History of Amesbury - Merrill.org

200 HISTORY OF AMESBURY.
Jamaco. He was a grandson of Nathaniel, who came to New-
bury in 1635.
The following is a list of "y e people called Quakers in y e
east parish that are exempt by y e court from paying any tax
towards y e support of ministers in this province :
Thomas Challis, Jacob Rowell, Samuel Jones,
John Jones, James Dowe, Trestrem Barnard,
Samuel Gould, Aaron Rowell, Phillip Challis,
Margery Weed, Nat. Weed, Samuel Norton.
Returned by Thos. Meekins, Joseph Jewell, Samuel George,
assessors of the East Parish."
This year we find Dr. Hale taxed for a farm in the West
parish, on which Mr. Mitchell lived, but find no tax after 1736,
when he probably was in town.
1736.
The most noted event of the year was the new road from the
road at Clapboard landing to the road at Cottle's landing. To
open this two rod way along the river, the owners agreed to
give the land, their object being " to incourage trade and for
the conveancy for traveling was the subscribers prone to lay
open a highway of two rods wide forever for the town's use."
One of the pleasantest drives in Amesbury and Merrimac is
along the banks of the river where up to this time there was no
road, and through Pleasant valley not till half a century later.
It seems to have been sickly this year, more deaths than
usual being recorded. Jacob Jones died June 2d. Thomas
Fowler lost two children, and Rev. Pain Wingate his two
oldest.
1737.
A new move was made this year looking to the erection of
a house for the reception of idle persons by several towns in
this section of the county. It was designed to answer the same
purpose as the present house of correction at Ipswich. The
stocks so hastily built in 1730 hardly answered all purposes,
and hence this move, which failed to meet the' views of other
towns. Orlando Bagley and Thomas Rowell were chosen to
consult with other towns in regard to the matter.