See how much money the Town will agree to appro
priate to be paid in Labour in mending the Highways, or to act
upon any method the Town Shall think proper respecting the
Highways Sly To See if the Town will agree to Let Swine go at large
the year insuing provided they are yoaked and ringed as the
Law directs
91y To See if the Town will Chouse a man or men to let the
personage to Such person as will give most for it, for the Towns
use the year Insuing
lOly To See if the Town will Chouse a Committee to take
Care that the fish ways are keept open threw the mill dams in
Said Town as the Law Directs the year Insuing
Illy To See if the Town will agree to the Same mles and
methods relating to the Catching alewives in Said brooks, in Said
Town that they agreed to last year
121y To allow bills of Charge
Hereof fail not and make return of this Warrent to one or
more of the Selectmen at time and place before mentioned and
of your Doings thereon.

.Selectmen of Topsfield

386 TOWN RECORDS OF
Dated Topsfield Febmary 25th 1778
Zaccheus Gould
Israel Clarke Jur
John Peabody
Daniel Bixby
Pursuent to the vsathin Warrant I have warned all the Free
holders and Other Inhabitants in the South ward Qualified for
voting to appeair at time and place within mentioned.
Topsfield Febmary 26th. Day 1778
David Balch Junr Constable of Topsfield
The Inhabitants Quallified for voting in the North ward ware
Notified by a Like warrent and a Similer return made by
Jacob Towne Constable of Topsfield
At a Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield March 3d. 1778
1. Deacon John Gould was Chosen moderater Voted
2. Stephen Perkins was Chosen Town Clerk, & Swom the
same Day by ye Selectmen
3. Major Joseph Gould Messrs. Joseph Cummings Thomas
Porter Jacob Kimball Isaac Averell were Chosen Selectmen
4. Messrs. John Lamson John Rea was Chosen Constables &
paid their fines
5. Ephraim Town was Chosen Constable in the room of John
Rea who paid his fine
6. Mr. Jeremiah Averell was Chosen Town Treasurer
The Town voted to adjourn Said meeting to Monday the Ninth
Day of March Instent at one of the Clock after noon then to
meet at the Meeting house, the moderater adjoum*. Said meet
ing accordingly
At a Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield held by Adjournment
from March Sd Instent, to March 9th. Instent, the Town being
met Decn. Jno. Gould moderator
1 Messrs. Zaccheus Gould Daniel Bixby was Chosen Selectmen
in the room of Messrs. Thomas Porter & Jacob Kimball who
refused to serve
2 Nathaniel Woodman John Batcheller was Chosen Wardens Voted
3 Jacob Kimball Eliezer Lake Samuel Perkins was Chosen
Tj^hingmen Voted
4 Amos Perkins Amos Wildes EUezer Lake John Balch was
Chosen Surveyors of High-ways Voted
5 Thomas Porter Daniel Clarke Capt. John Baker was Chosen
Fence vewers

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 387
6 David Perkins was Chosen Sealer of Lether
7 John Bradstreet was Chosen Deer rief
8 John Peabody Jacob Averell Junr Jacob Peabody was Chosen
Hog rives
9 Daniel Hood was Chosen Surveyor of Claboards and Shingle
10 Abraham Hobbs Jacob Kimball was Chosen Over Seers of
the poor
11 Thomas Cummings Thomas Porter Thomas Mower was
Chosen a Committee to Supply the Town with a Schoolmaster
12 Oliver Perkins was Chosen Constable in the room of John
Lamson who paid his fine
13 Daniel Clarke was Chosen Clarke of the market
14 David Tovsme Junr Thomas Cummings Robert Perkins
David Perkins Eliezer Lake was Chosen a Committee of Cores-
pondence inspection and Safty
15 Samuel Smith Esqr. was Chosen to take Recognizence of
Debts &c as the Law Directs
16 The Town accepted of the Selectmens Reckoning with the
Town Treasurer and there then was in Said Treasurers hands
not ordered out 
17 The Town voted to Raise two Hundred pounds to Defray
the Charge of mending the High-ways and Other necessary
Charges in Said Town
18 The Town voted to appropriate one Hundred and Twenty
pounds of the above said two hundred pounds to be paid in La
bour at mending the High-ways this present year
19 The Town voted to alow to Each man with Suitable me
terials Six Shillings per. Day for Labour at mending the High
ways, and Six Shillings pr. Day for one pair of oxen and Cart
20 The Tovsm voted that Swine may go at large the year in-
suing provided they are yoked and Ringed as the Law Directs
21 Simon Gould Thomas Porter Solomon Dodge was Chosen
a Committee to Let out the personage the year insuing for the
Towns use
22 Capt. John Bordman Stephen Foster Junr. John Batcheller
was Chosen a Committee to take Care that the fish ways thro'
the mill Dams are kept open for the fish to pass this year as the
Law Directs
23 The Town voted that the Same Rules & methods Should be
Observed. Respecting the Catching of fish in the Brooks in Said
Town as was agreed to in the year 1776
24 The Town voted that the Selectmen Shall be Assessors
the year Insuing

388 TOWN RECORDS OF
25 The town allowed to Peletiah Cummings, Isaac Averell &
David Town Junr. School Committee Fifty three pounds two
ShiUings & Eight pence to pay Messrs. Isaac Bradish & Nathl.
Dodge for keeping School and pay for their Board, and fire wood
for the School
26 The Town allowd. to Amos Wildes a former Constable
0 5 5 as an abatement of Simon Bradstreets tax in his List.
The Town alowd. to Joseph Cummings Surveyor for three
quarters of a hundred of white pine Plank 2 1/2 inch
thick 0 15 0
and for a Stick of timber for a Bridge 0 10 0
27 The Town allowd. to Moses Wildes Surveyor for a Stick
of Timber for a String peace for the river Bridge 0 5 4
28 The Town alowd. to the Selectmen for going about to take
the Bills of Estates in order to make the assessment for 1777 as
followeth viz
To Zaccheus Gould 14 0
to John Peabody 1 16 0
to Capt. Nehemiah Herrick 0 12 0
to Daniel Bixby 1 16 0
to Israel Clarke 1 16 0
7 4 0
The town alowed. to Daniel Bixby for paper used in the towns
Service 0 7 0
the Town alowd. to Israel Clarke for paper used in the towns
Service 0 19 6
Majr. Joseph Gould, Joseph Cummings, Isaac Averell, Zaccheus
Gould, & Daniel Bixby Sworn to the faithful Discharge of ye
office of assessors Jeremiah Averell, Nathaniel Woodman, John
Batcheller, Jacob Kimball, Eliezer Lake, Samuel Perkins, Amos
Perkins, Amos Wildes, John Balch, Thomas Porter, Danl. Clarke,
Capt. John Baker, John Bradstreet, John Peabody, Jacob Pea
body, Daniel Hood, Ephraim Towne, David Perkins, Ephraim
Dorman, John Balch
At a Legal Town meeting in Topsfield March 26th. 1778
Assembled by David Balch Junr. Constable of Said Town John
Rea was Chosen to Serve on the grand Jury the year insuing
and Samuel Perkins & Isaac Hobbs was drawn out of the Box to
Serve on the pettit jury at the next Inferiour Court to be holden
at Ipswich this Instent march
Essex ss To Jacob Towne one of the Constables of the Tovm
of Topsfield Greeting You are Required in the Name of the

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 389
Goverment and People of the State of Massachusetts Bay
Fourthwith to wam all the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants
in the North Ward in Said Town Qualified by law to vote in
Town meeting to Convene and meet together at the Meeting
House in Said Tovra on Thursday the Twenty Sixth Day of
March Instent at three of the Clock after noon
lly To Choose a man to Serve as a Constable for the North
ward in sd town in the room of Mr. Oliver Perkins
21y For the Town to act upon any method they shaU think
proper respecting a Constable in Said Ward
Hereof fail not and make retum of this Warrent with your
Doings thereon to one or more of the Selectmen at time and
place above mentioned
Dated in Topsfield March 17th: 1778
Zaccheus Gould
Joseph Cummings Jur
Joseph Gould yT^"''T^A
Isaac Averell fof Topsfield
Daniel Bixby J

Selectmen

In Obedence to this Warrent I have wamed the Inhabitants
of the North ward to appeair at the Meeting House according
to Warrent Topsfield March the 20 A D 1778
Jacob Towne Constable of Topsfield
The Inhabitants Quallified for voting in the South ward ware
notified by a Like Warrent and a Similer retum made by
David Balch Junr. Constable of Topsfield
At a Legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders and Other In
habitants of the Towne of Topsfield the 26th. Day of March 1778
lly Deacon John Gould was Chosen moderator of said meeting
21y Ephraim Wildes was Chosen Constable in the room of
Oliver Perkins who paid his fine
Sly The Town Voted to Adjoum this meeting to Thursday
the Second Day of April next at three of the Clock after noon
then to meet at the Meeting House the moderator adjoumd.
said Meeting accordingly
At a Legal Tovsm Meeting in Topsfield held by adjournment
from March 26th. 1778 to April 2d. 1778 the Town being met
Deacon John Gould Moderator
Ephraim Dorman was Chosen Constable in the room of
Ephraim Wildes who paid his fine

390 TOWN RECORDS OF
The Town voted to adjoum this meeting to Wednsday the
Eighth Day of April Instent to four O' the Clock after noon
then to meet at the Meeting House the moderator Adjourned
said meeting accordingly
At a Legal Town meeting in Topsfield held by adjournment
from April Second Day of April 1778 to April Eighth 1778 the
town being met Deacon John Gould moderator
The Town Voted that this [meeting] be Desolved the mod
erator Desolved the meeting accordingly
We the Subscribers met this 16th. Day of April A D 1778 &
Perambulated the Line and renewed the bounds between the
Towns of Topsfield and Danvers in the following manner /Viz/
Begining at a Stake and Stones near Wenham Causey the North
erly Bounds betwen Wenham and Danvers, thence Running
westerly Eight pole to a Elm tree marked D D & T, thence
running Norwesterly about twenty two pole to a Stake and
Stones by the edge of a Swamp near Theophelus Fisks Barn,
thence running westerly to a black oak Stump with Stones
about it in an orchard belonging to John Rea from thence to a
heep of Stones at the bend of a wall where a run or Slow Emtes
it Self out of John Reas Land into the land of Elias Endicot,
thence to a heep of Stones on Land Belonging to the Heirs of
Timothy Lyndall Esq Decesd: near Nicholss Brook, thence on
the Same Course to Said Brook near the remains of an old Saw
mill Commonly Calld. Porters Saw mill
T , n i ^ Committee Zaccheus Gould ) Selectmen
ptSehasTtnam UpP°i"t^'i by Isaac AvereU [ of
Ftiinetias Futnam >- j^ Selectmen Daniel Bixby ) Topsfield
Tarrant Putnam J ^f Danvers
Essex ss To Ephraim Towne Constable of the Town of Tops-
field Greeting You are Hereby Required in the Name of the
Goverment and People of the State of Massachusetts Bay fourth
vsrith to wam all the freeholders and Other Inhabitants in Said
Town from Twenty one years old and upwards to Conveen and
meet together at the Meeting-House in Said Town on Tuesday
the Twenty eighth Day of April Instent at four O' Clock after
noon lly For the Towns approbation or Disapprobation respecting
a Constitution and form of Goverment for the State of Massa
chusetts Bay
21y For the Town to act upon any method they shall think
proper respecting said form of Goverment

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 391
Sly For the Town to give the Committee instructions respect
ing their Supplying the pulpit
Hereof fail not and make return of this Warrent with your
doings thereon to one or more of the Selectmen at time and
place above mentioned
Dated Topsfield April 20th. 1778
Zaccheus Gould "I
Joseph Cummings Selectmen
Joseph Gould V f^'^ I i^
Isaac AvereU [^of Topsfield
Daniel Bixby J
In Obedence to the within written Warrent I have wamed the
Inhabitants of the Town by posting this warrent on the Meeting-
House on fast Day April 22d. 1778
Topsfield April 28th. 1778
Ephraim Towne Constable of Topsfield
At a Legal Town Meeting of the Inhabitants of Topsfield the
Twenty Eighth Day of April A D 1778
lly Deacon John Gould was Chosen moderator
21y The Town Voted that the Committee Chosen to Supply
the Town with a Suitable person to preach the Gospel be in
structed to Employ Mr Asa Burton
Sly The Town Voted to adjoum this meeting to Tuesday the
19th Day of May next to one of the Clock after noon
At a Legal Town Meeting in Topsfield held by adjournment
from April 28 1778 to May 19th. 1778 the Town being met
Deacon John Gould moderator
The Town taking into Consideration a Constitution and form
of Goverment for the State of Massachusetts Bay, agreed upon
by the Convention of Said State, Febmary 2Sth: 1778, to be
laid before the Several Towns and plantations in Said State for
their approbation or Disapprobation
The question being put Whether the Town approve of said
Constitution and form of Goverment, it appeared by a Division
that their was, four, for said Constitution and form of Gover
ment and Thirty three against it
Essex To Ephraim Dorman one of the Constables of Tops-
field Greeting In the Name of the Goverment and People of the
State of Massachusetts Bay, You are required fourth with to
Wam all the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the North
Ward in Said Town that are qualified by Law for Voting in

392 TOWN RECORDS OF
Town meetings, to Conveen and meet at the Meeting-House in
said Town on Tuesday the Ninteenth Day of May instent at two
o Clock in the aftemoon
lly To Choose a man or men to Represent the Town at the
Great and General Court the Ensuing year according to precept
21y To See if the Town will raise a Sum of money to Defray
the Charges of a number of articles of Cloathing Lately pro
cured for the Contenental Soldiers, or act upon any other
meathod the Town shall think proper respecting raising Said
money Sly To alow Bills of Charge
Hereof fail not and make retum of this Warrent and your Do
ing thereon to one or more of the Selectmen at time and place
above mentioned
Dated Topsfield May Sth. 1778
Zaccheus Gould
Joseph Cummings Jur.
Joseph Gould
Isaac Averell
Daniel Bixby

.Selectmen of Topsfield

Pursuent to within warrent I have wamed all the Freeholders
and other Inhabitants that are qualified for voting, in the North
ward in sd. Town to Conveen together at time and place within
mentioned Topsfield May 19th : 1778 Ephraim Dorman Constable
The Inhabitants qualified for voting in the South ward ware
Notified by a Like warrent, and a Semiler return made by Eph
raim Town Constable
At a Legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders and Other In
habitants of the Town of Topsfield the Ninteenth Day of May
1778 lly Deacon John Gould was Chosen to represent the Town at
the Great and General Court the year Ensuing
There being other business to be done at the above meeting
21y Deacon John Gould was Chosen moderator
Sly The Town Voted that the Sum of one Hundred and Twenty
pounds be assessed on the polls and Estates in Said Town to De
fray the Charges of Cloathing provided for the Soldiers in the
Continental army and Transporting them to Andover
41y The Town voted to alow to Major Joseph Gould the In
trest money he paid to Jacob Averell Junr. being the Sum of 

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 393
Essex To Ephraim Dorman one of the Constables of the Town
of Topsfield Greeting In the Name of the Goverment and peo
ple of the State of Massachusetts Bay, You are required fourth
with to warn all the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the
North ward in Said Town that are qualified by Law for voting
in Town meetings to Conveene and meet at the Meeting House
in Said Town on Tuesday after noon
To See if the Town will agree to Chouse a Committee to pro
cure the Six men that are now wanted to reinforce the Contin
antal army on the best terms they Can procure them, on the
Towns Cost, in order to make a Saving of the thirty pounds for
each man they Shall So procure by the time Set by the General
Court in their resolve for that purpos, or for the Town to act &
agree on any other method in order to procure Said men the
Town Shall Judg most proper, and Save the thirty pounds for
each man as afore said
Hereof fail not and make retum of this Warrent and your
Doings there on to one or more of the Select men at time and
place above mentioned
Dated Topsfield May ye 14th : 1778
Zaccheus Gould ")
Joseph Gould (Selectmen
Isaac Averell (of Topsfield
Daniel Bixby J
Topsfield May 17th : 1778
Pursuent to the within warrent I have wamed all the Free
holders and other Inhabitants that are qualified for voting in the
north ward in Said Town to Conveen together at time and place
within mentioned Ephraim Dorman Constable
The Inhabitants of the South ward qualified for voting were
Notified by a Like warrent, and a Semiler return made by
Ephraim Town Constable of Topsfield
At a Legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders and Other In
habitants of the Town of Topsfield the Ninteenth Day of May
1778 lly Samuel Smith Esqr. was Chosen moderator for sd. meeting
21y The Town agreed and voted to Chouse a Committee to
procure six men to serve in the Continental army for nine months
upon the best terms they Can procure them on the Towns Cost
Sly Mr. Benja. Gould Capt. Thomas Cummings & Capt. Ne
hemiah Herrick was Chosen a Committee to procure Six men on
the best terms they Can upon the Towns Cost and Charge to
Serve in the Continental army nine months

394 TOWN RECORDS OF
Essex ss To Mr. Ephraim Dorman one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting You are Hereby Required in the
Name of the Government and People of the State of Massachu
setts Bay Fourthwith to warn all the freeholders and Other In
habitants of the North ward in Said Town qualified by law for
voting in Town meetings to Conveen and meet together at the
Meeting-House in Said Town on Tuesday the 22d. day of Sep
tember Instent at two of the Clock in the aftemoon
lly To See how much money the Town will agree to raise to
Defray the necessary Charges arisen or arising in Said Town
21y To See if the Town will agree for the Selectmen to Draw
out of the Town Treasury the fourteen pounds Bounty that is
alowed for Each Soldier which the Selectmen were impowered
to assess on the Inhabitants of Said Town agreable to an act of
the General Court Dated June 10th. 1778
Sly To alow Bills of Charge
Hereof fail not and make retum of this Warrent with your
Doings thereon to one or more of the Selectmen at time and
place above mentioned.
Dated Topsfield September 8 AD 1778
Zaccheus Gould
Joseph Cummings Junr
Joseph Gould
Isaac Averell
Daniel Bixby _,
Pursuent to the within Warrent I have Wamed all the Free
holders & Other Inhabitants that are Qualified for Voting in the
north ward in said Town to Convene together at time and place
within mentioned
Topsfield September 15th 1778
Ephraim Dorman Constable of Topsfield
The South Ward in Said Town was Warned by a like Vv^'arrent
as above, and the following retum made /Viz/
In Obedence to the within Written Warrent I have wamed
the Inhabitants of the South ward by posting this Warrent on
the meeting House on Lecture Day September the ninth Day
September 9th. 1778 Ephraim Towne Constable of Topsfield
At a Legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhab
itants of Topsfield on the 22d. day of September 1778
lly Samuel Smith Esq was Chosen moderator for Said meeting
21y The Town Voted that the Sum of Fifteen Hundred and
thirty pounds shall be assessed upon polls and estates in the

.Selectmen of Topsfield

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 395
Town to Defray the Necessary Charges arising in Said Town
the present year
Sly The Town Voted that the Selectmen shall Draw out of the
Town Treasury the Sum of Fourteen pounds paid to each Soldier
as a Bounty, which Shall be raised in this Town agreable to an
act of the General Court Dated June 10th. 1778
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of Tops-
field the 22d. Day of September 1778 Assembled by Ephraim
Towne Constable of Said Towne Messrs. Thomas Porter & Jacob
Kimball was Chosen by Drawing their names out of the Box of
Jurours to Serve on the petit Jury at the Court of General Ses
sions of the peace, and Inferiour Court to be holden at Newbury
port^ on the last Tuesday of Sept. Instent
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of
Topsfield the 22d. Day of September 1778 Assembled by Eph
raim Dorman Constable of Said Town Mr. John Peabody was
Chosen to Serve on the Grand Jury, and Israel Clarke Junr. was
Drawn out of the box to Serve on the petit Jury at the Superiour
Court to be holden at Salem on the first Tuesday of November
next Insuing
Essex ss. To Ephraim Towne one of the Constables of the Town
of Topsfield Greeting You are Hereby Required in the Name
of the Goverment and people of the State of Massachusetts Bay
forthwith to warn all the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants in
the South ward in Said Town Qualified by Law to vote in Town
meeting to Convene and meet together at the Meeting-House in
Said Town on Tuesday the 29th Day of September Instent at
three of the Clock after noon
To See if the Town will agree to Choose a man to Represent
the Town at the Great and General Court in the room of Deacon
John Gould Decesd. according to preceipt
Hereof fail not and make return of this Warrent with your
Doings thereon to one or more of the Selectmen at time and
place above mentioned.
Dated Topsfield September 22d. 1778
Zaccheus Gould
Joseph Cummings Junr I s^i„,„j„
S-A^ere'll r°'T"P*U
Daniel Bixby

396 TOWN RECORDS OF
Pursuent to this within written warrent I have wamed the
South ward according to Warrent
Topsfield September 29th. 1778
Ephraim Towne Constable of Topsfield
The North ward was Wamed by a like Warrent and a retum
made in the folowing words (Viz)
Pursuent to the within Warrent I have wamed all the free
holders and Other Inhabitants that are qualified for voting in the
north ward in Said Towne to Convene together at time and place
within mentioned
Topsfield September the 26 : 1778
Ephraim Dorman Constable of Topsfield
At a Legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders and Other In
habitants of the Town of Topsfield the 29th. day of September
1778 The Town Carred in their votes four times in order to Chose
a man to represent the Town at the Great and General Court
this present year in the room of Deacon John Gould Deces*. but
Could not make a Choise
Essex ss. To Ephraim Dorman one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting You are Hereby Required in the
Name of the Government and people of the State of Massachu
setts Bay fourthwith to wam all the freeholders and Other In
habitants of the north ward in Said Town that are qualified by
Law to vote in Town meeting to Convene and meet together at
the Meeting House in Said Town on Tuesday the 27th. Day of
October Instent at one of the Clock in the after noon
To See if the Town will grant the Request of Deacon George
Bixby and Others, and Chose Sum person to Represent the Town
in the Great and General Court in the room of Deacon John Gould
Decesd. according to preceipt
Hereof fail not and make retum of this Warrent with your
Doings thereon to one or more of the Selectmen at time and place
above mentioned
Dated Topsfield the 15 day of October A D 1778
Zaccheus Gould^
Joseph Gould
Isaac Averell
Daniel Bixby _
Pursuent to the within Warrent I have wamed all the Free
holders and Other Inhabitants qualified for voting in the North

.Selectmen of Topsfield

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 397
ward in Said Town to Convene together at time and place with
in mentioned Ephraim Dorman Constable of Topsfield
The South ward was wamed by a like Warrent and a return
made in the following words /Viz/
Pursuent to this Warrent I have Warned the South ward ac
cording to Warrent
Topsfield October the 17 : 1778
Ephraim Towne Constable of Topsfield
At a Legal Meeting of the Freeholders ond Other Inhabitants
of Topsfield on the 27th. day of October 1778
A motion being made and Seconded the question was put to
See if the Town would Choose a man to represent them in the
Great and General Court this present year in the room of Deacon
John Gould Decesd. and it passed in the negative
Essex ss. To Ephraim Towne one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting You are Hereby Required in the
Name of the Goverment and people of the State of Massachu
setts Bay forthwith to wam all the freeholders and Other In
habitants in the South ward in Said Town qualified by law to
Vote in Town Meeting to Convene and meet together at the
Meeting House in Said Town on Thursday the 22d. Day of Oc
tober Instent at one of the Clock after noon
lly To See if the Town will Concur with the Church in this
place in giving Mr. Matthew Scribner an Invitation to Settle in
the worke of the ministry amongst us
21y For the Town to agree upon what Settlement and Sallery
they will give Mr. Scribner
Sly For the Town to act any thing they Shall think proper
respecting said Minister
Hereof fail not and make return of this Warrent with your
Doing thereon to one or more of the Selectmen at time and
place above mentioned
Dated Topsfield October 15th. 1778
Zaccheus Gould ^
Joseph Gould I Selectmen
Isaac Averell ( of Topsfield
Daniel Bixby J
Pursuent to this Warrent I have Warned the South ward
according to Warrent
Topsfield October the 17th. 1778
Ephraim Towne Constable of Topsfield

398 TOWN RECORDS OF
The North ward was Warned by a Like Warrent and a
retum made in the following words /Viz/ Pursuent to the
within Warrent I have wamed all the freeholders and Other In
habitants that are qualified for Voting in the North ward in
Said Town to Convene together at time and place within men
tioned Topsfield October the 17: 1778
Ephraim Dorman Constable of Topsfield
At a Legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders and Other In
habitants of Topsfield the 22d day of October 1778
lly Samuel Smith Esq was Chosen Moderator for Said meeting
21y The question being put to See whether the Town will
Concur the vote of the Church in this Town of the fifteenth day
of October 1778 for giving Mr. Matthew Scribner a Call to Settle
in the work of the ministry in this Town, and it past in the
affirmative, there was 50 voted in the affirmative, and 34 in the
Negative Sly Samuel Smith Esq, Messrs. Israiel Clarke Junr., Moses
Perkins, Abraham Hobbs, and Major Joseph Gould was Chosen
a Committee to draw up what they think is proper for the Town
to give Mr. Matthew Scribner, as Settlement and Sallery, and
make report to the Town at the adjournment of this meeting
41y The Town voted to Adjourn this meeting to Thursday
the 5th. day of November next at one of the Clock after noon
to meet at the Meeting-House, the moderator adjoumd. Said
Meeting accordingly
At a Legal Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants
of Topsfield held by adjournment from the 22d. day of October
1778 to the fifth day of November 1778 The Town being mett
Samuel Smith Esq. moderator
A motion being made and Seconed to See if the Town Would
Reconsider their Vote of the Twenty Second of October last for
Concuring with the vote of the Church in this Town of the
fifteenth of October Last for giving Mr. Matthew Scribner a
Call to Settle in the work of the ministry in this Town: The
Question being put it past in the negative there was 45 against
the motion and 45 for it
Essex ss To Ephraim Dorman one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting In the Name of the Goverment
and people of the State of Massachusetts Bay You are Required
fourthwith to warn all the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants
of the North ward in Said Town that are qualified by Law for

TOPSFIELD, MASS. 399
Voting in Town meeting to Convene and meet at the Meeting
House in Said Town on Thursday the Ninteenth Day of Novem
ber Instent at one of the Clock in the after noon
To See if the Town will agree upon a Settlement and Sallery
to give Mr. Matthew Scribner to Encorage him to Settle and to
Carry on the work of the ministry in this Town agreable to the
vote of both the Church and Town either according to what
may be reported by the Committee Chosen for that purpose or
such other way as the Town may Judge proper
Hereof fail not and make return of this Warrent with your
Doings there on to one or more of the Select men at time and
place above mentioned
Dated Topsfield November Sth: 1778
Zaccheus Gould

(Selectmen

Joseph Gould r f t- ^ u
Isaac AvereU [of Topsfield
Pursuent to the within Warrent I have wamed all the Free
holders and Other Inhabitants that are qualified for voting in
the North ward in Said Town to Convene together at time and
place within mentioned
Topsfield November 12th. 1778
Ephraim Dorman Constable of Topsfield
The South ward was wamed by a Like Warrent and a retum
made in the following words /Viz/
Pursuent to this within written Warrent I have wamed the
South ward in Said Town according to warrent.
Topsfield November 19th: 1778
Ephraim Towne Constable of Topsfield
At a Legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders and Other In
habitants of Topsfield the 19th. day of November 1778
Mr. EUezer Lake was Chosen Moderator for said meeting
Essex ss To Ephraim Dorman one of the Constables of the
Town of Topsfield Greeting You are hereby Required in the
Name of the Goverment and people of the State of Massachu
setts Bay Fourthwith warn all the Freeholders and Other Inhabi
tants in the North ward in Said Town Qualified by Law to vote
in Town meetings to Convene and meet together at the Meeting
House in Said Tov/n on Tuesday the Eighth day of December
Instent at one of the Clock after noon
lly To See if the Town will Reconsider alter or Disanul the
vote of the Town passed at their meeting on the 22 day of Oc-

400 TOWN RECORDS OF TOPSFIELD.
tober last wherein the Town voted to Concur with the vote of
the Church in this Town of the fifteenth of October 1778 for giv
ing Mr. Matthew Scribner a Call to Settle in the work of the
ministry in this Town
To See if the Town will Choose a new Committee in the room
of the present Committee to Supply the Town with a Suitable
person to preach the Gospel in this Town
Hereof fail not and make retum of this Warrent with your
Doings there on to one or more of the Selectmen at time and
place abve mentioned
Dated Topsfield December 1st. 1778
Zaccheus Gould ) q ,
Joseph Cummings Jur. Pf^ ^^ ,
DanielBixby j of Topsfield
Pursuent to the Within Warrent I have wamed all the Free
holders and Other Inhabitants that are qualified for voting in
the North ward in Said Town to Convene together at time and
place within mentioned
Topsfield December the 4th. 1778
Ephraim Dorman Constable of Topsfield
The South ward was Wamed by a Like Warrent and a retum
made in the following words /Viz/ In Obedience to the within
written Warrent I have wamed the freeholders and Other Inhabi
tants of the South ward according to Warrent
Topsfield December the 3d : 1778
Ephraim Towne Constable of Topsfield
At a Legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders and Other In
habitants of Topsfield the Sth. day of December 1778
lly Samuel Smith Esq. was Chosen Moderator for said meeting
21y The question being put to see if the Town will Reconsider
alter & Disanul the vote of the Town pased at their meeting on
the 22d day of October Last, wherein the Town voted to Concur
the vote of the Church in this Town of the ISth. of October 1778
for giving Mr. Matthew Scribner a Call to Settle in the work of
the ministry in this Town, and it past in the affirmative there
was 52 voted in the affirmative and 51 in the Negative
Sly The question being put to See if the Town will Choose a
Committee in the room of the present Committee to Supply the
Town with a Suitable person to preach the Gospel in this Town
and it past in the affirmative
4th Mr. Eliezer Lake Mr. Stephen Foster Junr. and Major
Joseph Gould was Chosen a Committee to Supply the Town with
a Suitable person to preach the Gospel in this Town

INDEX.

Abatements of taxes, see Taxation.
Adams,  , Mr., 221, 225.
Stephen, 209, 240, 241, 256, 295, 299, 306, 326, 328, 329.
Thomas, 27.
Allen,  , 33.
Alwives, 28, 223, 224, 270, 271, 289, 303, 304, 306, 310, 311, 313, 315, 327, 345,
351, 353, 375, 387.
Brought to the ponds, 289, 294, 296.
Catch of, restricted, 351, 353.
Andover, 392.
Andrews, Israel, 43, 67, 226, 252, 283, 312.
John, 23.
Joseph, 10, 11, 19, 20, 118, 139, 157, 161, 171, 185, 193, 194, 209, 211-213,
215, 217, 220, 222, 224-226, 228, 230, 237, 243, 245, 246, 254, 275, 276, 285,
287, 303, 305, 308, 311, 343, 350, 359, 374, 376.
Joseph, jr., 118.
Joshua, 44, 70.
Angier,  , Mr., 231.
Animals (domestic).
Cow, 87.
Horse, 47, 72, 147.
Mare, 232.
Oxen, 123, 164, 258, 286, 305, 387.
Ram, 240, 241.
Sheep, 41, 71, 269.
Swine, 5, 6, 13, 21, 30, 37, 42, 51, 58, 65, 80, 89, 97, 109, 122, 132, 142, 154,
163, 174, 187, 202, 209, 220, 230, 237, 244, 254, 266, 275, 344, 353, 374, 387.
Branded, 147, 232.
Ear marks, 147, 232, 240, 241, 269.
Stray, 47, 71, 147, 232, 240.
Animals (wild).
Deer, 1, 3, 11, 19, 29, 34, 42, 55, 63, 65, 72, 79, 243, 254, 266, 275, 285, 295,
315, 326, 342, 352, 374, 387.
Appleton, Daniel, 54, 66, 74, 87, 148, 155.
John, 66.
Averill, Anna, 234.
Ebenezer, 117, 164.
Isaac, 256, 263, 266, 268, 287, 288, 295, 299, 300, 302-304, 308, 315, 327,
331, 344, 353, 354, 370, 374-376, 386, 388-397, 399.
Israel, 89, 94, 98, 118, 121, 133, 155, 157, 168.
Jacob, 6, 9, 12, 19, 24, 49, 53, 56, 63, 65, 84, 86, 94-99, 101, 103-106, 109-
112, 114, 117, 120, 122-125, 127-130, 132-135, 137-140, 147, 149, 151, 152,
157, 168, 181, 184, 188, 191, 201, 207, 236.
Jacob, jr., 117, 137, 143, 152, 156, 236, 254, 256, 264, 266, 267, 275, 285, 287,
295, 305, 314-316, 326, 334, 343, 352, 374, 376, 387, 392.
(401)

402 INDEX.
AveriU, Jeremiah, 86, 87, 98, 101, 107, 118, 121, 132, 140, 147, 171, 173, 176,
179, 180, 188, 193, 194, 199, 200, 202-205, 207, 209, 211-215, 217, 218, 220,
222-225, 228-230, 232, 234, 236, 238-245, 247, 248, 250, 252-257, 259-261,
263, 265, 267, 272-275, 277, 278, 280, 281, 284, 287, 288, 350, 352, 374, 386.
Luke, 3, 6, 9, 11, 17, 21, 24, 26, 29, 33, 35, 42, 43, 49, 56, 58, 71, 79, 80, 86, 87,
89, 94, 118, 119, 126, 149, 177, 194, 199, 209, 220, 231, 249, 256, 267, 268,
275, 276, 290, 296, 303, 343.
Luke, Lieut., 95, 98, 102, 111, 113, 114, 123, 130, 139, 147, 148, 150, 152, 157,
161, 163, 184, 188, 192, 195, 199, 236.
Nathaniel, 42, 98, 102; 113, 114, 117, 119, 126, 130, 281.
Nathaniel, jr., 1, 8, 11, 14, 16, 24, 51, 53, 55-62, 64, 67, 68, 71, 298.
Nathaniel, Capt, 145, 170, 174, 178, 187, 188, 194, 200, 209, 229, 256, 304, 376,
Paul, 227.
Thomas, 79.
Avery, John, 364.
Back, John, 185.
Bacon, Retier, 196.
Bailey, Benjamin, 217, 218, 221-224, 227, 229, 23S, 266, 277,
Sarah, 276,
Baker, John, 65,- 69, 74, 107, 194, 303.
John, jr., 173, 256, 275, 276, 285, 287, 293, 295, 296, 299, 305, 307, 308, 311,
313, 314, 316, 326, 343, 345.
John, Capt, 374, 386.
Thomas, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12-15, 17-19, 21-25, 27-32, 34, 35, 37-41, 47, 55, 57,
60-62, 64, 66, 68, 69, 70, 71, 129, 141, 143-145, 147, 148, 150, 151, 202, 203,
205, 267-270, 274.
Thomas, jr., 117, 172, 187, 194, 196.
Thomas, Capt., 77, 79, 86, 96, 98, 99, 101, 105, 117, 120, 130, 133, l39, 141,
142, 148, 178, 181, 184, l87, 188, 191, 192, 194, 196, 198-200, 202, 203, 210,
211, 223, 226, 228, 229, 236, 243, 2-14, 249, 254, 256, 257, 266, 272, 292, 295,
296, 300, 302, 304-306, 318, 358, 367, 374, 376.
Bakers' farm (Boi'ford), 69, 124, 159, 196, 226, 251, 329,
Balch, Cornelius, 19, 20, 42, 49, 52, 72, 73, 76,
David, 10, 20, 24, 30, 40, 42, 71, 73, 75, 77, 78, 83, 84, 85, 87, 89, 96, 98, 101,
118, 123, 127, 139, 141-143, 145, 147, 149-151, 155, 161, 162, 184, 214, 255,
294, 297, 321, 326, 348, 367, 379.
David, jr., 95, 98, 101, 106, 107, 111, 118, 132, 139, 140, 164-167, 169, 171,
174-176, 178, 179, 181, 182, 184, 186, 187, 191, 193-195, 198, 202, 209-212,
216, 220, 226, 228-230, 232, 234, 236, 238, 239, 241, 243, 248, 249, 254, 262,
273, 274, 352, 353, 374, 376, 377, 379-381, 383-386, 388, 389,
John, 94, 98, 101, 102, 111, 116, 121, 129, 130, 135, 139, 157, 191, 194, 199,
209, 211-213, 217, 220, 222, 224-230, 234, 255, 262, 275, 276, 294, 296, 302,
305, 308, 310, 342, 352, 386.
Joshua, 118, 194, 206, 218.
Balloting for representative, 382.
Bare Hill proprietors, 23.
Bartoos, Jane, 23.
Batchelder, Benjamin, 39.
David, 44, 66.
John, 11, 24, 28, 35, 41, 63, 79, 82, 98, 105, 109, 110, 117, 127, 161, 187, 326,
353, 386, 387.
Samuel, 66.
Bell, 265.
Berry, Bartholomew, 282.

INDEX. 403
Beveriy, 231, 324.
Bixby, Benjamin, 98, 107, 118, 138, 151, 177, 192, 194, 209, 229, 239, 240, 248,
262, 298.
Daniel, 98, 118, 120, 130, 136, 161, 162, 164-167, 169, 171, 174-176, 178, 179,
181, 184, 188, 193, 194, 196, 198, 203, 204, 206, 218, 220, 229, 232, 234, 236,
238, 239, 241-245, 247, 250, 251, 252, 254, 255, 256, 257, 261, 265, 267, 275,
276, 278, 280-284, 287-289, 291, 293, 295, 308, 314, 316, 317, 323, 326, 329,
330, 332-335, 337, 338, 340, 342, 374, 375, 376, 377, 379-381, 383, 384, 386,
388-397, 400.
Ceorge, 3. 5, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16-18, 21-25, 27, 28, 33, 37-39, 42, 43, 47, 54, 59,
68, 69, 71, 73, 75, 77, 78, 98, 137, 248.
George, Dea., 86, 89, 99, 101, 102, 103, 118, 130-132, 134, 139, 142-144, 151,
154. 156, 158, 164, 168, 170, 178, 188, 194, 202, 204, 207, 210, 213, 214, 222,
223, 228, 230, 240, 256, 302, 396,
Boardman,  , Mr., 67.
John, 95, 96, 99, 101, 106, 107, 116, 123, 125, 132, 135, 137-139, 203, 205, 207,
209, 245, 247, 250, 252, 253, 275.
John, Capt, 170, 175, 177, 188. 191, 193, 194, 199, 200, 206, 209, 235, 240,
243, 248. 250, 266, 272, 275, 276, 282, 286, 289, 292, 303, 306, 315, 318, 320,
^1, 325, 327, 346, 367, 369, 374-376, 387.
Nathaniel, 6, 14, 15, 19. 20, 30, 35, 116, 138, 139, 140, 190, 191, 199.
Boston, Committee of Convention, 273, 276.
Boston Committee of Correspondence, 317-320, 322,
Boston, Riotious disturbances in, 248, 250, 251,
Boston poor, contribution to, 344.
Bounds of the town, 1, 2, 4.
Bowditch, Ebenezer, 22.
Joseph, 131, 154, 172.
Boxford, 269, 306.
Boxford bounds, 23, 44, 69, 87, 124, 159, 196, 226, 251, 329.
Boxford families set off to Topsfield, 173.
Boxford pound, 262.
Bradish, Isaac, 388,
Bratfeij-eet, Andrew, 12, 51.
' Asa, 154, 174.
Dudley, 24,
EHjah, 117.
Henry, 218, 292, 293, 295, 298, 299, 314-316, 321, 326, 329, 339, 345, 346, 347.
John, 73, 79, 95, 98, 117, 145, 161, 164, 184, 192, 194, 209, 217, 219, 225, 236,
243, 254, 268, 275, 276, 285, 287, 295, 299, 305, 308, 315, 316, 343, 374, 376,
387,
" Joseph, Dr„ 146, 147.
Samuel, 11, 17, 18, 20, 24, 26, 27, 37, 49, 55, 58, 63, 113, 117, 138, 151, 192,
256, 257, 258, 264, 268, 297-300, 302, 304, 307-311, 313, 314, 316, 340, 359.
Samuel, jr., 117,
Simon, 24, 31, 37, 118, 293, 331, 388.
Brickyard (Danvers), 246.
Bridge,  , Mr., 195.
Bridges, By Abraham Hobbs', 249.
By Jacob Dorman's, 29, 42, 50, 218, 250.
By the Great pond, 56, 72.
By Thojnas Howletts, 3, 56.
By •Thomas Perkins', 15.
County 'bridge, -245, 246.

404 INDEX.
Bridges — contintted.
Falls bridge, 3, 63,
Fish brook bridge, rebuilt, 212, 218, 255.
Fishing brook bridge, 298, 303.
Lampson's bridge, 353.
Mile Brook bridge, 45, 56, 87, 303.
Near Thomas Perkins' house, 25.
Over Howletts' brook, 63.
Over the slough near Jacob Townes', 279.
Plank for, 26, 42, 45, 50, 77, 79, 86, 87, 126, 140, 157, 168, 207, 211, 218, 327,
375, 378, 388.
River bridge, 17, 18, 20, 29, 46, 50, 60, 72, 77, 79, 81, 83, 90, 99, 100, 136,
157, 205, 211, 212, 213, 218, 230, 231, 232, 246, 262, 302, 303, 327, 378, 388.
River bridge causeway, 211, 220, 233.
River bridge, iron for, 303.
River bridge rebuilt, 214, 215.
Robinson's, Thomas, bridge, 46, 107.
Rowley bridge, 230, 233, 234, 235, 330-331, 345.
Slabs to mend, 76.
Stones for a, 244, 264.
String piece for, 69, 75, 140, 388.
Town bridge over the river, 75, 86.
Water's river (Danvers), 245, 246, 259, 264.
Wheel Brook bridge, 26, 50.
Brown, Arthur, 98, 107, 117, 130, 161.
Elisha, 313.
Joseph, 116, 147, 171, 173, 307.
Lydia, wid., 173.
Nathaniel, 5, 231.
Nathaniel, Capt, 223.
Buildings, construction, etc.
Bam, 8, 66, 88, 115, 124, 132, 140, 153, 159, 189, 197, 221, 226, 244, 252,
282 312 390
Hous4s, li, 12,' 23, 25, 36, 69, 125, 132, 137, 140, 146, 159, 192, 230, 290, 298,
302, 306, 313.
Milt 67, 270.
Pest house, 379, 380.
Saw mm, 26, 70, 90, 159, 160, 196, 197, 226, 227, 251, 282, 312, 390.
School houses, 233.
Shop, 12, 144, 156.
Stables, 112, 113, 115, 120, 185, 268, 330.
Casement, 79.
Clapboard, 100, 168, 172, 219.
Glass, window, 6, 14, 31, 60, 72, 79, 100, 106, 175, 181, 289.
Gutters on the roof, 91.
Hip roof, 100.
Latch, 57, 59.
Lock and key, 23, 52.
Lucomb windows, 100.
Meeting house, see Meeting house.
Paint, 180, 289, 317.
Platform, in roof, 100.
Post in meeting house, 9.
Principal, in roof, 100.

INDEX. 405
Buildings — continued.
Shingles, 168, 219.
Weights to draw too the inside doors of the meeting house, 279.
Windows, 100, 137.
Buntings, William, 345.
Burch, James, 181, 200.
Burck, Rachel, wid., 206.
Burnham,  , 227, 252.
Burton, Asa, Rev., 391.
Burying place.
To fence, 6, 7, 29, 30.
Canada, 259, 260.
Cant  , Mr., 152.
Capen, Nathaniel, 3, 4, 6, 8, 18, 30, 31, 46, 52.
Priscilla, Mrs., 74.
Cart, 110, 123, 258, 286, 305, 387.
Casee, John, 39.
Cave, Thomas, 251.
Cemeteries, see Burying Place.
Charter, Royal, 33.
Choate,  , Col., 199.
Clark, Daniel, 107, 130.
£)bGT16Z6F 3
Israel, 3, 8, 13, 17, 19, 24, 28, 30-32, 34, 36-39, 41, 42, 49, 50, 56, 61-65, 67-
72, 79, 84, 95, 110, 116, 166, 281, 282.
Israel, jr., 116, 342, 346, 348-350, 352, 353, 355, 356, 358, 359, 364, 366, 367,
369, 371, 373, 374, 376, 377, 379-381, 383, 384, 386, 388, 395, 398.
John, 116.
Clarke, Dan, 1-4, 6, 9-12, 14, 17, 20-24, 26, 28-30, 34, 35, 42, 50, 51, 63, 65, 71,
72, 76, 77, 79, 84, 86, 87, 94-99, 101, 102, 104-107, 109-112, 114, 118, 120,
122, 123, 125, 127-135, 137, 138, 140, 142, 151, 161-163, 165, 167, 168, 170,
172, 175, 191, 192, 194, 200, 204, 206, 210, 211, 217, 218, 225.
Daniel, 256, 285, 287, 302, 386, 387.
Elijah, 248.
Joanna, wid., 248.
Clay pits, 8, 15, 17, 19.
Clough, Widow, 4.
John, 218, 282.
Coffin, 83, 185.
Committee of Correspondence, 317-320, 322-324, 351, 353, 368, 375-377, 387.
Common land.
Bare Hill proprietors, 23.
Common field meadows, 359.
Hassocky meadow, 287.
House to be built on, 132.
House lot for John Lefavour, 60, 61.
House lot for John Prichard, 25, 61, 302.
Land exchanged, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 230.
Land on which Samuel Phippen's house stands, 216, 219.
Liberty to build house on, 25.
Plain meadows, 23, 131.
River meadow, 287.
Saltonstall's meadow, 287.
School house on, near meeting house, 142.

40S INDEX.
Common land — continued.
Shop set up on, 156.
Sold to Jacob Kimball, 144, 145.
Sold to John Lefavour, 146.
Stickey meadow, 20, 64, 237, 244, 256, 267, 278, 316, 328, 354, 380.
Confederation, Articles of, 384,
Constable neglects to take the oath, 328, 329.
Constables, fine for not serving, 229, 256, 277, 328, 329, 386, 387, 389.
Constable's staff, 280.
Constitution for Massachusetts, 365, 366, 367, 368, 378, 39L
Contribution for South Carolina fire sufferers, 16.
Cree, Widow, 79, 81, 84, 211.
John, 118, 120, 131.
John, 229, 256, 298, 316.
Mary, 238.
Nicholas, 26, 39, 42, 48, 49.
Richard, 42, 161.
Cummings, David, 3, 19, 24, 26, 28-31, 34-36, 38, 39, 40, 41, 55, 98, 116, 119,
120, 180, 183, 185.
Elisha, 98, 107, 117, 120, 130, 131, 138-140, 154.
Joseph, 281, 320, 342, 345, 353, 370, 375, 386, 388, 391.
Joseph, jr., 166, 281, 282, 374-376, 392, 394, 395, 400.
Joseph, Capt, 166, 175, 282, 321.
Pelatiah, 171, 192, 194, 209, 229, 232, 233, 235, 248, 249, 258, 262, 275, 276,
308, 374, 388,
f Samuel, 160, 161, 183, 185, 187, 194, 197, 199, 217, 219, 220, 225-227, 229,
232, 234, 235, 236, 237, 241, 242, 254, 255, 262, 272, 275, 276, 285, 289, 331,
\ 340, 345, 348, 349.
Samuel, Lieut., 366.
i Thomas, 281, 282, 343, 352, 359, 370, 374, 375, 377, 387.
Thomas, Capt, 393.
Thomas, Lieut, 166.
Curtis, Curtice, Amos, 312.
Joanna, wid., 185, 207, 210, 215 238.
John, 14.
Noah, 67.
Samuel, 20, 55.
Curwen, George, 22.
Dale, Deal, Arch,, 159, 226, 239, 252, 283.
Dams. Andrews', 23, 69, 124, 159, 196, 226, 251, 329.
Dams on Ipswich river, 223, 239, 270, 289, 310, 327.
Mill dams, 346, 353.
Danforth, Jedediah, 12.
Danvers, 245, 246, 269,
Bounds, 124, 159, 197, 226, 251, 282, 312, 390.
Land set off to Topsfield, 242, 244.
Danyers, William, 345,
Davis, John, 10, 13, 24, €2, 71, 73, 77, 86, 87, 95, 98, 116, 216.
Debt, public, 384.
Debts, recognizance of, 357, 359, 373, 374, 387.
Deeds, Register of, 13, 38, 85, 141, 294, 296, 351, 379.
Derby, John, Capt., 382.
Richard, 364.

INDEX. 407
Dexter, Richard, Dr., 14, 23, 86, 118, 122, 187, 192, 202, 209-211, 213, 214, 223,
337, 343, 347, 348.
Dodge, George, 59.
Isaac, 124.
Jacob, 286.
Jeremiah, 153.
Jonathan, jr., 200, 210.
Nathaniel, 388.
Samuel, 223, 231.
Solomon, 151, 152, 157, 161, 163, 175, 177, 184, 194, 196, 199, 217, 219, 220,
225, 229, 231, 235, 236, 243, 262, 264, 266, 268, 282, 284, 287-289, 291, 295,
296, 302, 305, 306, 308, 310, 311, 315, 31G, 318, 320, 323, 327, 329, 332, 343-
345, 348, 352, 358, 359, 367, 371, 372, 375, 379, 382, 387.
Dorman, Abigail, wid., 116.
Amos, 10, 15.
Ephraim, 389, 391-400.
Jacob, 21, 29, 30, 34, 37, 42, 50, 63, 116, 218, 222-224, 227, 234, 250.
Jacob, jr,, 116.
Joseph, 28, 55, 70.
Joseph; Lieut., 11, 24, 30, 79, 96, 98.
I Nathaniel, 256, 276-281, 283, 284, 287, 289, 295, 296, 299, 302, 303, 306, 307,
I 310, 311, 315, 326, 344, 346, 352, 353, 368.
Ruth, wid., 117.
Thomas, 11, 13.
Dresser, Jonathan, 75.
Dwinnell, Archelaus, 117.
Bartholomew, 117, 352, 354, 356, 358, 365, 366, 370, 372, 373.
Benjaiiiini 117, 159.
Elizabeth, 126-128, 134, 135, 140, 149, 153, 154.
George, 76, 127, 320.
Jaeob, 40, 86-88, 94, 98, 102, 111, 117, 120, 124, 139, 152, 170, 174, 184, 188,
189, 193, 194, 197, 204, 207, 210, 215, 218, 266, 299, 300, 354, 355.
Jacob, jr,, 354.
James, 117, 142.
Jonathan, 297.
Joseph, 355,
Lucy, wid., 175.
Michael, 153.
Michael jr., 34-36, 41, 44, 56,' 95, 117,
Michael, Dr., 36, 117.
Thomas, 10, 15, 17, 22, 26, 40, 43, 66, 86-88, 98, 117, 120, 121, 124, 151, 152,
156, 158-160, 163, 164, 173, 176, 180, 182, 183, 185, 194, 195, 197.
Zacharieih, 56.
East India Company, 322-324.
Esty, Easty, Aaron, 3, 24, 43, 49, 67, 72, 95, 98, 102, 118, 124, 149, 151, 152,
183, 185, 194, 207, 229, 230, 236, 240, 269, 277, 278, 282, 285.
Aaron, jr., 153.
Daniel, 256, 326, 328, 329.
Isaac, 184, 194, 297.
Edwards, Widow, 118.
Joseph, 19, 28, 34, 43, 49, 55, 62, 71, 79, 86.
Thomas, 24, 30, 118.
Emerson, Mrs., 74.
Eleazer, 182.

408 INDEX.
John, Rev., 2, 3, 5-9, 11, 12, 16, 18, 19, 28-35, 38-41, 44-49, 52-56, 60-62, 64,
65, 68-71, 73, 74, 78, 82, 92, 93, 96-105, 108, 109, 115, 125, 126, 131, 133-
138, 144, 146, 155, 157, 181, 182, 183, 187, 196, 197, 201, 202, 204, 206, 215,
262, 268, 269, 290, 328, 330-332, 339, 340.
Thomas, 256, 285, 287, 295, 299, 305, 308-310, 314, 326, 339, 340, 344, 374,
375.
Endicott, Elias, 390.
England, 290, 319, 324, 357, 359.
Everdan, Walter, 296.
Fairfield, Benjamin, 189.
Matthew, 283.
William, 286.
Fariey, Michael, 227.
Famam, Widow, 226.
Fences, 26, 67.
About parsonage land, 7, 8, 9, 22.
About the burying place, 7.
Bars, 12, 19, 36.
Cart gate, 138, 139, 298, 307, 355.
Committee to divide fence, 155.
Gate, 67, 140, 142, 147, 151, 298.
Hose posts, 51.
Posts, 17, 87, 120.
Rail fence, 13, 108.
Rails, 17, 51, 63, 120.
Stone wall, 7, 8, 11, 17, 26, 50, 66, 88, 112, 113, 144, 189, 262, 298, 312, 354,
355.
Fines. For want of a school, 59, 63, 66.
For not building new highway, 148, 149, 163.
For not serving as constable, 229, 256, 277, 386, 387, 389.
Fire at Salem, 341.
Fire in South Carolina, 16.
Fish course, 28, 29, 35, 46, 50 223, 223, 224, 239, 270, 271, 289, 304, 306, 310,
327, 344, 346, 351, 353, 375, 387.
Fisk, Ebenezer, 44.
Nathaniel, 256, 272, 345, 352.
Theophilus, 66, 88, 124, 153, 159, 185, 189, 197, 222, 226, 232, 242, 244, 252,
256, 282, 283, 312, 390.
William, 244, 283.
Fitts, Isaac, 156.
French Acadians, man to care for, 149, 156, 158, 162, 173, 174, 194, 210, 259,
260.
Food and drink.
Beef, 189
Bread, 189.
Cheese, 189.
Cider, 177, 189.
Molasses, 382, 383.
Pork, 189.
Rum, 177, 189.
Spirituous liquors, 125.

INDEX. 409
Food — continued.
Sugar, 177, 189.
Tea, 288, 289, 290, 322-324.
Foster, Jonathan, 155.
Stephen, 86, 87, 95, 98, 106, 107, 116, 126, 128, 139, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150,
155, 158, 159, 161, 166, 171, 173, 184, 185, 187, 188, 194, 198, 199, 201, 204,
207, 209, 214, 216, 217, 227, 237, 245, 250, 252, 254, 266, 268, 269, 306, 312,
, 318, 323, 327, 331, 332, 343, 344, 348, 353, 365-368, 380.
Stephen, jr., 311, 315, 316, 318, 327, 343, 352, 355-358, 364-366, 368-370, 372,
374, 375, 387, 400.
Fowler, Philip, 2.
Foye, Elizabeth, 85, 87.
William, 4, 20, 27, 30, 37, 48, 54, 59, 65, 69, 70, 75, 85, 87.
Fuller, Andrew, 160.
Joseph, 122, 282.
Nathaniel, 29.
GaUop, Abigail, 179, 180, 185.
William, 119, 163, 210, 218,327.
Gardner, Henry, 338, 339.
General Court, change in representation to, 355, 356.
Excise law, 125.
Petition to, to annex land, 175.
Petitions to, 7.
George III. (King of England), 336, 359, 361.
Giddings, Daniel, 189.
Goodridge, Samuel, 153.
Gott Daniel, 124, 159, 197, 226, 252, 283, 312.
John, 4, 22, 88.
Samuel, 43, 66, 88.
Gould,  , Mr., 12, 19.
Benjamin, 393.
Daniel, 18, 21-25, 28, 33, 98.
Daniel, Dea., 79, 83, 84, 99, 112, 115, 116, 147, 193, 253, 254, 255.
Daniel, Ens., 10, 24.
Eliezer, 56, 98, 119, 121, 164.
George, 88.
John, 8, 24, 26, 34, 42, 51, 52, 55, 57, 59, 71-73, 75-78, 80-87, 91, 92, 94, 98,
107, 111, 119-121, 139, 141, 143, 144-148, 150-152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 161
164-166, 171, 173, 175, 176, 178, 179, 181, 182, 184, 186, 191, 194, 195, 198,
202, 216, 230, 236, 243, 248, 251, 253-255, 271, 318, 331.
John, jr., 256, 342, 352, 374, 376.
John, 3d., 345.
John, Dea., 266, 276, 318, 320, 321, 329, 331, 334, 336, 337, 340, 347-349, 353,
357-359, 371, 381-383, 386, 389-392, 395, 396, 397.
1 Joseph, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 116, 130, 140, 151, 171, 174, 177, 181-183, 188, 193, 194,
196, 198, 201, 207, 208, 211, 215, 223, 225, 226, 229, 236, 237, 239, 243, 244
253-256, 266, 267, 276, 278, 284, 287, 288, 291, 295, 297, 305, 308, 322, 326,
328, 330, 370, 391-397, 399.
Joseph, Capt., 1-3, 5, 9, 10, 12, 14, 20, 24-26, 28, 35, 40, 42, 46, 49, 61, 65, 69,
72-74, 79, 83, 92, 101, 103, 104, 107, 120, 316, 344, 352.
Joseph, Maj., 354, 375, 382, 386, 392, 398, 400.
Simon, 20, 24, 28, 37, 40, 42, 43, 47, 51, 62, 68, 74, 78, 80-83, 86, 87, 96, 98,
107, 116, 124, 125, 139, 158, 159, 161, 171, 177, 188, 193, 194, 196, 199, 200,
202, 203, 207, 209, 211-213, 215, 217, 226, 231, 235, 243, 251, 254, 255, 263,
266, 285, 296, 307, 239, 342, 349, 352, 353, 367, 375, 376, 387.

410 INDEX.
Gould — continued.
Solomon, 3, 8, 24-26, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 42, 45-49, 51-55, 58, 63, 72, 114,
119, 120, 152, 175, 181, 193, 194, 195, 216.
Thomas, 1, 3, 23, 37, 39, 50, 69, 82, 92.
Thomas, jr., 18, 24, 34, 41, 51, 53.
Thomas, Lieut, 98, 116, 122, 130, 133, 193.
Zaccheus, 3, 63, 71, 72, 98, 119, 130-132, 138, 147, 148, 154, 158, 172, 184,
192, 194, 196. 199, 206, 209, 214, 217-220, 222, 224-232, 234, 236, 238, 239,
241-243,245,247,250-257,259-267, 270, 272-278, 281-288, 291, 294, 295,
298-300, 303, 305, 306, 308, 314-318, 320, 322, 323, 325-327, 329, 330, 332-
340, 342, 352, 367, 370, 375-377, 379-381, 384, 386, 388-397, 400.
Zaccheus, Lieut., 10.
Grant, John, 172.
Gray, Harrison, 111, 147, 155, 164, 338, 339.
J., 129.
Hale, Joseph, jr., 87, 124, 251.
Joseph, 3d., 196.
Hancock, John, 364.
Hart, Nathaniel, 3d., 27.
Haskell, Mark, 48.
Heard, Daniel, 2, 27.
Herrick, Hannah, wid., 82, 116.
John, 231,
Joseph, 1, 3, 10-12, 29.
Nehemiah, 193, 194, 197, 200, 201, 230, 243, 244, 254, 256, 262, 266, 278, 279,
281, 285, 287, 290, 302, 307, 315-318, 322, 326, 327, 352, 375, 377, 379, 381,
383.
Nehemiah, Capt, 380, 383, 388, 393.
William, 244.
Highways. Ancient way, 230, 255, 297, 307.
Beaten path, 12.
By Capt Towne's to Middleton, 205-208, 213, 221.
Causeway at river bridge wearing away, 81, 83, 90, 91, 99, 100.
Causeway to Thomas Perkins' house, 15.
Country road, 12, 25, 144, 152.
County road, 15, 115, 135, 185, 318.
Court order set aside, 207.
Damages for laying out way, 166, 167.
Fined for not constructing, 148, 149, 208.
Freeing from labor on, 15, 25.
From David Cummings' house, 185.
From Eliezer Lake's to be discontinued, 19.
From Ipswich line to Salem, 37.
From Jacob Towne's to Jacob Redington's, 12.
From Jacob Perkins' fence to Mr. Emerson's barn, 9.
From Robinson's bridge to River bridge, 46.
From the meeting house to Capt Gould's, 10, 12, 115.
From the river bridge to Wenham line, 119, 121, 122, 128, 135, 138.
From Thomas Dwinell's to the Country road, 152, 174.
From Wenham Causeway, 4.
From Wenham Causeway to Bunker's meadow, 88.
Gravel for mending, 138, 139.

INDEX. 411
Highways — continued.
Laid out :
A town way from the northerly side of Bare hill to Boxford line near
Elias Smith's house, 306, 317, 318.
For Eliezer Lake and Lieut. Gould to go to meeting, 10, 11.
For Joseph Herrick to go to meeting, 10, 11, 12.
For Michael DwineU, 34, 35, 36.
For Nathaniel Porter to come to meeting, 10, 11, 12.
From an ancient town way by David Balch's to Fishing brook, 297.
From Elisha Commings through Nath'l Boardman's land, 139, 140.
From Fishing brook bridge to county road near John Gould's barn,
254, 255.
From John Rea's to the county road, 354.
From Mr. Balch's gate in the old road to Wenham line, 139, 141-144, 151.
From Philip Towne's land to highway near David Perkins' house, 230.
From Samuel Cummings' land to road from Fishing brook to meeting
house, 255.
From Wenham line over the river to the country road, 144-150, 152,
163, 166, 195, 196.
From wid. Abigail Porter's house to land of Enos Knight, 290, 294, 296.
Through land of Jacob and Joseph Towne, 237, 241, 255, 320.
Lay out changed, 11.
Mended by a rate, 34, 108, 109, 110, 122, 132.
Plough share broken, 378.
Private town way, 140, 142.
Private way from Joseph Towne's house, 15.
Presented at Court for not mending highway, 195, 196.
Repairing the, 91, 110, 266.
Road that leads to the meeting house, 140.
Selectmen allowed for making highway rate, 240, 262, 272, 280.
Stones to mend, 133.
Tax to cover repair work, 108, 109, 142, 146, 154, 156, 164, 174, 187, 198,
200, 201, 209, 220, 233, 238, 243, 258, 266, 286, 305, 315, 327, 344, 352,
374, 387.
Through Aaron Estey's land to the county road, 185.
Through David Balch's land to Fishing brook, 294, 297.
Timber to mend, 12, 20, 35, 42, 63.
To Bunker's meadow, 189.
Trodden way, 140, 306.
Wages on highway work, 110, 123, 221, 258, 286, 305, 387.
Way, 12.
Way for David Town and Thos. DwineU to come to meeting, 195.
Way from John Rea's, 327, 351.
Way from Nathaniel Low's, 232, 237.
Way from Philip Neland's, 216, 218.
Way to Peabody's mill, 67.
Work on highways, 198, 200, 221, 233, 238, 258, 266, 275, 286, 305, 387.
HiUs. Bare, 23, 26, 306.
Hobbs, Abraham, 154, 159-162, 177, 191, 194, 198, 204, 207, 209-212, 229, 231,
236, 237, 239, 241, 242, 249, 262, 266-268, 282, 285, 287, 292, 295-300, 303-
305, 307, 308, 309, 310, 313, 314, 318, 331, 337, 348, 353, 356, 365, 387, 398.
Abraham, jr., 342.
Isaac, 388.

412 INDEX.
Holdgate, John, 18.
Michael, 6.
HoUowell,  , Mr., 249.
Hood, Abigail, 218.
Daniel, 387.
John, 72, 79, 116, 143, 193.
Joseph, 293.
Nathan, 24, 34, 44, 46, 76, 79, 95, 98, 107, 116, 130, 131, 134-136, 143, 152,
154, 156, 161, 167, 168, 170, 178, 188, 190, 194, 211, 217, 219, 221, 227,
229, 234, 243, 252, 276, 313, 342, 374, 375.
Nathan, jr., 315.
Nathaniel, 34, 42, 50, 63, 107.
William, 116, 250, 258, 267.
Hovey,  , Mrs., 218.
Aaron, 65, 69, 73, 76, 77, 79, 98, 107, 116, 133.
Ivory, 4, 5, 9.
Ivory, Capt, 3, 8, 15, 18, 19, 20, 24, 27, 33, 67, 101, 116.
Ivory, Dea., 39, 40, 56, 69, 104, 152.
John, 10, 42.
Joseph, 42, 95, 116, 120, 126, 127, 151, 152, 163, 191, 192.
Stephen, 218.
Howlett, Davies, 208.
Samuel, 25.
Samuel, jr., 50, 57.
Thomas, 3, 17, 19, 24, 27, 31, 33, 35, 37.
Hubbard, Widow, 235.
Elnathan, 292, 293, 299.
John, 298.
Hutchinson, Thomas, Lieut-Gov., 250-251.
Indian, — Samuel Tutoo, 82.
Ipswich, 269.
Bounds, 2, 27, 48, 94, 128, 159, 227, 252, 312.
Ipswich Farms set off to Topsfield, 7, 164, 165, 166, 175, 281, 282, 320, 321.
Ireland, Benjamin, 154, 163, 175, 185, 204, 210, 239, 266, 280, 293, 307, 315.
Jacobs, John, 173.
Jones, Elias, Rev., 367, 369, 370.
Jury box, 23, 26,>97, 193, 381.
Juryman, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 21, 23, 25, 27, 30, 33, 37, 38, 40, 46, 51, 53, 58, 60, 61,
65, 68, 69, 72, 76, 79, 82, 86, 92, 95, 101, 107, 111, 121, 125, 127, 130, 133,
139, 145, 152, 157, 161, 166, 170, 180, 181, 184, 196, 201, 206, 207, 210, 215,
220, 225, 231, 234, 237, 240, 244, 248, 256, 262, 264, 272, 276, 282, 287, 293,
299, 302, 308, 311, 316, 322, 328, 334, 345, 354, 365, 367, 372, 388, 395.
Juryman at Superior Court 33, 40, 47, 77, 83, 92, 102, 112, 157, 167, 196, 216,
226, 235, 240, 249, 262, 293.
Juryman for Admiralty Court, 357, 358, 367.
Juryman, Grand, 5, 13, 21, 27, 30, 37, 40, 47, 51, 58, 61, 65, 69, 72, 77, 79, 83,
86, 92, 95, 102, 107, 112, 120, 127, 130, 133, 139, 152, 157, 161, 167, 170,
181, 184, 196, 201, 207, 210, 216, 220, 226, 230, 235, 237, 240, 244, 249, 256,
262, 264, 276, 282, 287, 293, 299, 308, 311, 316, 322, 328, 345, 354, 367, 372,
388, 395.
Jurymen, Lists of, 24, 97, 98, 194, 256, 382.

INDEX. 413
Kenney, David, 160.
Isaac, 90.
Killam, Ebenezer, 226.
Kimball, Benjamin, 124, 303, 326.
Caleb, 311.
Edmond, 153.
Jacob, 144, 145, 146, 192, 236, 238, 243, 255, 256, 266, 287, 295, 299, 305, 308,
314-317, 320-329, 332, 339, 343, 348, 349, 352, 365, 367, 375, 376, 386, 387,
395.
James, 311.
John, 48.
Nathaniel, jr., 244.
Samuel, 5.
Kinney, Archelaus, 200, 210.
Kittery, Sarah, 190.
Kneeland, Philip, 266, 272.
Kneeland, see also Neland.
Knight, Benjamin, 26, 70, 303, 327.
Enos, 226, 227, 230, 243, 249, 256, 263, 266, 276, 285, 290, 295, 299-301, 311-
313, 317, 318, 329-334, 336-345, 352, 372.
Jonathan, 90.
Joseph, 43.
Philip, 251.
Ladder, 20.
Lake, Mr., 11, 12.
Daniel, 118, 120, 152, 177, 184, 193, 194, 196, 200, 210, 234, 254, 255, 257,
259-261, 263, 265, 266, 280, 292, 296, 302.
David, 243.
Eliezer, 4, 9, 10, 13, 18, 19, 79, 118, 184, 194, 218, 219, 224, 255, 298, 315, 316,
327, 330, 344, 371, 386, 387, 399, 400.
Eliezer, jr., 118, 120, 157, 161, 209, 215, 217, 222, 227, 230, 236-239, 240, 244,
275, 276, 295, 299.
Lamson, John, 281, 282, 386, 387.
John, jr., 281, 282.
John, 3d., 166.
John, Lieut., 166.
William, 56.
Land joined to Topsfield, 7, 52, 164-166, 173, 175, 242.
Land Manufactory biUs, 13, 16.
Lessler, Laseley, Joseph, 204, 234.
Law suit respecting John Lefavour, 308.
Lefavour, John, 37, 53, 60, 61, 119, 145, 146, 173, 200, 261, 262, 268, 292, 293,
308, 314.
Lindell, Timothy, 226, 252, 283, 312, 390.
Loan money interest, 2, 4, 82, 83.
Localities and place names.
Bare Hill, 23, 26, 306.
Bare Hill plain, 115.
Bird swamp, 67.
Bunker's meadow, 4, 15, 23, 44, 66, 88, 124, 153, 189, 221, 244, 283.
Conant's meadow, 128, 159, 227, 252, 312.
Gott's orchard, 22, 43, 66, 88, 124, 159, 197, 226, 252, 282, 312.
Mr. Capen's causeway, 12.
Neland's meadow, 128, 159, 227, 252, 312.

414 INDEX.
Localities and place names — continued.
North side of the river, 233.
Plains meadow, 23, 131.
Pigden's meadow, 5, 44, 66, 88, 124, 153, 189, 221, 244, 283.
Robinson's island, 189, 221, 244, 283, 286, 311.
South side of the river, 19, 22, 233.
Spring, Great 159, 227, 252.
Stickey meadow 20, 64.
Wenham Causeway, 4, 22, 43, 44, 66, 88, 124, 159, 197, 226, 244, 251, 282,
283, 285, 311, 312, 390.
Wenham island, 286, 311.
Wenham meadows, 15.
Lord, Samuel, jr., 227, 252, 313.
Low, David, 159.
Nathaniel, 116, 190, 191, 193, 216, 218, 232, 235, 237, 285, 287, 305, 308, 326,
352, 374, 376.
Nathaniel, jr., 296.
Lummus, Daniel, 252.
McKittery, William, 56.
Malcom, James, 174.
Manufactures. Boards, 107, 172.
Barrens, 177.
Clapboards, 100, 168, 172.
Nails, 168.
Plank, 3, 26, 42, 45, 50, 102, 106, 110, 158, 231.
Shingles, 168.
Slabs, 76.
Timber, 157.
Rope, 206.
Mansfield,  , Rev., 339.
Marble, Daniel, 22.
Marblehead, proposal from, 333.
Martet, John, Rev., 335, 336, 337.
Marshall, Richard, 111, 116.
Marsters, Masties, Samuel, 18, 26, 37, 42, 48, 49, 86, 119, 121.
May, John, 296, 297, 327.
Meeting house.
Bell for the, 265.
Bequest of Nathaniel Boardman towards cost of new meeting house, 191.
Board of committee at Clarke's tavern, 204.
Boards (pine) to mend the, 107.
Build new, 153, 165, 168, 170, 171, 180.
Care of the, 20.
Casements for, 79.
Clapboard the sides of, 100.
Committee for the raising, 177.
Committee to build new meeting house, 168-170, 172, 180, 186, 187, 202,
203, 222, 223, 231, 303.
Committee to finish inside of new meeting house, 178.
Committee to mark out new pews, 178.
Committee to repair, 97, 99, 101, 154, 156.
Committee to seat the people, 9, 84, 109, 191, 192, 197, 199-202, 205, 206,
213, 214, 294, 296, 300, 315, 320, 325.

INDEX. 415
Meeting house — continued.
Committee to sell pews, 181, 188, 191, 192.
Committee to seU rope, etc., 206, 207, 213, 214.
Committee to take down old meeting house, 175, 186, 187, 195, 203, 204.
Common seats in, 202, 321.
Cost of new meeting house, 201, 204.
Dinner for 100 men, 177.
Door, front 89, 91, 122, 202, 204.
Door, mending, 57.
Door, west, 59.
Door latch, 57, 59.
Doors, inside, weights to draw too the, 279, 280.
Enlarge the, 8.
Food and drink for the raising, 177, 189.
Gallery, east end, set off for women, 191.
Gallery in the, 9, 14, 15, 288, 294, 300, 304.
Gallery, parting in front 288.
Glass for new meeting house, 181.
Glass in old meeting house, 175.
Glass mended in, 6, 14, 31, 60, 72, 79, 100, 106.
Gutters of the, repaired, 91.
Ladder brought to the, 20.
Leaks in the roof, 100, 143, 157.
New cover the roof of, 90, 100, 131.
New meeting house located at a distance from certain families, 178.
New meeting hovise to stand on site of old one, 170.
Not worth repairing, 156.
Old meeting house taken down, 175.
Painting the outside, 180, 317.
Parsonage wall near the, 268.
Petition in front gallery, 14.
Pew for Dr. Dexter, 122.
Pew for Edmond Putnam, 126.
Pew for minister's family, 74, 182, 183, 187.
Pew, give up right to, 74.
Pew owners, list of, 192.
Pew, room for, 14, 55, 57, 58, 59.
Pew sold to Nathaniel Low, 191.
Pews in new meeting house, 178, 180, 182, 183.
Pews in the gallerys, 191, 203, 205, 206, 210, 213-215, 218.
Pews may be redeemed by the town, 188.
Pews raised from the floor, 182, 183.
Pews, size of, 58.
Pews sold, 89, 90, 91, 97, 99, 100.
Pews to be numbered, 188.
Pews to be sold to highest bidder, 181-183, 187, 188, 204, 205, 206.
Porch at easterly end of new meeting house, 178, 179.
Raising the new meeting house, 177.
Repaired, 15, 31, 35, 63, 82, 83, 86, 89, 91, 93, 97, 99, 100, 101, 131, 137, 143,
154, 156.
Road to, 256.
Roof, change shape, 100, 131.
Seating in, 8, 9, 84, 90.
Seats in, 8, 9.

416

INDEX.

Meeting house — continued.
Singers, seats in the gallery reserved for, 294, 300, 304.
Size of new meeting house, 168, 170.
Stables near the, 112, 113, 115, 120, 185, 268, 317, 318, 330, 331.
Steeple deck covered with lead, 190, 191.
Steeple for new meeting house, 170.
Stocks brought to the, 154.
Stone steps to be provided, 202.
Stones and gravel about the porch, 190, 204.
Sweeping the, 6, 12, 30, 35, 42, 50, 57, 63, 72, 80, 87, 95, 107, 122, 130, 142,
152, 176, 210.
Tax to build new meeting house in 1759, 170.
Timber for new meeting house, 168-170, 172.
Town meeting held in, 1 (etseg.)
Windows repaired, 137.
Womens gallery stairs, 14.
Middleton, 259, 260, 269.
Bounds, 23, 26, 43, 70, 90, 122, 160, 196, 227, 251, 282, 312, 313.
Land not set off to, 52.
Military affairs.
Allowance for guarding the harbor of Gloucester, 366.
Arms and stores sold, 382, 383.
Bounty paid, 371, 372, 376, 394, 395.
Bullets, 47, 50.
Casks to hold bullets, 50.
Clothing for Continental soldiers, 392.
Committee to obtain soldiers, 393.
Flints, 47, 384.
Guns and gun locks, 383.
Lead, 383.
Minutemen, enlistment of, 339-341, 343, 345.
Powder, 47, 201.
Powder room, 52.
Service of each person in the Revolutionary war, 370.
Soldier died at Cape Breton, 50.
Town stock, 162, 201, 202, 383, 384.
Town stock kept in the meeting house, 201.
Training band, 343.
Training field, school house near, 142.
Training field, sheep in, 41.
Troops quartered in Boston, 290.
Mills, 67.
Grist mills, 246.
Low mills, 159.
On Ipswich river, 223, 239, 270, 271, 289.
Peabody's mill, 67.
Porter's saw mill, 159, 197, 226, 227, 251, 252, 282, 283, 312, 390.
Saw mill, 26, 70, 90, 159, 246.
Wheat mill, 246.
Money and barter.
Bills of neighboring governments, 256, 258, 267, 276.
Bills of publick credit, 92, 258.
Dollars, 188.
Land manufactory bills, 13, 16.

INDEX. 417
Money and harter— continued.
Lawful money, 136.
New tenor, 27.
Old paper currency, 32.
Old tenor bills, 19, 22, 25, 29.
Price act 377, 378.
Prices, rise in, 65.
Province bills, 85, 86.
Monie, William, 303.
Moulton, John, 5.
John, jr., 44.
Mower, Thomas, 117, 184, 185, 193, 194, 211, 215, 241, 254, 255, 285, 287, 291,
292, 295-301, 304, 305, 307-310, 312-317, 320, 321, 323, 325-330, 333-336,
340, 342, 346, 348, 349, 350, 352, 355, 358, 364, 366, 368-371, 373-375, 387.
Mugs, 189.
MuUatoe, 271.
Music, singers' seats in the meeting house, 294, 300, 304.
Negroes, 271.
Neland, PhiUp, 117, 139, 163, 164, 216.
Philip, jr., 117.
Nichols, Widow, 296.
James, 127, 154, 210, 223.
John, 127, 197, 252.
Non-importation agreement 288, 289, 322-324.
Non-resident population in 1776, 271.
Nutting, David, 315.
Oath as to biUs of neighboring govemments, 256, 258, 267, 276, 287.
Ober, Josiah, 153, 244.
Oliver,  , Secretary, 249.
Oyster, Widow, 176.
Pack, John. 226.
Paper, writing, 275, 287, 296, 307, 327, 344, 353, 388.
Parsonage, labor about 79, 87.
Parsonage land, 6, 7, 8.
Committee in charge of fence, 65, 108, 109, 111-114, 126.
Committee to notify Mr. Emerson, 134, 135.
Fence about 7, 13, 17, 22, 31, 33, 37, 42, 45, 51, 52, 58, 63, 69, 73, 79, 80, 84,
92, 96, 107, 115, 121, 125, 130, 132.
Gate made, 147.
Given to Mr. Emerson, 12.
Gravel pit in, 139.
Liberty to dig rocks for wall, 114.
Rented, 344, 351, 353, 375, 387.
Wall about 7, 8, 9, 17, 26, 45, 50, 108, 109, 111, 113, 120, 138.
Peabody, Francis, 26.
Francis, jr., 43.
Isaac, 248.
Jacob 1-7, 9-11, 13-18, 20-28, 30, 31, 34-41, 43-55, 57, 59-62, 64-67, 69-71, 73,
74, 75, 256, 262, 285, 293, 326, 374, 375, 387.
Jacob, jr., 40, 43.
John 118, 171, 173, 194, 210, 266, 270, 271, 272, 273, 285, 287, 292, 293, 295,
297 299 302, 303, 305, 308, 326, 328, 342, 348-350, 352, 355, 356, 358, 364,
366, 368, 369, 371, 373, 374, 376, 377, 379-381, 384, 386, 387, 388, 395.

418 INDEX.
Pq Q\i 0 d V — co}t tifi tisd.
Joseph, 24, 28, 30, 32, 36, 37, 40, 42, 53, 54, 56, 63, 67, 76, 98, 107, 117.
Matthew, 3, 11, 19, 21, 22, 24, 25, 28, 30-32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 41, 43, 49, 55, 60,
63, 65, 67, 71, 73-86, 88, 89, 91, 93, 94, 98, 114, 118, 137, 139-145, 147, 148,
150-160, 167, 172, 194, 196, 222, 229, 254, 268.
Nathaniel, 43.
Richard, 330.
Zerobabel, 90, 160.
Perambulation of town bounds, 2, 4, 22, 23, 26, 27, 43, 48, 66, 69, 70, 87,
88, 90, 94, 122, 124, 128, 152, 159, 160, 189, 196, 197, 221, 226, 227, 244,
251 282 311-313 329 390
Perkins! Am'os, 117, 184, 194, 200, 217, 219, 237, 243, 254, 266, 275, 276, 287,
295, 305, 308, 315, 343, 344, 352, 367, 382, 386.
David, 98, 118, 120, 125, 130, 132, 140, 161, 162, 164, 165, 167, 169, 171, 172,
174, 176, 177, 179, 182, 184-186, 188, 193-195, 199, 201, 207, 209, 210, 214,
217-219, 223, 228-231, 234, 236-238, 240, 243, 254, 266, 267, 271, 275, 276,
285, 287, 293, 295, 299, 305, 308, 315, 316, 318, 327, 343, 352, 354, 358, 367,
370, 374-376, 387.
Enoch, 119, 142, 207, 231, 327, 365.
Isaac 237.
Jacob, 9, 25, 41, 56, 59, 68, 75, 79, 101, 117, 164, 218.
Jacob, jr., 24, 28, 51, 98, 115, 116.
Jeremiah, 159.
John, 6, 9, 12, 20, 28, 94, 98, 116, 118, 149, 171, 214, 231, 235, 256.
John, jr., 51, 53, 56, 58, 79, 120, 139, 154, 177, 193, 194, 209, 216, 236, 238,
239, 242, 243, 245, 250, 253, 254, 259-263, 265, 285, 287, 315, 316, 327, 330,
331, 365, 375.
Jonathan, 40, 49,
Joseph, 24, 71, 79, 116, 193, 256, 287, 326, 334, 342, 345.
Kesiah, 320.
Martha, 315.
Moses, 101, 256, 308, 314, 316, 326, 342, 343, 367, 398.
Nathan, 176.
Nathaniel, 44.
Oliver, 387, 389.
Robert 20, 34, 36, 37, 41, 98, 117, 120, 151, 155, 161, 168, 192, 194,209, 217,
219, 231, 236, 243, 254, 266, 268, 285, 287-289, 293, 295, 305, 308, 315, 327,
328, 331, 343, 345, 387.
Samuel, 19, 62, 63, 118, 254, 256, 315, 316, 386, 388.
Stephen, 94, 96-98, 100, 104, 106, 118, 127, 129, 133, 134, 136, 137, 139, 144,
152, 161, 168, 171, 175-179, 181, 182, 184, 193, 194, 199, 202, 203, 205, 206,
208, 209, 211-213, 217, 220-222, 224, 225, 227-230, 236, 238, 239, 242-245,
247-254, 256-260, 262-265, 267, 270-272, 274, 275, 277, 278, 280-284, 286,
287, 288, 289, 291, 292, 295, 296, 302, 304, 308-311, 313, 314, 316, 317, 321,
323, 325-327, 329-331, 333, 334, 336, 338, 340, 342, 348-350, 352, 355, 358,
371, 373, 386.
Stephen, jr., 378.
Stephen, Capt., 338-342, 344, 347, 349, 352-354, 357-359, 370-372, 375, 377,
378, 380, 384.
Thomas, 3, 4, 12, 15, 17, 25, 28, 46, 57, 62, 65, 69, 72, 92, 95, 98, 107, 119, 130,
131, 133, 151, 180, 184, 193, 194, 199, 201, 240, 275, 307.
Thomas, jr., 98, 117, 122, 130, 139, 171, 173, 194, 237, 243, 254, 256, 257, 275,
287, 295, 299, 315, 316, 342, 352, 379.
Timothy, 306.
Tobijah, 1, 2, 30-32, 34, 36, 43, 45-48, 51, 52, 55.

INDEX. 419
p6rkins — cotitiyiucd.
Tobijah, Capt., 24, 28, 30, 41, 49, 51, 56, 57, 92, 98, 99, 105, 112, 116, 142,
147, 154, 156, 175, 177.
Tobijah, Lieut., 3-5, 16.
WiUiam, 12, 19, 20, 24, 25, 30, 34, 45, 58, 86, 87, 116, 130, 131.
Zacheus, 6, 7, 10, 11, 15-17, 19.
Zebulon, 256, 315, 316, 326.
Perley,  , Capt., 23.
Asa, Capt, 69, 124, 159, 160, 196, 226, 251, 293, 329.
Jonathan, 111.
Nathaniel, 251,
Thomas, 124, 196, 330.
Pest house erected 379 380.
Phippen, Samuel, 79, 87, 117, 127, 131, 132, 161, 176, 204, 210, 212, 216, 219.
Samuel, jr., 214.
Pierpont Joseph, 246.
Plough share broken, 378.
Ponds, rivers, brooks.
Brook from the river to Prichard's pond, 344.
Brook near Stephen Foster's house, 128, 159, 227, 252, 312.
Fishing brook, 23, 70, 124, 159, 196, 226, 251, 256, 329.
From Capt John Boardman's to the river, 327.
Great pond, 56, 72, 128, 159, 227, 252, 313.
Howlett's brook, 63, 128, 159, 227, 252, 312.
Ipswich river, 23, 26, 43, 70, 124, 159, 196, 223, 226, 251, 270, 271, 310, 330.
Mile brook, 45, 56, 87.
Natural ponds, 224.
Nichols' brook, 22, 26, 43, 66, 88, 124, 159, 160, 196, 197, 226, 251, 252, 282,
283, 312, 390.
Pond, the, stocked with alewives, 303.
Prichard's pond, 294, 296, 304, 306, 311, 313, 315.
The river, 4, 15, 44, 70, 90, 128, 135, 137, 144, 149, 155, 160, 227, 234, 251,
282, 286.
Wheel brook, 26, 50, 137.
Pool, Browne, 231.
Poor. Almshouse, 25.
Bayley, Benj., family of, 217, 218, 222, 229.
Burck, Rachel, child of, 206.
Contribution for the poor of Boston, 344.
Cree, widow, boarding, 79, 81, 84, 238.
Dorman, Jacob, sued for bringing Benj. Bayley into town, 218, 221-224,
229 234.
DwineU, Elizabeth, boarding, 127, 128, 134, 135, 140, 149, 153, 154.
DwineU, Lucy, wid, child of, 175.
French Acadians, care of, 149, 156, 158, 162, 173, 174, 194, 210, 259, 260.
Gallop, Abigail, relief to, 180, 185.
Hood, Abigail, wid., 218.
Hovey, Mrs., board of, 218.
Kittery, Sarah, care of, 190.
Molasses for the poor distributed, 382, 383.
Russel, Mr., boarding, 200.
Town, Sarjih, care of, 190.
Travelling woman entertained, 225.

420 INDEX.
Poor — continued.
Tutoos, Samuel, care of, 82, 86.
Grave and coffin for, 83.
Wallis, Anne, 203, 212.
Population of Topsfield in 1776, 271.
Porter, Abigail, wid., 290, 291, 294, 296.
Eleazer, 43, 88, 124.
Elijah, 42, 51, 52, 53, 56, 71, 78, 80-86, 88-99, 101, 102, 104-106, 109-111, 120,
122, 123, 125, 127, 130, 132-135, 137-140, 142-145, 147, 151, 153, 156-163,
172, 174, 180, 181, 184, 186, 187, 189, 191, 192, 194-198, 200-202, 205, 207-
212, 214, 217-220, 223-226, 229, 231, 234, 236, 238, 239, 242-245, 248, 249,
251, 253, 254, 256, 257, 259, 260, 262, 263, 265-268, 270, 272-275, 277-281,
284-289, 292, 295, 297-302, 304, 305, 307-310, 314, 316, 318, 321, 323, 326,
328, 329, 331-335, 337, 338, 340, 342, 343, 349, 350.
Daniel, 240.
Jerusha, 276.
Jonathan, 128.
Joseph, 252.
Nathaniel, 10, 11, 48, 49, 79, 84, 96, 99, 107, 116, 141, 162, 164.
Nathaniel, jr., 3, 10-12, 20, 24, 28, 34, 38, 40, 98, 120, 122, 143-145, 147, 148,
150, 151.
Nathaniel, Lieut, 139, 146-148, 150, 152, 161, 290, 291.
Samuel, 95, 210.
Samuel, jr., 44, 86.
Thomas, 116, 124, 352, 365, 370, 382, 386, 387, 395.
Tyler, 222.
Potter, Aaron, 2, 48, 94, 128.
Samuel, 117, 133, 159.
Pound, 71.
Lock for, 52.
New one built, 81, 82, 86, 261, 262, 263, 266, 276.
Repaired, 50, 74,145, 146.
Sale of old timber from the, 76.
Preston, John, 159.
Price act 377, 378.
Prices, risen in, 65.
Prichard,  , 115.
David, 86, 107, 117.
John, 25, 26, 31, 56, 61, 63, 68, 72, 132, 301, 302.
Paul, 124, 160.
Prince, James, 124.
Proctor, Benjamin, 312.
John, 246.
Provincial Congress, 335, 339, 340, 341, 343, 347.
Proxies, ;. e., votes, 13.
Putnam, Amos, Dr., 238.
Caleb, 43.
David, 67, 88.
Edmond, 126.
Edward, 26, 117.
Gideon, 312.
Henry, 88.
James, 67.
Jethro, 43.
John, 390.
Jonathan, 43.

INDEX. 421
Putnam — continued.
Joseph, jr., 226.
Oliver, 226.
Phinehas, 290, 390.
Samuel, 124.
Stephen, 67, 88,290.
Tarrant 283, 390.
Raymond, Nathaniel, 317.
Rea, Archaleus, 152, 161, 193, 194, 208, 226, 231, 252, 276, 277, 283, 285, 354.
John, 312, 327, 351, 354, 386, 388, 390.
John, jr., 354.
Uriel, 117.
Uzziel, 79.
Reading, 269.
Record book purchased, 30, 35.
Redington, Daniel, 2, 3, 6-10, 12, 13, 15. 17, 18, 24, 27, 40-43, 45-53, 69, 72, 77,
256, 266.
Jacob, 11, 12.
John, 56, 95.
Jonathan, 152.
Phineas, 3, 5, 6, 12.
William, 24, 30, 44.
Redington's land, 11.
Religious affairs.
Emerson, John, Rev., salary, 2, 3, 5, 11, 19, 29, 32, 33, 35, 39, 40, 41, 44-46,
48, 49, 56, 65, 69, 92, 93, 96, 98-105, 108, 109, 133, 134, 136, 197, 202, 268,
269, 339, 340.
Land given to, 12.
Committee to discuss salary with, 101-103.
Indisposition of, 328, 330, 331, 332.
Some suitable person hired to preach, 329-333, 335.
Funeral of, 332.
Marret John, Rev., to supply the pulpit, 335.
CaUed to settle, 337.
Mansfield,  , Rev., supplied the pulpit, 339.
Smith, Manasseh, Rev., supplied the pulpit, 343, 344, 346, 347, 348, 349.
Board of those who supplied the pulpit, 349, 365, 382.
Shaw, John, Rev., to supply the pulpit 354.
Jones, Elias, Rev., to supply the pulpit 367, 369.
Called to settle, 370.
Whitman, Samuel, Rev., not called to settle, 380, 381.
Burton, Asa, Rev., to supply the pulpit, 391.
Scribner, Matthew, Rev., called to settle, 397-400.
Reconsideration of the vote, 400.
Representatives to General Court, 38, 76, 131, 175, 382.
Boardman, Nathaniel, 6, 14, 15.
Peabody, Jacob, 22, 31, 45, 52, 59, 67, 75.
Balch, David, 89.
Porter, Elijah, 110, 123, 143, 212.
Gould, John, 154, 164, 191, 202, 318, 331,^47, 348, 357, 396, 397.
Smith, Samuel, 233, 238, 245, 260, 268, 279, 289, 300, 309, 335, 377.
Representative to General Court, Instructions to, 247, 248.
Representatives to General Court to be paid from town treasury, 14.

422 INDEX.
Revolutionary War.
Non-importation agreement, 288-290, 322, 324.
Committee of Correspondence, 317-320, 322-324, 351, 353, 368, 375-377, 387.
Declaration of Rights, 319.
Agreement not to purchase or use tea, 324.
Proposals from Marblehead, 333, 334, 336.
Delegate to Provincial Congress, 335, 339, 340, 347, 348, 353.
Instructions to Delegate, 336.
Refusal to pay tax to Provincial Treasurer, 338, 339.
Minute men, enlistment of, 339-344, 343, 345.
Committee of safety, 348, 351.
Debts, recognizance of, 357, 359, 373, 374, 387.
Independence of the Colony, 357, 358.
Committee to prepare instructions to representative, 358.
Instructions to representative, 359.
Declaration of Independence, 361.
Constitution for Massachusetts, 365, 356, 367, 368, 378, 391.
Tax for cost of war, 369, 370.
Service of each person in the, 370, 371.
Encouragement to enlist 370, 371.
Bounty paid, 371, 372, 376, 394, 395.
Act to prevent monopoly, 377, 378,
Arms and stores sold, 382, 383.
Molasses for the poor distributed, 382.
Articles of Confederation, 384.
Public debts, 384.
Clothing for Continental soldiers, 392.
Committee to obtain soldiers, 393.
Riggs, Dorothy, wid., 118.
Robinson, Jacob, 3, 4, 19, 21, 24, 25, 30, 33, 34, 49, 55, 63, 79, 84, 86, 88, 90,
91, 98, 118, 122, 149, 151, 184, 188, 194.
Daniel, 70, 86, 197, 227.
Thomas, 46.
Rogers, Benjamin, 59, 79.
Nathaniel, 22, 37, 59, 64, 68.
Samuel, 94, 128.
WiUiam, 49, 63-65, 86, 93, 98, 107, 117, 176.
Ross, Jabez, 166.
RusseU,  , Mr., 200.
Salem bounds, 22, 43, 66, 88.
Fire at, 341.
Schools, Boarding the school master, 95, 107, 123, 125, 137, 158, 195, 196, 215, 221,
237, 240, 266, 272, 287, 296, 327, 337, 344, 348, 388.
Cost of, 2, 3, 9, 13, 17, 22, 25, 30, 33, 35, 37, 39, 40, 42, 43, 51, 53, 56, 58, 64,
69, 72, 75, 76, 77, 79, 84, 94, 95, 101, 123, 135, 137, 140, 147, 154, 158, 163,
167, 172, 180, 183, 185, 194, 200, 210, 215, 221, 225, 231, 237, 240, 244, 249,
256, 264, 266, 272, 275, 280, 286, 293, 296, 303, 307, 315, 327, 337, 388.
Grammar school master, 143, 187, 198, 200, 211, 220, 243, 254, 266, 275, 285,
295, 315, 326, 343, 352.
Grammar school master dismissed (1775), 346, 348.
House rent 29, 35, 52, 79, 143.
In Benj. Rogers' house, 79.
In Cornelius Balch's house, 52.

INDEX. 423
Schools — continued.
In Mr. Capen's house, 52.
School committee, see Town Officers.
Middleton, forgave fine for lack of school, 63.
School house, 6, 21, 22, 28, 62, 104, 108, 141, 142, 216, 224, 227-230, 232,
233.
School master, 1, 3, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 30, 31, 33, 35, 37, 40, 42, 51, 53, 58, 65,
72, 73, 75, 77, 79, 80, 84, 94, 95, 101, 107, 108 ,122 ,123, 125, 132, 135, 137,
147, 154, 162, 172, 180, 185, 210, 230, 237, 327, 344, 348, 351.
Rogers, Nathaniel, 22, 37, 59, 64, 68.
Peabody, Jacob, jr., 40, 43.
Averill, Nathaniel, jr., 53.
Rogers, Benjamin, 59.
Bradstreet, Joseph, Dr., 146, 154.
Bradstreet, Asa, 154.
TreadweU, Mr., 194, 200.
Bridge, Mr., 195.
Wood, Samuel, 215.
Adams, Mr., 221, 225.
Angier, Mr., 231.
Bradish, Isaac, 388.
Dodge, Nathaniel, 338.
Presented at court for lack of, 54, 58-62, 66, 158, 163, 176, 177, 179, 180,
183.
Selectmen to provide a school master, 80, 162.
Wood for the, 291, 292, 296, 307, 315, 327, 337, 344, 388.
Scribner, Matthew, Rev., 397-400.
Selectmen, allowance for making the highway rate, 240, 262, 272, 280, 286,
293, 302, 321, 365.
Selectmen, see Town Officers.
Shaw, John, Rev., 354.
Ship yard, 246.
Small pox, 218, 379, 380.
Smith, Charles, 304.
EUas, 306, 307, 317, 318.
Isaac, 189.
Jacob, 23, 70.
John, 94, 128.
Manasseh, Rev., 343, 344, 346, 347, 348, 349.
Robert 91.
Samuel, 39, 65, 68, 69, 71, 73, 75-78, 84-86, 89, 91, 93, 94, 96-99, 101-106,
110-112, 114-116, 120, 122-124, 127-130, 132-135, 137, 138, 140, 150, 151,
154, 156-158, 160, 182, 183, 193, 231, 268, 298, 300, 301, 307, 309, 310, 313,
317, 321, 323, 325, 329, 330, 333-336, 338, 340, 342, 346, 348-350, 352, 355-
358, 364, 366-371, 373-377, 379-384, 387, 393, 394, 398, 400.
Samuel, jr., 37, 40, 42, 43, 55.
Samuel, Capt., 245-248, 251, 259, 260, 263, 268, 271, 273, 275-277, 279-281,
284, 285, 287, 289, 295-297, 299, 300, 302-304, 308-310, 314, 316, 318, 320,
323, 326, 329, 331-337, 340, 342, 344, 346, 348, 352, 354, 359, 377.
Samuel, Lieut, 161, 162, 166, 169, 170, 171, 175, 177, 178, 181, 184, 187, 188,
191, 194, 196, 207-211, 213, 214, 217, 220, 222, 223, 226, 229, 230, 233, 234.
238.
South Carolina, fire sufferers, 16.
Spaulding, John, 26, 27, 42.

424 INDEX,
Standly, Jonathan, 50, 52.
Stearns, John, 280, 293.
Stocks, built, 7, 153, 154.
Story,  , Mr,, 249.
Suit at law, 17, 19.
Surveyor of highways, duties of, 258, 286, 305, 310.
Swain, Thomas, Dr., 345.
Swan, Ebenezer, 4, 20, 33, 54.
Swine, yoaked and ringed, 97.
Symonds, Joseph, 197, 227, 312.
Samuel, 282.
Samuel, jr., 70.
Thomas, 55, 60, 63, 79, 86, 95, 98, 101, 107, 117, 123, 125, 135, 137, 151, 153,
155, 161, 168, 171, 174, 176, 181, 185, 194, 198, 199, 209, 214, 217-219, 229,
231, 236, 240, 256, 275, 276, 282, 289, 296, 300, 302, 318, 326, 327, 328.
Tapley, Abial, wid., 149, 153, 154, 218, 231, 238, 258.
Samuel, 84, 128, 133-135, 139, 238.
Tarbox, Samuel, 124, 222, 286, 311.
Samuel, jr., 66.
Thomas, 5, 36, 88, 124, 153, 189.
Taxation, Abatement of rates, 3, 7, 12-14, 18, 20, 26, 28, 29, 31, 35, 37, 39, 40, 42, 46,
49-51, 53, 56, 58, 59, 63, 67, 68, 72, 75, 76, 79, 84, 86, 87, 95, 101, 107, 111,
121, 127, 133, 139, 142, 146, 152, 154, 161, 163, 164, 173, 174, 176, 181, 183,
185, 200, 203, 204, 207, 210, 214, 218, 223, 225, 231, 234, 238, 240, 262, 266,
272, 276, 282, 292, 293, 296, 297, 299, 303, 315, 320, 327, 331, 345, 365.
Assessors to take a valuation, 384, 388.
Balch, John, claimed to be over rated, 294, 310. '
Bills of rateable estates, 382,
County rate, 7, 8, 19, 29, 54, 66, 74, 84, 87, 97, 98, 148, 155, 179, 180, 240,
262, 272, 292, 302, 311, 322, 344,
Duty on tea, 288-290, 322, 324.
Excise on liquors, 125.
Head tax, 12, 14, 18, 79, 101, 152, 238.
Land Bank bills receivable, 13.
Pole tax, 163, 164.
Province money in the treasurer's hands, 82, 83.
Provincial rates, 20, 27, 30, 33, 37, 39, 48, 54, 59, 65, 69, 70, 75, 85, 87, 111,
129, 147, 155, 164, 338.
Rate to mend highways, 110, 132, 164, 174, 187, 201, 209, 233, 238, 243, 258,
266, 275, 286, 297, 305, 315, 327, 344, 353, 374, 387.
Refusal to pay tax to Provincial Treasurer, 338, 339.
Tax for cost of war, 369, 370.
Tax to build a pound, 263.
Tax to build new meeting house, 170.
Tax to build the parsonage wall, 113.
Town charges, 7, 8, 9, 17, 25, 33, 38, 46, 53, 60, 69, 76, 82, 92, 101, 111, 125,
133, 146, 149, 157, 166, 180, 196, 205, 215, 220, 225, 233, 234,238, 240, 243,
248, 257, 262, 266, 272, 275, 280, 286, 292, 296, 302, 305, 310, 315, 321, 327,
335, 344, 352, 365, 374, 382, 387, 394.
Valuation to town's estate, 20.
Team hire, 87.
Thomas, Widow, 226.
Othniel, 256,

INDEX. 425
Thompson, Charles, 364.
Town meeting adjourned on account of weather, 209.
Town meeting held at Dan Clarke's inn, 176.
Town meeting held in meeting house, 1 (et seq.)
Town meetings, manner of warning, 62, 63.
Town meetings, warning 72, 345.
Town officers, elected.
Assessors, 20, 71, 219, 231, 243, 254, 265, 275, 285, 297, 305, 314, 326, 344,
354, 375, 387.
Clerk, 3, 10, 18, 28, 30, 34, 37, 41, 49, 51, 54, 55, 62, 68, 71, 76, 78, 86, 91, 94,
98, 106, 114, 120, 130, 139, 150, 151, 161, 171, 182, 184, 198, 209, 211, 212,
217, 220, 229, 236, 243, 248, 254, 257, 265, 270, 273, 275, 284, 295, 302, 303,
305, 314, 326, 331, 342, 350, 352, 374, 381, 383, 386.
Clerk of the market 343, 352, 374.
Collector of taxes, 330.
Constable Aaron Estey judged incapable, 278, 282.
Constables, 3, 10, 11, 18, 28, 34, 37, 41, 49, 55, 56, 62, 63, 65, 71, 78, 86, 94,
106, 120, 130, 139, 151, 161, 162, 171, 184, 185, 198, 209, 217, 229, 236,243,
254, 257, 258, 266, 276, 277, 279, 285, 305, 314, 326, 329-331, 342, 345, 352,
374, 375, 386, 387, 389.
Constables failing to pay town treasurer, 261, 262, 291, 292, 302.
Constables paid for warning town meetings, 287.
Constables to be paid as collectors, 277, 278, 330.
Deer reeves, 1, 3, 11, 19, 29, 34, 42, 49, 55, 63, 65, 72, 79, 243, 254, 266, 275,
285, 295, 305, 315, 326, 343, 352, 374, 387.
Fence viewers, 3, 11, 19, 28, 34, 42, 49, 56, 63, 72, 79, 86, 95, 107, 120, 130,
139, 151, 161, 172; 184, 199, 209, 217, 229, 236, 243, 254, 266, 275, 285, 295,
305, 315, 326, 343, 352, 374, 386.
Field drivers, 20, 23, 64.
Hawards, 20, 23, 131, 256, 278.
Hogreeves, 3, 10, 19, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63, 72, 79, 86, 95, 107, 120, 130, 139,
151, 161, 172, 184, 199, 209, 217, 229, 236, 243, 254, 266, 275, 285, 305, 315,
326, 343, 352, 374, 387.
Moderator, 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 18, 21, 22, 24, 25, 28, 30-34, 36, 38, 40,
41, 45-47, 49, 51-55, 57, 59-62, 65, 67, 68, 71, 73, 75-78, 80-85, 89, 91-94, 96,
98, 99, 101, 102, 104-106, 109-111, 113, 114, 120, 122, 123, 125, 127, 128,
130, 132-134, 136, 137, 139, 141, 143-145, 147, 148, 150, 151, 154, 156-158,
161, 162, 164-166, 168, 169, 171, 174, 175, 177, 178, 180-182, 187, 191, 194,
196, 198, 202, 203, 205, 207, 209, 211, 214, 215, 217, 220, 223, 224, 225, 229,
233, 234, 236, 238, 240, 243, 248, 251, 254, 257, 259, 262, 263, 265, 268, 270,
272, 273, 275, 277, 279-281, 284, 289, 292, 295-297, 300, 302, 303, 304, 306,
310, 314, 318, 321, 323, 326, 329, 331, 333-335, 337, 338, 340-342, 344-350,
352-354, 356-358, 365-367, 370-372, 374, 375, 377-384, 386, 389-394, 398.
Overseer of the poor, 236, 243, 254, 266, 275, 285, 295, 305, 315, 320, 321,
326, 343, 350, 374, 387.
Pound Keeper, 20, 29.
School Committee, 3, 5, 6, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 30, 31, 33, 35, 37, 38, 40, 42, 51-
53, 56, 58, 65, 69, 73, 76, 80, 89-91, 96, 108, 122, 123, 132, 139, 140, 141,
154, 187, 200, 211, 220, 225, 230, 236, 243, 254, 266, 275, 285, 295, 305,
315, 326, 342, 352, 374, 387.
Sealer of leather, 3, 10, 19, 28, 34, 43, 49, 55, 62, 71, 79, 86, 95, 107, 120, 130,
139, 161, 172, 184, 199, 209, 217, 229, 236, 243, 254, 266, 275, 285, 295, 305,
315, 326, 342, 352, 374, 387.

426 INDEX.
Town officers — continued.
Selectmen, 3, 10, 18, 28, 34, 41, 49, 55, 62, 71, 73, 78, 86, 94, 106, 120, 130,
139, 151, 161, 171, 184, 199, 209, 217, 229, 236, 243, 254, 265, 275, 284, 297,
304, 314, 326, 342, 352, 374, 375, 386.
Surveyor of clapboards and shingles, 219, 229, 236, 243, 254, 266, 275, 285,
295, 305, 315, 326, 343, 352, 374, 387.
Surveyor of highways, 3, 10, 19, 28, 34, 42, 49, 55, 63, 71, 79, 86, 95, 107,
120, 130, 139, 151, 161, 171, 184, 199, 209, 217, 229, 236, 243, 245, 254, 266,
275, 285, 295, 305, 315, 326, 342, 352, 374, 386.
Treasurer, 3, 10, 18, 28, 34, 41, 49, 55, 62, 71, 78, 86, 95, 107, 120, 130, 139,
151, 161, 171, 184, 198, 209, 217, 229, 236, 243, 254, 266, 275, 285, 295, 305,
314, 326, 342, 350, 352, 374, 386.
Treasurer to collect from Constables, 262.
Treasurer to receive money ordered by the Court, 199.
Treasurer's salary, 50.
Tythingmen, 3, 10, 19, 28, 34, 41, 49, 55, 62, 71, 79, 86, 95, 107, 120, 130,
139, 151, 161, 171, 184, 198, 209, 217, 229, 236, 243, 254, 266, 275, 285, 295,
305, 315, 326, 342, 352, 374, 386.
Wardens, 199, 209, 217, 229, 236, 243, 254, 266, 275, 285, 295, 305, 314, 326,
342, 352, 374, 375, 386.
Committee on non-importation agreement, 290.
Committee to answer at Court for want of a school, 54, 58, 60, 158, 176,
177, 179, 180.
Committee to build pound, 262, 263.
Committee to care for parsonage fence, 65, 73, 80, 96, 111.
Committee to consider maintaining Waters' river bridge, 259, 264.
Committee to exchange land, 11.
Committee to give deed, 8.
Committee to perambulate, 2.
Committee to petition against laying out highway, 135, 136, 137, 142, 144,
146, 148, 150, 152, 163, 205, 206, 208, 318.
Committee to recover land, 1, 7, 19.
Committee to repair the meeting house, 97.
Committee to select site for school house, 230.
Committee to settle bounds, 5, 15.
Committee to treat with minister regarding salary, 97.
Towne, Absolom, 207.
Benjamin, 1-3, 5-7, 10, 12-15, 18, 24, 33-41, 55, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 71, 80-
83, 85-94, 96, 99, 100, 102-104, 106, 109, 111, 112, 114, 120, 122, 124, 128-
130, 132, 135, 137, 140, 186, 191, 195, 198.
Benjamin, jr., 117, 149, 153, 166, 167, 203.
Benjamin, Capt., 91-96, 98, 101, 102, 104-106, 109-114, 116, 120, 122, 123,
125, 128, 130, 133, 135-137, 139, 142, 145, 150-152, 165, 172, 178, 181, 182,
184, 185, 187, 191, 202, 206, 213, 215, 221, 229, 255, 270, 296.
Benjamin, Lieut, 17, 19, 21, 28, 30, 32, 34, 47, 52, 54, 62, 78, 82, 84, 85.
Daniel, 256, 352.
David, 79, 95, 98, 117, 139, 140, 142, 145, 149, 184, 186, 187, 193-195, 200,
217, 219, 243, 248, 305, 312, 313, 315, 316, 323, 353, 368, 370.
David, jr., 328, 374, 377, 387, 388.
Edmond, 1.
Elijah, 116.
Elisha, 63, 64, 76, 79, 88, 90, 91, 95, 98, 106-108, 112, 116, 119, 142, 173, 194,
215.
Enos, 119.

INDEX. 427

Towne — continued.
Ephraim, 58, 326, 345, 386, 390, 391, 393-397, 399, 400.
Francis, 256.
Israel 3
Jabez' 98, 116, 120, 121, 123, 125, 129, 152, 171, 173, 194.
Jabez, jr., 116.
Jacob, 11, 12, 197, 235, 237, 241, 256, 278, 279, 320, 375-384, 386, 388, 389.
Jeremiah, 24, 33, 35, 44, 56, 63, 71, 75, 78, 85, 86, 95, 98, 107, 117, 127, 139,
166, 191, 194, 229, 244.
John, 24, 34, 40, 54, 65, 67.
Joseph, 9, 15, 19, 116, 152, 160, 161, 194, 206, 237, 241, 243, 245, 247, 250,
253, 266, 272, 292, 322, 366.
Joseph, jr., 119.
Joshua, 3, 28, 42, 49, 107, 118, 139, 240, 342, 349, 350, 372.
Joshua, jr., 95, 98, 101, 118, 120, 130, 131, 194.
Nathaniel, 72, 80, 87, 95, 117, 204, 207.
Nathaniel, jr., 50.
Philip, 35, 38, 49, 65, 118, 228, 230.
Richard, 3, 9-11, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 41, 44-49, 51-55, 57, 59-62,
64, 66-68, 71, 73, 75-78, 80-83, 85-99, 101-106, 109-111, 114, 115, 117, 119,
120, 122, 124-130, 133, 134, 136-141, 143-145, 147, 148, 150, 151, 153-158,
160-162, 164-166, 168, 171, 174, 175, 177-179, 181, 182, 184, 186, 189, 191,
194, 195, 197, 198, 202, 203, 205, 207, 209, 211-213, 215-217, 220, 223-225,
268, 269.
Samuel, 10, 17, 20, 23, 24, 35, 42, 55, 56, 98, 118, 305, 308.
Samuel, jr., 118, 131, 241, 253, 255, 256, 275, 276.
Stephen, 41, 43, 50, 62, 64, 65, 72, 86, 116.
Stephen, jr., 307, 345.
WilUam, 37.
Trades, professions, etc.
Carpenter, 168, 172.
Clerk (minister), 70.
Doctor, 14, 36, 86, 117, 118, 122, 192, 210, 211, 238, 345, 347, 348.
Glasser, 6, 72, 79.
Innholder, 72, 176, 355.
Lawyer, 136, 142, 172, 221.
Minister, see Religious affairs.
School master, see Schools.
Treasurer, County, 85, 96, 108, 171, 284, 285, 294, 296, 314.
Tredwell,  , Mr., 194, 200, 355.
TrGGs, Apple, 23, 69, 124, 128, 140, 159, 196, 226, 227, 230, 251, 313, 329.
Ash, 160, 197.
Elm, 70, 90, 227, 251, 282, 312, 390.
Maple, 4, 44, 66, 88, 124, 153.
Oak, black, 128, 159, 197, 226, 227, 252, 282, 312, 313, 390.
Oak, red, 22, 43, 66, 159.
Oak, white, 4, 15, 22, 44, 66, 88, 124, 159, 197, 226.
Orchard, 22, 43, 66, 124, 159, 197, 227, 252, 283, 312, 313, 390.
Trowbridge, Edmond, 221.
Tumbrell, 123, 258, 286, 305.
Tutoo, Samuel (Indian), 82, 83, 86.
Tyler, Royal, 258, 259.

Voting, 13.

428 INDEX.
Wallis, Anna, 203, 212.
Warnings out of town, 68,
Bartoos, Jane, 23.
Bayley, Sarah, 276.
Clough, Widow, 4,
Famam, Widow, 226,
Grant John, 172.
Holdgate, Michael, 6.
Lefavour, John, 173.
Law suit respecting, 308.
Masties, George, 18.
Stearns, John, 280.
Thomas, Widow, 226.
Water courses through River Bridge causeway, 233.
WendeU, Jacob, 16.
Wenham, 269, 359.
Bounds, 1, 2, 4, 43, 66, 88, 124, 128, 135, 137, 138, 152, 189, 221, 244, 281,
282, 311.
Bounds altered, 281, 282, 285.
Whitman, Samuel, Rev., 380, 381.
Wiat George, jr., 226,
Wildes, Amos, 326, 329, 330, 332-334, 336-340, 342, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348,
, 349, 350, 374, 376, 386, 388.
Elijah, 29.
Elisha, 89, 91, 98, 107, 113, 118, 130, 154, 167, 184, 193, 194, 198, 201, 204,
206, 208, 217, 218, 219, 234, 235, 240, 256, 258-261, 263, 264, 265, 267, 270,
272-275, 277, 278, 280-285, 287, 292, 293, 302, 303, 311.
Ephraim, 3, 13, 17, 19, 24, 41, 49, 50, 60, 73, 79, 80, 84, 95, 113, 114, 118,
119, 126, 130, 149, 151, 155, 175, 177, 191, 201, 389.
John, 1, 2, 5, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 45, 46, 48, 51-55, 57, 59-61, 67, 68, 71, 73,
75-78, 80-82, 98, 118, 130, 139, 192, 194.
John, Capt, 7-11, 13, 17, 19, 22-24, 30, 31, 37, 41, 45, 49-55, 57-60, 62, 65, 68,
71-81,
John, Corp,, 6,
Jonathan, 56, 121,
Moses, 326, 359, 374, 376, 388.
Nathan, 161, 174, 207, 231, 235, 240, 249, 268, 374, 376.
Nathaniel, 84, 118.
Sylvanus, 331.
Thomas, 228, 315, 316.
Zebulon, 119, 194, 215, 217,
Wilkins, Abijah, 320.
John, 122.
Willard, John, 117.
Wood, Aaron, 160.
Nathan, 91.
Thomas, 226, 376.
Samuel, 215.
Wood, fire, 197, 219.
Woodbury, Benjamin, 116, 237.
Peter, 218, 225.
Woodman, Nathaniel, 386.
Wright Josiah, 122.

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