By Doris Hayden
For many years I have delved into records of early Blandford. It may interest the present generation to read how various matters were taken care of in those days. Probably other towns handled them in much the same way.
I was asked by the selectmen to look over the mass of books and papers which remained in the vault of the Deane Building which is to be torn down. It was a fascinating task because I "struck oil" from time to time. All grist for the historian.
TOWN WARRANTS
A young man did not automatically become eligible to register on reaching the age of 21. There were other requirements not now in force. Today's warrants have a set form but these of the early 1800's are interesting.
"Hampshire SS To John Cochran Constable of the Town of Blandford in said County
You are hereby required in the Name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to notify and warn the Inhabitants of Said Town duly Quallified to vote for Representatives in the General Court of said Commonwealth (viz) the male Inhabitants of said Town being twenty one years of Age and resident in said Town for the space of one year next preceeding having a freehold Estate within said Town of the Annual Income of three pounds or any estate to the value of Sixty pounds To Assemble at the publick meeting House, etc., etc.”
Dec. 1, 1800 (Initial wording the same)
"to Notify and warn the freeholders and other Inhabitants of said Town Quallified by law to vote in Town Meetings - viz such as pay one single Tax besides the poll or polls, a Sum equal to One Single poll tax, etc., etc."
Sept. 2, 1802
"to warn the freeholders and other Inhabitance Qualifyed by Law to vote in town meetings (viz) those that pay to one single tax a sum Equal to two thirds of a poll tax, etc., etc."
Oct. 21, 1802
"to notify and warn the inhabitants of said town of Blandford duly qualified to vote (viz the male inhabitants of said town being twenty one years of age and resident in said town for the space of one year next preceeding haveing a freehold estate within said town of the annual income of ten dollars or any estate of the value of two hundred dollars) to assemble, etc. etc."
SCHOOLING
As in most towns round about, there were district schools and Blandford had thirteen beginning in 1802. At the time of the annual election of town officials, one person was chosen from each district to serve on a "prudential committee". In addition a "town committee" was named (usually three, but sometimes more) to oversee the whole. This committee often consisted of the minister, a lawyer and perhaps a doctor. These were men with greater education and one of their duties was to examine would-be teachers.
In the vault I found packets of small pieces of paper on which the certificates to teach were written. The earliest found bore the date 1826.
"Blandford 5th May 1826
This certifies that Miss Caroline E. Hatch has been duly examined and is hereby recommended to instruct the School in the centre of this town.
(Rev) Dorus Clarke
Orrin Sage
Abner Gibbs Com'ttee"
Rufus Blair
"This certifies that Mr. Joseph M. Ladd has been examin'd and we hereby recommend him as qualified to keep the Grammar School in the Centre District in Blandford. Decem' 11th, 1826
(Rev.) Dorus Clarke
Abner Gibbs
Orrin Sage Comm'ee"
Reuben Boies Jr.
Rufus Blair
Justus Boies
On the reverse is:-
"This may certify that I have been engaged in the Center school in Blandford the term of sixteen weeks at $15 pr week. Joseph M. Ladd"
The law directed towns in the Commonwealth containing fifty families, or householders, to provide a school-master or school-masters of good morals, to teach children to read and write and instruct them in the English language, as well as in arithmetic, orthography and decent behaviour. This was for the "common school".
The law also directed that "every town or district containing two hundred families, or householders, shall be provided with a grammar school-master of good morals, well instructed in the Latin, Greek and English languages.'
Blandford had neglected to provide for the grammar school and was called on the carpet for so doing. The town records for Nov. 10, 1817 have this:-
"Voted to choose a Committee of three to provide a Grammar School-Master & set up a school as the Law directs, if in their opinion that course shall be necessary & most for the Interest of the Town."
"Voted to choose an Agent to appear for the Town in the Circuit Court of Common Pleas & plead to an Indictment pending before said Court against the Town of Blandford for not keeping a grammar school as the Law directs and to defend the same.'
At the same meeting the town's representative to the General Court was instructed to "use his best endeavors at the next session of the General Court to procure a Repeal."
The selectmen's order book, under the date of April 20, 1818, has this entry:-
"Rev. John Keep
To boarding the Rev. Mr. Emerson nine weeks while teaching the grammar School."
This was no doubt the Rev. Samuel M. Emerson of Chester.
The examining committee was not always fully satisfied with the results of an examination and two teachers just squeaked by but were given the following certificates:-
"This certifies that we have duly examined Mr. Edward C. Snow & hereby recommend him to teach the School near the Pond (Cochran Pond) but sh'd have been better pleased if he had more acquaintance with English Grammar & Geography.
Blandford
Dec. 15, 1826
Rev D. Clarke
Rufus Blair Com"
Orrin Sage
"This certifies that we have duly examined Mr. Aaron Clarke & and hereby recommend him to teach the School near Mr.Elijah Gibbs (on Gibbs Road) but should have been better pleased if he had more acquaintance with English Grammar & Geography. Blandford
Dec. 15, 1826
Rev D. Clarke
Rufus Blair Com"
Orrin Sage
To receive payment, a teacher presented the certificate, with an order drawn by a member of the district school committee, to the town treasurer.
When it became necessary to replace a school house and erect another in any district, the inhabitants of that area were assessed a separate tax for the purpose. Our present Historical Society building was formerly a schoolhouse and I found a list of those taxed in 1845 to replace an older building which stood in another spot on the common. The total tax came to $506.69. However, shares in the "upper room" were sold--which money was probably used for the additional story. The use of this room was allowed for many years for other functions than schooling. I have some reason to think some church services were held there. One runs across the word "Lyceum" occasionally, so perhaps debates and lectures took place there. Later, the records of the Ladies Benevolent Society show that they, too, used the room.
ROAD CARE
Another separate tax was that for maintaining highways. The town was divided into highway districts which were very different from the school districts. Each male in the district was assessed according to his property valuation, plus a poll-tax or only a poll-tax if he had no property. The tax could be worked out during the year by actually performing the work. In those days of dirt roads there was often much to be done. Hard rains could wash out whole sections. Also, in winter, oxen and shovels were needed to break out the roads after snowstorms. No high powered machinery -- just muscle and determination.
CARE OF THE ELDERLY AND WELFARE
There was no such thing as Social Security or Medicare then. People were proud and hoped to be able to care for themselves. However, when one grew old and feeble some other means became necessary.
When the owner of a farm and his wife approached their later years an indenture was often drawn up whereby title to the property passed to an heir if the conditions were met. I have two in an old
document box. Charles B. Hayden of Blandford agreed with Ely Brockett to "support and maintain the said Ely in sickness & health & to furnish him with a good & respectable burial after his decease." Ely was grandfather of Charles Brockett Hayden.
Ely, himself, had earlier signed an indenture with his father, John Brockett, whereby he agreed to "pay the Rent of one cent a year at the expiration of each & every year during the term of John's natural life. Also to truly support and maintain the said John & his wife during the natural life of the sd John."
Interesting accounts of the way a husband provided for his widow are found in wills. John Boies' will is an example.
"To wife Ann
12 bushels grain (viz)
4 bushels wheat
4 bushels Ry
4 bushels Indin corn
6 score good pork
5 score good beef
3 barrels of sider
6 bushels Winter aples &
a sufficient quality of Sauce of all sorts
"All to be provided and laid in at her Dwelling House anualy," (Note: "sauce" meant garden produce.")
All the above articales I order my well beloved Son, Samuel Boies, to Provide for my Dearly beloved Wife anualy during her Natural Life
And further I give my Dearly beloved Wife, Ann, my mear & two cows
and order that my son, Samuel Boies, shall be at the Cost of keeping Sd mear & Cows sumer & Winter anualy
and further I order that my son, Samuel, Shall provide for my Wife Thirty waight of Good flax & Ten Waight of Good Wool anualy During her Natural Life
and further I Leve to my Dearly Beloved Wife the north Rome of my Dwelling House & a priveledge in my siler (cellar) So much as she shall want During her Natural Life."
Certainly a very explicit bequest, which also gives an idea of the needs of a woman of that day.
A rather unusual deed, whereby Wm P. Lloyd quit-claimed any right to the dower of his mother, Cynthia Lloyd. After setting out 27 acres & 82 Rods of land, he goes on:-
Aug. 28, 1829 "Also the use of the S front room on the lower floor in the house and the N front chamber; and also a privy in common with me, (----) to use space-way and stairs therein and 1/3 part of the cellar under sd house, being so much of sd cellar as is under the kitchen and no more, and also privilege to use sd kitchen for washing, baking & passing into the cellar. Also the use of shelves on N side of W end of buttery and privilege in the sink therein. Also right of passage from kitchen through the space to the wood house and the use of 1/3 part of wagon house & whole of room over sd woodhouse. Also the stable in SE corner of barn, and the scaffold over the same and E scaffold over the barn floor and privy in common with me in barn floor, 1/3 part of barn yard on S side thereof, and privilege of using water at the well in sd barnyard and at well by the house, & the use of 1/3 part of the wood yard south of sd house, and 1/2 of the garden being the E half thereof, & privilege of passing & repassing to & from road to sd house & barn through said wood yard.
To have & to hold for & during the term of her natural life as tenant in Dower & no other.
Wm P. Lloyd"
It seems rather amusing now but there it is in black and white so neither one could mistake the terms.
For some, town assistance was the only recourse. If a relative was willing to have mother, father, aunt, or uncle in his home but did not feel financially able to support them, the town did pay for that support.
Other paupers were put up for auction and the person whose bid was lowest was the one chosen to care for them for the coming year. One can only wonder if the bid was always adequate. Also these paupers were often moved each year perhaps a traumatic experience. See how Widow Black fared.
May 10th 1813 the Wi'd Black sat up to the lowest Bidder pr week to keep one year
Nathan Cannon Bidd $1.65
Being the lowest Bd and was struck off to him
May 9th 1814 the Wi'd Black sat up to the lowest Bidder pr week to be suporded one year
Cap't Isreal Cannon Bidd $1.32 and Being the lowest Bid was struck off to him
May 8th 1815 The Wi'd Black sat up By the Over-sears of the Towns Poor to the lowest Bidder pr week to be supported one year from the 13th of this month
May 6th 1816 The Towns Poor sold to the lowest Bidder pr week to be kept one year
Wi'd Black sat up
Dea Jesse Bishop bid $1.40 and being the lowest bidder she was struck off to him
May 5th 1817 the Wd Jane Black sat up to the lowest bidder per week to support for one year beginning the 13 of May Inst by the overseers of the poor of sd town
and struck off to Dea Jesse Bishop at $1.38 per week he being the lowest bidder
May 4, 1818 The support of the Wd Jane Black for one year to commence the 14th of May Inst
and struck off the Nathan Cannon at $1.24 per week he being the lowest bidder
Poor Widow Black died Dec. 14, 1818 - aged 102 years!
CHURCH DISCIPLINE
The church was very strict and more than once members were called before the church to publicly confess their sins and ask forgiveness and prayers.
Several were suspended from the communion and privileges of the church for reasons such as:-
1. The use of ardent spirits.
2. Embracing the "erroneous sentiments of Millerism"
3. Embracing "the principle of Unitarianism, which we deem to be utterly opposed to the Gospel."
However, two cases are noted which dragged on from at least July 1788 to the end of 1789. Without giving the full names, lest some descendant be embarrassed, here are the records:-
"July 1788 The Session (the church elders)meet at the meeting house & having deliberated on the heignous sin of card playing, gave it as our judgement that Isaac -—, Brother in this Church, who has been found guilty of this sin, should publickly acknowledge his fault in so doing."
"Sept. 18, 1788 Session meet according to adjournment, Elders present Wi'l Boies John Knox Sam'l Boise Robert Lloyd. Isaac & James-----were present according to request. James was found guilty of unnecessarily performing his own business on the Lords day, for which we deemed it expedient that he should publickly acknowledge his fault in the house of God. These two Brethren continuing obstinate, they were suspended from church privilege till further attention can be given to the matter."
"August 11, 1789 Session meet according to appointment at the house of their Pastor. Voted that Isaac-----for playing of cairds & for his contumatiousness & insulting talk to the session be admonished in publick before all as the gospel directs.”
"August 16, 1789 Agreeable to the vote of the session Isaac ---- was admonished after having a coppy of the admonition, both for the sin of card playing & contumatiousness."
"Sept. 25, 1789 Voted that Isaac ---- be excommunicated from this church on the fourth Sabbath from this date publickly & that a coppy of the excommunication be sent him previous to its being publickly read.
Voted that James be publickly admonished the sabbath after next." "December 8, 1789 The church Session being legally warned met according to appointment.
Voted it expedient, for the honour of religion in this church that Isaac ---- should be excommunicated the last sabbath in this month, & a coppy of the excommunication be sent him previously, in which the things for which he is deemed sensorable shall be mentioned.
Voted also that James ----- should be again admonished, & then if there be not manifest repentance of those things for which he is sensored, he shall be excommunicated on the first sabbath in January seventeen hundred ninety."
"Decemb'r 16, 1789 Session meet according to appointment. James appeared & offered to make his acknowledgement the second time for breach of sabbath & ill treatment of the session. Was accepted by Session.
"I, James under a sense of the sinfullness of violating the commands of God, & of my own conduct in that particular, do now humbly acknowledge that a year ago some time last spring, I did exceeding sinfull in performing my own business on the Lord's day in bringing a load of shad fish from connecticut river to Sacket's at the foot of the mountain, as it was a breach both of divine & human laws, which was sufficient occasion of offense to my christian brethren and a reproach to the christian name. I do now acknowledge I have done exceeding wickedly in that I have not willingly before this time, manifested and abhorance of my conduct, in violating Gods holy sabbath for by thus doing, I have sined against God, offended my christian brethren & done that, by which others may stumble & fall. I have wounded the cause of Ch. in giving unchristian treatment to the Pastor & Elders, whose duty it is to deal with those who walk disorderly. And do now humbly ask the forgiveness of all whom I have offended & that they would unite with me in praying our heavenly father that he would forgive me thro' the riches of his grace in Jesus Christ, & that I may be kept from wandering out of the path of my duty, & be more faithful in my christian walk.
Read in publick before the Church & congregation on the 20 of December 1789.
Joseph Badger Pastor”
Excommunication of Isaac
Dec. 27, 1789
"The Session having been regularly warned & convened at the house of Elder Samuel Boies on the eighth of December 1789. Then took into consideration the conduct of Isacc which he has manifested.
1. In card playing.
2. In his treatment of the session & church authority thro the whole course of their dealing with him, and having found nothing in the whole of his conduct, that appears to manifest the least degree even of visible repentance, but on the other hand a contumatious spirit, & actual contempt of the authority of the Church, altho' he pretended to confess, his conduct was such as manifested a wrathfull spirit, & contempt of the laws of Christ.
We do therefore view it expedient for the honour of religion in this Church to cast him out of our communion & fellowship.
And now therefore agreeable to the authority derrived from God's word & given by Jesus Christ, the great head of the church, we are constrained to proceed in giving the painful sentence against you, by which we do now reject you, & cut you off & cast you out of our fellowship & communion, & withdraw our watch and cair over you, no more to treat you as a brother, but to consider you as an heathen man & a publican.
By order of the Session. Joseph Badger. Pastor”
One capitulated and one would not!!
SOCIAL LIBRARY
Free public libraries were unheard of in the 1800's. However, books were available in social libraries. The remnant of the Blandford Social Library is in the Porter Memorial Library.
These by-laws give an idea of how the libraries operated:
" Your Committee appointed to form by-laws for Blandford Library would report as follows:
1. That the shares in s'd Library to be of the value of one dollar and fifty cents each, and person may hold as many as he pleases.
2. There shall be chosen anually a Clerk, Librarian, Treasurer and a Committee to take care of said Library, assess fines for damages done to the books, or breaches of the bye laws, and to purchase books, or any other necessarys for use of said library. Also render an account of the state of the Library and how the moneys have been expended at every annual meeting---also note all injurys done the books in blank page of the books so injured.
3. The annual meeting for the election of Officers & granting of money for use of Library shall be on the second tuesday of February at one O Clock in the afternoon at the place where the library (torn) kept, and there shall be five meetings (torn) year for the purpose of returning the books, drawing out books, which shall be on the first tuesdays of February, April, July, October and Dec'r at three O Clock P.M.- and any proprietor neglecting to return his book or books for one hour after said time shall pay to use of s'd Library six cents for each Volume so detain'd and one cent for each day he shall keep said Volume from said Library and the priviledge of the library suspended till the money is paid.
4. For the purpose of drawing books equally the proprietors shall be classed into four classes and draw the books in the following manner Viz: at the first drawing the first Class first, the second next, then the third, & then the fourth; at the next drawing the second Class first, the third second, the fourth third & the first third, the second fourth; the fourth drawing the fourth Class first, the first second, the second third & the third fourth and at the fifth drawing the first Class first again and so on in the same rotation as before and if more than one proprietor of the same class shall want the same Volume the one willing to Give the most for it shall have it. Each proprietor shall be allow'd to exchange his books between the meetings and after the proprietors present shall all have drawn there books as above. Those proprietors living more than three miles from the place where the library is kept shall have a right to draw a second Volume on each share he holds in the Library but no proprietor shall be allowed to draw a Volume while there is any tax or fine on his share unpaid.
Blandford April 9th 1802
Rusell Attwater
Samuel Knox
Reuben Boies”
There were no "who-dun-its" listed in a partial catalog found in the Porter Memorial Library. The books were all non-fiction such as:
Embassy to China
Fable of the Bees
French Revolution
Gibbon's Downfall of the Roman Empire
Goldsmith's Essays - 3 vols.
History of England
History of New England
History of the United States
Life of Luther
Life of Christ
Life of Franklin
Life of Whitfield
Seige of Gilbraltar
Voltair's History of Charles 12th
Wilberforce on Religion
Washington's Letters - 2 vols.
Weims' Life of Washington
Wonders of Creation
These are but a few of the titles. The center school of that time may have housed the library but I do not know this.
No records are found to show just how long the library existed but the latest date known is 1844.
"Blandford Feb. 12, 1844
We hereby authorize Layfayette Gibbs to vote himself on our shares in the Blandford Social Library for the present year.
Edward Knox
Justin Wilson
Eli Pease
Abijah B. Knox
Abel Weaver
John Gibbs
Samuel Hamilton
Justus Knox
Orrin Sage
Widow Maria Knox
A (shbel) Mitchell
Abner Gibbs
For many years I have delved into records of early Blandford. It may interest the present generation to read how various matters were taken care of in those days. Probably other towns handled them in much the same way.
I was asked by the selectmen to look over the mass of books and papers which remained in the vault of the Deane Building which is to be torn down. It was a fascinating task because I "struck oil" from time to time. All grist for the historian.
TOWN WARRANTS
A young man did not automatically become eligible to register on reaching the age of 21. There were other requirements not now in force. Today's warrants have a set form but these of the early 1800's are interesting.
"Hampshire SS To John Cochran Constable of the Town of Blandford in said County
You are hereby required in the Name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to notify and warn the Inhabitants of Said Town duly Quallified to vote for Representatives in the General Court of said Commonwealth (viz) the male Inhabitants of said Town being twenty one years of Age and resident in said Town for the space of one year next preceeding having a freehold Estate within said Town of the Annual Income of three pounds or any estate to the value of Sixty pounds To Assemble at the publick meeting House, etc., etc.”
Dec. 1, 1800 (Initial wording the same)
"to Notify and warn the freeholders and other Inhabitants of said Town Quallified by law to vote in Town Meetings - viz such as pay one single Tax besides the poll or polls, a Sum equal to One Single poll tax, etc., etc."
Sept. 2, 1802
"to warn the freeholders and other Inhabitance Qualifyed by Law to vote in town meetings (viz) those that pay to one single tax a sum Equal to two thirds of a poll tax, etc., etc."
Oct. 21, 1802
"to notify and warn the inhabitants of said town of Blandford duly qualified to vote (viz the male inhabitants of said town being twenty one years of age and resident in said town for the space of one year next preceeding haveing a freehold estate within said town of the annual income of ten dollars or any estate of the value of two hundred dollars) to assemble, etc. etc."
SCHOOLING
As in most towns round about, there were district schools and Blandford had thirteen beginning in 1802. At the time of the annual election of town officials, one person was chosen from each district to serve on a "prudential committee". In addition a "town committee" was named (usually three, but sometimes more) to oversee the whole. This committee often consisted of the minister, a lawyer and perhaps a doctor. These were men with greater education and one of their duties was to examine would-be teachers.
In the vault I found packets of small pieces of paper on which the certificates to teach were written. The earliest found bore the date 1826.
"Blandford 5th May 1826
This certifies that Miss Caroline E. Hatch has been duly examined and is hereby recommended to instruct the School in the centre of this town.
(Rev) Dorus Clarke
Orrin Sage
Abner Gibbs Com'ttee"
Rufus Blair
"This certifies that Mr. Joseph M. Ladd has been examin'd and we hereby recommend him as qualified to keep the Grammar School in the Centre District in Blandford. Decem' 11th, 1826
(Rev.) Dorus Clarke
Abner Gibbs
Orrin Sage Comm'ee"
Reuben Boies Jr.
Rufus Blair
Justus Boies
On the reverse is:-
"This may certify that I have been engaged in the Center school in Blandford the term of sixteen weeks at $15 pr week. Joseph M. Ladd"
The law directed towns in the Commonwealth containing fifty families, or householders, to provide a school-master or school-masters of good morals, to teach children to read and write and instruct them in the English language, as well as in arithmetic, orthography and decent behaviour. This was for the "common school".
The law also directed that "every town or district containing two hundred families, or householders, shall be provided with a grammar school-master of good morals, well instructed in the Latin, Greek and English languages.'
Blandford had neglected to provide for the grammar school and was called on the carpet for so doing. The town records for Nov. 10, 1817 have this:-
"Voted to choose a Committee of three to provide a Grammar School-Master & set up a school as the Law directs, if in their opinion that course shall be necessary & most for the Interest of the Town."
"Voted to choose an Agent to appear for the Town in the Circuit Court of Common Pleas & plead to an Indictment pending before said Court against the Town of Blandford for not keeping a grammar school as the Law directs and to defend the same.'
At the same meeting the town's representative to the General Court was instructed to "use his best endeavors at the next session of the General Court to procure a Repeal."
The selectmen's order book, under the date of April 20, 1818, has this entry:-
"Rev. John Keep
To boarding the Rev. Mr. Emerson nine weeks while teaching the grammar School."
This was no doubt the Rev. Samuel M. Emerson of Chester.
The examining committee was not always fully satisfied with the results of an examination and two teachers just squeaked by but were given the following certificates:-
"This certifies that we have duly examined Mr. Edward C. Snow & hereby recommend him to teach the School near the Pond (Cochran Pond) but sh'd have been better pleased if he had more acquaintance with English Grammar & Geography.
Blandford
Dec. 15, 1826
Rev D. Clarke
Rufus Blair Com"
Orrin Sage
"This certifies that we have duly examined Mr. Aaron Clarke & and hereby recommend him to teach the School near Mr.Elijah Gibbs (on Gibbs Road) but should have been better pleased if he had more acquaintance with English Grammar & Geography. Blandford
Dec. 15, 1826
Rev D. Clarke
Rufus Blair Com"
Orrin Sage
To receive payment, a teacher presented the certificate, with an order drawn by a member of the district school committee, to the town treasurer.
When it became necessary to replace a school house and erect another in any district, the inhabitants of that area were assessed a separate tax for the purpose. Our present Historical Society building was formerly a schoolhouse and I found a list of those taxed in 1845 to replace an older building which stood in another spot on the common. The total tax came to $506.69. However, shares in the "upper room" were sold--which money was probably used for the additional story. The use of this room was allowed for many years for other functions than schooling. I have some reason to think some church services were held there. One runs across the word "Lyceum" occasionally, so perhaps debates and lectures took place there. Later, the records of the Ladies Benevolent Society show that they, too, used the room.
ROAD CARE
Another separate tax was that for maintaining highways. The town was divided into highway districts which were very different from the school districts. Each male in the district was assessed according to his property valuation, plus a poll-tax or only a poll-tax if he had no property. The tax could be worked out during the year by actually performing the work. In those days of dirt roads there was often much to be done. Hard rains could wash out whole sections. Also, in winter, oxen and shovels were needed to break out the roads after snowstorms. No high powered machinery -- just muscle and determination.
CARE OF THE ELDERLY AND WELFARE
There was no such thing as Social Security or Medicare then. People were proud and hoped to be able to care for themselves. However, when one grew old and feeble some other means became necessary.
When the owner of a farm and his wife approached their later years an indenture was often drawn up whereby title to the property passed to an heir if the conditions were met. I have two in an old
document box. Charles B. Hayden of Blandford agreed with Ely Brockett to "support and maintain the said Ely in sickness & health & to furnish him with a good & respectable burial after his decease." Ely was grandfather of Charles Brockett Hayden.
Ely, himself, had earlier signed an indenture with his father, John Brockett, whereby he agreed to "pay the Rent of one cent a year at the expiration of each & every year during the term of John's natural life. Also to truly support and maintain the said John & his wife during the natural life of the sd John."
Interesting accounts of the way a husband provided for his widow are found in wills. John Boies' will is an example.
"To wife Ann
12 bushels grain (viz)
4 bushels wheat
4 bushels Ry
4 bushels Indin corn
6 score good pork
5 score good beef
3 barrels of sider
6 bushels Winter aples &
a sufficient quality of Sauce of all sorts
"All to be provided and laid in at her Dwelling House anualy," (Note: "sauce" meant garden produce.")
All the above articales I order my well beloved Son, Samuel Boies, to Provide for my Dearly beloved Wife anualy during her Natural Life
And further I give my Dearly beloved Wife, Ann, my mear & two cows
and order that my son, Samuel Boies, shall be at the Cost of keeping Sd mear & Cows sumer & Winter anualy
and further I order that my son, Samuel, Shall provide for my Wife Thirty waight of Good flax & Ten Waight of Good Wool anualy During her Natural Life
and further I Leve to my Dearly Beloved Wife the north Rome of my Dwelling House & a priveledge in my siler (cellar) So much as she shall want During her Natural Life."
Certainly a very explicit bequest, which also gives an idea of the needs of a woman of that day.
A rather unusual deed, whereby Wm P. Lloyd quit-claimed any right to the dower of his mother, Cynthia Lloyd. After setting out 27 acres & 82 Rods of land, he goes on:-
Aug. 28, 1829 "Also the use of the S front room on the lower floor in the house and the N front chamber; and also a privy in common with me, (----) to use space-way and stairs therein and 1/3 part of the cellar under sd house, being so much of sd cellar as is under the kitchen and no more, and also privilege to use sd kitchen for washing, baking & passing into the cellar. Also the use of shelves on N side of W end of buttery and privilege in the sink therein. Also right of passage from kitchen through the space to the wood house and the use of 1/3 part of wagon house & whole of room over sd woodhouse. Also the stable in SE corner of barn, and the scaffold over the same and E scaffold over the barn floor and privy in common with me in barn floor, 1/3 part of barn yard on S side thereof, and privilege of using water at the well in sd barnyard and at well by the house, & the use of 1/3 part of the wood yard south of sd house, and 1/2 of the garden being the E half thereof, & privilege of passing & repassing to & from road to sd house & barn through said wood yard.
To have & to hold for & during the term of her natural life as tenant in Dower & no other.
Wm P. Lloyd"
It seems rather amusing now but there it is in black and white so neither one could mistake the terms.
For some, town assistance was the only recourse. If a relative was willing to have mother, father, aunt, or uncle in his home but did not feel financially able to support them, the town did pay for that support.
Other paupers were put up for auction and the person whose bid was lowest was the one chosen to care for them for the coming year. One can only wonder if the bid was always adequate. Also these paupers were often moved each year perhaps a traumatic experience. See how Widow Black fared.
May 10th 1813 the Wi'd Black sat up to the lowest Bidder pr week to keep one year
Nathan Cannon Bidd $1.65
Being the lowest Bd and was struck off to him
May 9th 1814 the Wi'd Black sat up to the lowest Bidder pr week to be suporded one year
Cap't Isreal Cannon Bidd $1.32 and Being the lowest Bid was struck off to him
May 8th 1815 The Wi'd Black sat up By the Over-sears of the Towns Poor to the lowest Bidder pr week to be supported one year from the 13th of this month
May 6th 1816 The Towns Poor sold to the lowest Bidder pr week to be kept one year
Wi'd Black sat up
Dea Jesse Bishop bid $1.40 and being the lowest bidder she was struck off to him
May 5th 1817 the Wd Jane Black sat up to the lowest bidder per week to support for one year beginning the 13 of May Inst by the overseers of the poor of sd town
and struck off to Dea Jesse Bishop at $1.38 per week he being the lowest bidder
May 4, 1818 The support of the Wd Jane Black for one year to commence the 14th of May Inst
and struck off the Nathan Cannon at $1.24 per week he being the lowest bidder
Poor Widow Black died Dec. 14, 1818 - aged 102 years!
CHURCH DISCIPLINE
The church was very strict and more than once members were called before the church to publicly confess their sins and ask forgiveness and prayers.
Several were suspended from the communion and privileges of the church for reasons such as:-
1. The use of ardent spirits.
2. Embracing the "erroneous sentiments of Millerism"
3. Embracing "the principle of Unitarianism, which we deem to be utterly opposed to the Gospel."
However, two cases are noted which dragged on from at least July 1788 to the end of 1789. Without giving the full names, lest some descendant be embarrassed, here are the records:-
"July 1788 The Session (the church elders)meet at the meeting house & having deliberated on the heignous sin of card playing, gave it as our judgement that Isaac -—, Brother in this Church, who has been found guilty of this sin, should publickly acknowledge his fault in so doing."
"Sept. 18, 1788 Session meet according to adjournment, Elders present Wi'l Boies John Knox Sam'l Boise Robert Lloyd. Isaac & James-----were present according to request. James was found guilty of unnecessarily performing his own business on the Lords day, for which we deemed it expedient that he should publickly acknowledge his fault in the house of God. These two Brethren continuing obstinate, they were suspended from church privilege till further attention can be given to the matter."
"August 11, 1789 Session meet according to appointment at the house of their Pastor. Voted that Isaac-----for playing of cairds & for his contumatiousness & insulting talk to the session be admonished in publick before all as the gospel directs.”
"August 16, 1789 Agreeable to the vote of the session Isaac ---- was admonished after having a coppy of the admonition, both for the sin of card playing & contumatiousness."
"Sept. 25, 1789 Voted that Isaac ---- be excommunicated from this church on the fourth Sabbath from this date publickly & that a coppy of the excommunication be sent him previous to its being publickly read.
Voted that James be publickly admonished the sabbath after next." "December 8, 1789 The church Session being legally warned met according to appointment.
Voted it expedient, for the honour of religion in this church that Isaac ---- should be excommunicated the last sabbath in this month, & a coppy of the excommunication be sent him previously, in which the things for which he is deemed sensorable shall be mentioned.
Voted also that James ----- should be again admonished, & then if there be not manifest repentance of those things for which he is sensored, he shall be excommunicated on the first sabbath in January seventeen hundred ninety."
"Decemb'r 16, 1789 Session meet according to appointment. James appeared & offered to make his acknowledgement the second time for breach of sabbath & ill treatment of the session. Was accepted by Session.
"I, James under a sense of the sinfullness of violating the commands of God, & of my own conduct in that particular, do now humbly acknowledge that a year ago some time last spring, I did exceeding sinfull in performing my own business on the Lord's day in bringing a load of shad fish from connecticut river to Sacket's at the foot of the mountain, as it was a breach both of divine & human laws, which was sufficient occasion of offense to my christian brethren and a reproach to the christian name. I do now acknowledge I have done exceeding wickedly in that I have not willingly before this time, manifested and abhorance of my conduct, in violating Gods holy sabbath for by thus doing, I have sined against God, offended my christian brethren & done that, by which others may stumble & fall. I have wounded the cause of Ch. in giving unchristian treatment to the Pastor & Elders, whose duty it is to deal with those who walk disorderly. And do now humbly ask the forgiveness of all whom I have offended & that they would unite with me in praying our heavenly father that he would forgive me thro' the riches of his grace in Jesus Christ, & that I may be kept from wandering out of the path of my duty, & be more faithful in my christian walk.
Read in publick before the Church & congregation on the 20 of December 1789.
Joseph Badger Pastor”
Excommunication of Isaac
Dec. 27, 1789
"The Session having been regularly warned & convened at the house of Elder Samuel Boies on the eighth of December 1789. Then took into consideration the conduct of Isacc which he has manifested.
1. In card playing.
2. In his treatment of the session & church authority thro the whole course of their dealing with him, and having found nothing in the whole of his conduct, that appears to manifest the least degree even of visible repentance, but on the other hand a contumatious spirit, & actual contempt of the authority of the Church, altho' he pretended to confess, his conduct was such as manifested a wrathfull spirit, & contempt of the laws of Christ.
We do therefore view it expedient for the honour of religion in this Church to cast him out of our communion & fellowship.
And now therefore agreeable to the authority derrived from God's word & given by Jesus Christ, the great head of the church, we are constrained to proceed in giving the painful sentence against you, by which we do now reject you, & cut you off & cast you out of our fellowship & communion, & withdraw our watch and cair over you, no more to treat you as a brother, but to consider you as an heathen man & a publican.
By order of the Session. Joseph Badger. Pastor”
One capitulated and one would not!!
SOCIAL LIBRARY
Free public libraries were unheard of in the 1800's. However, books were available in social libraries. The remnant of the Blandford Social Library is in the Porter Memorial Library.
These by-laws give an idea of how the libraries operated:
" Your Committee appointed to form by-laws for Blandford Library would report as follows:
1. That the shares in s'd Library to be of the value of one dollar and fifty cents each, and person may hold as many as he pleases.
2. There shall be chosen anually a Clerk, Librarian, Treasurer and a Committee to take care of said Library, assess fines for damages done to the books, or breaches of the bye laws, and to purchase books, or any other necessarys for use of said library. Also render an account of the state of the Library and how the moneys have been expended at every annual meeting---also note all injurys done the books in blank page of the books so injured.
3. The annual meeting for the election of Officers & granting of money for use of Library shall be on the second tuesday of February at one O Clock in the afternoon at the place where the library (torn) kept, and there shall be five meetings (torn) year for the purpose of returning the books, drawing out books, which shall be on the first tuesdays of February, April, July, October and Dec'r at three O Clock P.M.- and any proprietor neglecting to return his book or books for one hour after said time shall pay to use of s'd Library six cents for each Volume so detain'd and one cent for each day he shall keep said Volume from said Library and the priviledge of the library suspended till the money is paid.
4. For the purpose of drawing books equally the proprietors shall be classed into four classes and draw the books in the following manner Viz: at the first drawing the first Class first, the second next, then the third, & then the fourth; at the next drawing the second Class first, the third second, the fourth third & the first third, the second fourth; the fourth drawing the fourth Class first, the first second, the second third & the third fourth and at the fifth drawing the first Class first again and so on in the same rotation as before and if more than one proprietor of the same class shall want the same Volume the one willing to Give the most for it shall have it. Each proprietor shall be allow'd to exchange his books between the meetings and after the proprietors present shall all have drawn there books as above. Those proprietors living more than three miles from the place where the library is kept shall have a right to draw a second Volume on each share he holds in the Library but no proprietor shall be allowed to draw a Volume while there is any tax or fine on his share unpaid.
Blandford April 9th 1802
Rusell Attwater
Samuel Knox
Reuben Boies”
There were no "who-dun-its" listed in a partial catalog found in the Porter Memorial Library. The books were all non-fiction such as:
Embassy to China
Fable of the Bees
French Revolution
Gibbon's Downfall of the Roman Empire
Goldsmith's Essays - 3 vols.
History of England
History of New England
History of the United States
Life of Luther
Life of Christ
Life of Franklin
Life of Whitfield
Seige of Gilbraltar
Voltair's History of Charles 12th
Wilberforce on Religion
Washington's Letters - 2 vols.
Weims' Life of Washington
Wonders of Creation
These are but a few of the titles. The center school of that time may have housed the library but I do not know this.
No records are found to show just how long the library existed but the latest date known is 1844.
"Blandford Feb. 12, 1844
We hereby authorize Layfayette Gibbs to vote himself on our shares in the Blandford Social Library for the present year.
Edward Knox
Justin Wilson
Eli Pease
Abijah B. Knox
Abel Weaver
John Gibbs
Samuel Hamilton
Justus Knox
Orrin Sage
Widow Maria Knox
A (shbel) Mitchell
Abner Gibbs