History of Amesbury - Merrill.org

192
HISTORY OF AMESBURY.
but this year a meeting was held Nov. 9th to take measures to
carry on the suit. The inhabitants were notified to meet at
the west meeting-house, and even there it was a close contest.
The choice of moderator seems to have been a test question,
and he was only chosen by "drawing out of s d meeting house."
Batt Moulton was chosen moderator, and his brother William
and John Blasdell, jr., (all west end men) were chosen com-
mittee to continue the prosecution.
Capt. Hook's party was present contesting the ground, but
the west end people were too strong for them. Capt. Hook
and thirty-one others "entered themselves contradicent to and
dicenting from y e above written." Two years had now passed,
and but little progress had been made toward recovering the
ferry from the hands of Capt. Hook.
Philip Rowell was this year appointed clerk of the Friends'
monthly meeting in place of Moses Swett, who had served for
many years.
1731.
Jonathan Barnard petitioned for leave to build a bridge
" across y e falls on Powow river, about four rods below y e bridge
now across s d river, provided y e town of Salisbury may consent
thereto, he y e s d Barnard to make and keep y e
s d bridge for-
ever at all times in good and sufficient repair, in consideration
whereof he y e s d Barnard to have our part of y e ould bridge
and also y e liberty of making a dam across s d river for his own
use for y e flooding and stopping of water for y e use of a mill
or mills not damnifying y e highway nor y e town of Salisbury,
nor any other dam or dams, mill or mills, as y e
affair may be
vewed and considered by a committee's report at y e next meet-
ing for a confirmation, and you will much oblige your peti-
tioner. The petition was referred to a committee consisting of
Richard Currier and Orlando Bagley, who reported in its favor,
and it was allowed at an adjourned meeting.
*The West parish bought land of "Capt. ffoot or John ffoot,
jr., for a burning place," and the assessors drew their order in
his favor for £4.
*Parish Record.