History of Amesbury - Merrill.org

198 HISTORY OF AMESBURY.
on the premises now owned by the heirs of the late Capt.
William Bartlett, just south of the Academy lot on the main
street, where the lilacs still mark the spot.
During the last few years the Rev. Edmund March was his
assistant, as age had unfitted him to some extent for the' performance
of all the required duties. At what time Mr. March
came to Amesbury we are unable to state ; but a meeting was
held in 1722 for the purpose of taking measures to secure the ser-
vice of an assistant, but nothing was done. He was in town
in 1728 and bought ten acres of land of Nathaniel Weed,
where he afterwards built his house.
"Mother Balch" gave the Second church a tankard.
The Friends at Haverhill were allowed to meet in their town
at private residences.
At the request of
1735.
more than thirty of the principal citizens
the town voted to join with Newbury in petitioning the court
of sessions to establish a ferry at Savage's rock. The selectmen
were chosen a committee to work in concert with the
selectmen of Newbuiy for that purpose. They were not suc-
cessful and the town again applied to the quarter court in Sep-
tember at Newbury, John Blasdell being employed as agent.
Capt. Hook was still holding the ferry and annoying the town
by his law cases. He had recently commenced an action
against Batt Moulton and Edmund Cottle, which was soon to be
tried at Newbury. The town made choice of John Blasdell to
defend its interests, but he was not successful, the town losing
the case. An appeal was taken to the superior court and
Ensign Thomas Rowell and William Moulton were chosen
to manage the case for the town. In the mean time a com-
mittee was chosen to treat with Capt. Hook, but nothing was
accomplished. He was an obstinate fellow and bound to have
his way.
Oct. 13th. A meeting was held and it was "voted to have
our county of Essex divided into two counties," and Represen-
tative Blasdell was instructed to present the matter to the Gen-
eral Court.